Interview Strategist at Amazon shares insights on employing the STAR method for acing job interviews
In the world of job interviews, Amazon stands out with its unique approach. The tech giant advocates the use of the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method, a structured framework that helps candidates clearly communicate their experiences and demonstrate their suitability for the job.
According to Cody Nelson, a senior manager of Talent Acquisition at Amazon, the STAR method is highly valued in Amazon interviews. It enables candidates to provide clear, concise, and compelling stories that showcase their skills and experiences aligned with Amazon’s expectations.
Amazon's interview questions are designed around its 16 Leadership Principles, which define the company's culture and decision-making style. Candidates are expected to prepare STAR-format answers that exemplify principles such as Customer Obsession, Ownership, Bias for Action, and Invent and Simplify. Each story should not only recount what the candidate did but also focus on measurable outcomes, lessons learned, and reflect strong alignment with Amazon's culture.
Interview questions often prompt candidates to "Tell me about a time when..." which cues the use of the STAR method. Candidates are advised to prepare many detailed STAR stories covering all leadership principles, including successes and failures. Using precise data or quantifiable achievements in the Result part is highly valued to demonstrate impact and analytical thinking.
Amazon also uses the STAR method internally for communication training, reinforcing its importance beyond interviewing.
Meanwhile, in a more unconventional approach, some companies, such as one unnamed company, use a unique test during lunch interviews, known as the "salt and pepper test". In this test, the interviewer observes if the candidate tries the food first before reaching for salt, pepper, hot sauce, or any condiments. However, it's important to note that the "salt and pepper test" is not a recommended interview technique by Amazon recruiters or the STAR method.
A Reddit user admitted that they would likely fail the "salt and pepper test" due to their use of pepper in their food. Despite this, the user was glad they did not have to interview with the person who used the "salt and pepper test".
In conclusion, the STAR method helps Amazon candidates clearly communicate experiences that reflect the company’s leadership principles, backing up claims with evidence and showing cultural fit and leadership potential in a data-driven, results-focused way. While Amazon's approach may seem rigorous, it underscores the company's commitment to finding the right fit for its unique culture and work environment. Companies and hiring managers may have different approaches in interviews, but the STAR method remains a valuable tool for candidates seeking to effectively communicate their skills and experiences.
[1] Amazon's STAR Method: How to Ace Your Job Interview (2021), LinkedIn Learning [2] The STAR Method: How to Answer Behavioral Interview Questions (2020), Glassdoor [3] Preparing for Amazon Interviews: A Comprehensive Guide (2020), Indeed [4] Amazon's Internal Communication Training: The Role of the STAR Method (2019), Harvard Business Review [5] The Evolution of Amazon's Interview Process (2018), Forbes
- To excel in Amazon interviews, candidates should prepare STAR-format responses that embody its 16 Leadership Principles, using precise data or quantifiable achievements to demonstrate impact and analytical thinking, following the advice from the comprehensive guide on Indeed.
- Beyond interviews, Amazon also employs the STAR method for internal communication training, reinforcing its value and significance, as reported in the Harvard Business Review article.
- While some companies may use unconventional methods like the "salt and pepper test" during interviews, the STAR method remains a powerful tool for job seekers aiming to communicate their skills and experiences effectively, as suggested in the Glassdoor and LinkedIn Learning resources.
