Last update: 06/23/2024
The “Why Amazon” interview question (or “Why do you want to work for Amazon?”), often asked in the context of a job interview, can be tricky to answer. While most companies ask this question during a job interview, Amazon is famous for especially picking out candidates who give an impressive answer to this.
In the era of AI tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini, many candidates use these services to get an interesting & catchy answer to the “Why Amazon” question, but we believe that nothing can beat the sample answers given to this question by candidates who have been offered roles at Amazon. So we created this guide to help you tailor your answer to your role and background. 🙂
By asking the “Why Amazon” question, the recruiter (or the hiring manager) requests that you not only explain why you want to work for the company but also demonstrate your knowledge about the organization and its mission.
In this article, we will walk you through key inputs on how to prepare for and pass the “Why Amazon?” interview question.
Not only that, but we will also suggest some practice questions designed specifically to help craft an impressive response that captures everything recruiters are looking for.
The best part is that you don’t need to do any extensive study, once you learn the technicalities of it, you are all set, and we are here to do that for you!
Whether it is a phone interview or different rounds of interviews, we have got you covered!
So, let’s get started! This article will cover everything you might need to know and a little more! (Also recommended reading: 150 Most Common Interview Questions)
Do you have an interview with Amazon?
Pro Tip
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Table of Contents
“Why Amazon” Interview Question – What You Should Know
First, let’s go over some things that are important to know before you get into preparing for the “Why Amazon?” question.
It is important to do your research!
You should take some time to learn about Amazon’s history, mission statement, and values. This will help you understand why the company has been so successful and why it might be a great fit for you.
You have to also familiarize yourself with the job description and any other relevant information about the position you are applying for.
Next, think about why you want to work for Amazon specifically. What do you admire about the company? What makes it stand out from other employers? This is your chance to show recruiters that you are passionate and knowledgeable about the company and its mission.
Practicing your answers is another great thing to do because it’s important to be prepared and confident when answering this question.
To do that, consider writing down your answers and practicing them out loud, or ask your friends and family to help you set up a mock interview. This will help you become more comfortable with the question and give you a better chance of delivering an impressive response!
Keep in mind that you have to make sure you are honest in your answer. Recruiters want to hear why you are genuinely interested in working for Amazon, not just what you think they want to hear.
The interview process is nothing but a chance for you to show your capabilities in answering, whether it is your leadership principles, exceptional talent, strong judgment, or any personal experience that your current role allows you to excel in!
Now that we have gone over some key points, let’s move on to further details!
“Why Amazon?”: Preparing For The Interview
Interview prep is an essential part of the job search process, and we know how it can be hard to figure out where to start, but getting hands-on with your interview prep today is a great way to get ahead of the competition.
One excellent way to do this is by start checking out our blog post about Top 33 Amazon Behavioral Interview Questions and Answers.
These blog posts provide step-by-step guidance on how to prepare for a behavioral interview, from understanding the different types of questions you may be asked to developing strategies for answering them effectively.
With practice exercises, real-world examples, and expert advice from experienced hiring managers, you’ll gain the confidence and skills needed to ace any interview.
To support your interview preparation, you can also check out our Amazon interview Guide which’ll help you to stand out from other applicants. So don’t wait any longer – get hands-on with your interview prep today and take advantage of all that our blogs have to offer!
The Purpose of the “Why Amazon” Question
The purpose of the “Why Amazon” question during an Amazon interview is to get a better understanding of your motivations for wanting to work at Amazon.
This question simply allows recruiters to gain insight into why you are interested in the company and what makes it stand out from other employers.
Not only that, but it actually also gives them an opportunity to assess your knowledge about the company and its mission, values, and history.
So, by answering this question, you can demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the company, which is essential for any successful job interview during the interview process!
To put it simply, the “Why Amazon” question is a great opportunity to show the hiring team why you’re a great fit for the company. Just keep in mind when preparing for this question that honesty and straightforwardness can go a long way!
Answering The “Why Amazon” Question
Now that we have covered all the important details you need to know, let us move on to how you can actually answer this question in order to make a good impression during your interview.
Answering the “Why Amazon” question when you have an Amazon job interview can be tricky. After all, you want to make sure that your interviewer is impressed with your answer.
It is important to remember that, when answering this question, it’s not about listing off platitudes about the size of the company.
Instead, you need to reveal your substantive understanding of Amazon and its larger goals.
Feel free to talk about Amazon’s unique market situation, ambition, and culture in order to show that you are truly passionate about joining their team.
In-depth knowledge is key here! Show an active interest in Amazon’s current projects, discuss other companies’ failures that Amazon has capitalized on, and explain why you feel the company is uniquely suited to your skill set or career goals.
Mention any previous experiences with Amazon or relationships you have made at the company—positive references go a long way toward sparking an employer’s interest in hiring you!
Another thing you can do is to prepare in advance for this type of question. Outline your main reasons why it would be beneficial to work at Amazon, be descriptive and honest!
Research Amazon’s history, culture, and values so that you can demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the company. This will help you during the Amazon hiring process.
You have to show them how devoted and acquainted you are and share with them how your skills could make a difference at Amazon.
Ok, in the next section, we’ll provide sample answers so you can get an idea of what a good answer to the “Why Amazon” question looks like.
Answer The “Why Amazon” Question Honestly
When answering the “why do you want to work for Amazon” question, focus on what makes you unique. If you’re applying for a position where you’d be working closely with customers, talk about how you’ve helped customers solve problems before.
For example, if you worked at a retail store, talk about how you helped customers shop faster and save money. Or if you worked at a restaurant, describe a time when you served a table of four people instead of two.
Be honest. Don’t lie. But don’t say anything bad either. Your goal should be to show that you’re passionate about helping others succeed.
Be Specific
Always focus on what you know and what you can offer. It’s a value exchange after all right? So, provide details about your previous jobs, volunteer activities, hobbies, and extracurriculars.
Also, be sure to include any awards, honors, or certifications you earned. Also, mention any courses you took or degrees you obtained.
Show Enthusiasm
Amazon wants employees who are excited about their jobs. They want someone who loves what they do so much that they couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
So instead of saying something generic like “I love working here because…”, try to explain why you love working at Amazon. Talk about how you enjoy solving customer problems, or how you thrive under pressure.
Focus on Strengths
While it’s true that Amazon wants to hire people who are smart, talented, and driven, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t highlight your strengths.
Your strengths are things that you’re already good at. So rather than trying to convince the interviewer that you’re perfect for the job, focus on showing off your skills.
And only talk about your positive attributes and achievements rather than weaknesses.
Keep It Brief
Your answer shouldn’t be longer than five sentences. That means no rambling paragraphs, so try to keep your answers concise and focused.
Limit yourself to one minute or less. Remember, this isn’t a conversation; it’s a job interview. So keep your responses concise and to the point.
Use Active Verbs
Instead of saying “I love working at Amazon,” use words like “love” or “enjoy.” Avoid passive sentences because they don’t provide enough detail.
Remember, the goal is to sell yourself.
Sample Answers to the Why Amazon Question
While there are many different ways to answer the Why Amazon interview question, here are some sample answers that could help you get started:
“I am passionate about Amazon’s mission to be the most customer-centric company in the world. I believe that my skills and experience can help contribute to that goal.”
Or,
“I have always admired Amazon’s innovative approach to business and its commitment to customer service. I believe that my skills and experience can help the company continue to grow and succeed.”
Or,
“I am excited about Amazon’s commitment to sustainability and its focus on creating a better world for future generations. I believe that my skills and experience can help the company achieve its goals in this area.”
Your starting line should be something about Amazon and then you’ll add the experience and skills that you can bring to the table.
The key is to show your enthusiasm and knowledge about Amazon, while also demonstrating how you are uniquely qualified for the job. With a well-crafted answer, you can make a great impression on your interviewer and increase your chances of getting hired!
So let’s see some sample answers to Why Amazon question;
Question: Why Amazon?
Answer – 1: My interest in Amazon stems from its ambitious mission to be the most customer-centric company in the world. I believe I’m a great fit for Amazon because of my customer-focused mindset and experience in customer service. I’m confident that my skills and experience can help Amazon continue to grow and succeed.
As a product manager, I used to work with Amazon Web Services and I’m familiar with the company’s culture, values, and processes. I’m excited to join a team that is passionate about innovation and customer service. I believe my skills and experience can help Amazon continue to be a leader in the industry.
Also, I believe that working at Amazon would provide me with the opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in the industry and to be part of a team that is constantly innovating and pushing boundaries. This is why I am interested in joining Amazon
Answer – 2: I have always admired Amazon’s innovative approach to business and its commitment to customer service. So, when I heard about the opportunity to join Amazon, I was immediately interested.
With my experience in customer service and my passion for technology, I believe that I can make a positive contribution to Amazon’s mission of being the most customer-centric company in the world.
I am also excited about Amazon’s commitment to sustainability and its focus on creating a better world for future generations. My skills and experience can help the company achieve its goals in this area.
Answer – 3: As a software engineer, Amazon is always in my mind because it’s one of the best technology companies in the world. I’m excited about Amazon’s commitment to sustainability and its focus on creating a better world for future generations.
So, I believe that my skills and experience can help contribute to that goal. I have a strong background in software engineering, with experience in developing innovative solutions for customers.
Also, I’m confident that my technical knowledge and problem-solving skills can help Amazon continue to grow and succeed and I’m excited about the opportunity to work with some of the best minds in the industry and to be part of a team that is constantly innovating and pushing boundaries.
Ok, as you see in these examples, your answer should focus on your skills and experience that make you a great fit for Amazon. Also, emphasize why you are excited about the opportunity to join Amazon and how you can contribute to its mission.
Another great way to answer this question is by using Amazon’s leadership principles as a guide. Explain how your skills and experience align with Amazon’s values and how you can help the company achieve its goals.
So let’s look at some leadership principle-related examples;
“Why Amazon?”: Leadership Skills Related Answers
We know that we have just given you a template about how to answer the “why Amazon” question, however, that is not all there is to know.
Before you start to formulate your answer to respond to the question, you should be mindful of the leadership skills that Amazon is known for (Recommended articles: Amazon Leadership Principles Interview Questions and Amazon Leadership Principles Explained).
There will be good answers and perfect answers.
The perfect answer is one that will fit these guidelines and is truly aware of all the technicalities of leadership skills.
For a little shortcut, we are going to lay out some of the leadership principles for you. They go as follows:
Customer Obsession
If you want to get hired at Amazon, you must understand the concept of customer ownership, not only that, but you should also answer the “why Amazon” question according to all of these principles.
Amazon believes in empowering its employees with total control over their products and customers’ experience.
At Amazon, customer ownership is a core value that drives almost everything they do!
That’s why they ask questions designed to gauge your level of commitment and attention to detail when it comes to customer service.
So let’s see the example answer;
Question: Why Amazon?
Answer: I’m passionate about Amazon’s commitment to customer obsession. I believe that my technical knowledge and problem-solving skills can help the company continue to provide exceptional customer service.
My experience in developing innovative solutions for customers has prepared me to take on any challenge that comes my way. That’s why I’m excited about the opportunity to join a team of highly motivated individuals who are constantly pushing boundaries and striving for excellence.
I believe that my skills and experience align perfectly with Amazon’s leadership principles, and I’m confident that I can help the company achieve its goals.
As you see in this example, your answer should focus on your skills and experience that make you a great fit for Amazon. Also, emphasize why you are excited about the opportunity to join Amazon and how you can contribute to its mission.
So, demonstrating customer ownership shows potential employers that you care about making sure customers are happy.
Ownership
Amazon takes its ownership culture seriously. This means that their employees not only understand the goals and objectives of their role, but they also own those goals and objectives.
At Amazon, if an employee identifies a problem, they should tackle it head-on in order to come up with a solution.
This feeling of ownership inspires individuals to develop creative ideas that are essential for taking Amazon to new levels of success.
Using this idea during the interview process helps employers determine how well an applicant understands that ownership – from the perspective of both responsibilities and resources. They want to assess whether someone knows how to take responsibility, dive in deep, and make decisions on her/his own initiative.
Question: Why Amazon?
Answer: I’m passionate about Amazon’s commitment to the ownership principle and I understand the importance of customer ownership in Amazon’s culture and believe that my skills can make a difference.
I believe that my technical knowledge and problem-solving skills can help the company continue to provide exceptional customer service. So I’m always ready to take on any challenge that comes my way.
I am also highly creative and have the ability to come up with innovative solutions to complex problems. With my skills, I’m confident that I can help Amazon achieve its goals by taking ownership of projects and initiatives, diving into the details, and making decisions with confidence.
Using leadership principles in your answer shows potential employers that you understand the importance of ownership and how it can help Amazon reach its goals.
Let’s look at another principle example and see how you can use Amazon’s leadership principles in your answer.
Insist On The Highest Standards
One of the key reasons why Amazon insists on high standards for the work they do is because they want to ensure that their customers have the best possible experience.
When answering this question, it’s important to demonstrate your understanding of Amazon’s commitment to excellence and how you would strive for the highest standards in everything you do.
You should also explain how you would go about ensuring that all tasks are completed with the utmost attention to detail and accuracy.
Question: Why Amazon?
Answer: I am drawn to Amazon’s commitment to excellence and the high standards they set for their work. I understand that customer satisfaction is a top priority, and I am confident that my problem-solving skills and creative thinking can help Amazon continue to provide exceptional customer service.
I have the ability to come up with innovative solutions to complex problems, as well as the drive and determination to ensure that all tasks are completed with the utmost attention to detail and accuracy.
I am also excited to be part of a team that is dedicated to providing the best possible experience for its customers and I am confident that I can help Amazon achieve its goals.
By providing examples of how you have achieved excellence in the past, you can show potential employers that you are capable of meeting and exceeding their expectations.
That means that you are the perfect candidate for Amazon.
If you want to learn more about Amazon’s 16 Leadership principles, we highly suggest you read our guide here: Amazon Leadership Principles Explained by Former Amazonian.
Answering the “Why Amazon” or “Why do you want to work for Amazon” question for different roles
“Why Amazon?” – Program Manager Sample Answer
I’d like to work here because I love working with technology and I enjoy learning new skills. I believe that my experience in managing projects and developing software solutions would be valuable to the team. Additionally, I’m passionate about creating innovative ways to improve our processes and streamline operations. I feel that I could bring something different to the table. I’m excited to join the team!
“Why Amazon?” – Area Manager Sample Answer
I’m passionate about technology and I love working with my hands. I enjoy learning new skills and solving problems. I like to solve puzzles and figure out how things work. I’m excited to join Amazon because I believe we have a lot of opportunities to improve our processes and systems, and I’d love to contribute to that effort. I’m eager to learn everything I can about the entire process of running a successful business. I’m confident that I could bring a fresh perspective to the team, and I look forward to contributing to the success of the organization.
“Why Amazon?” – Sales Manager Sample Answer
I’m passionate about working at Amazon because I believe we can change the world through technology. We can improve lives by creating amazing experiences for our customers. And we can do it without compromising our values. Our goal is to deliver great shopping experiences, fast and reliable delivery, and outstanding service. We strive to delight our customers and earn their trust. We’re always innovating to bring our customers the best possible experience. We’re committed to serving our communities and giving back to society. And we’re constantly striving to be the best employer in America.
“Why Amazon?”: Final Thoughts
Ok, today we covered the “Why Amazon” interview question and shared some tips on how to answer it.
Remember, the goal of this question is for an interviewer to gain insight into your creative thinking processes and commitment to excellence.
Also, we discussed how you can use Amazon’s leadership principles to answer these questions and demonstrate your understanding of their commitment to excellence.
So, Amazon is an excellent choice for those who are looking to make a difference and have the skills and drive to achieve excellence.
By demonstrating your understanding of Amazon’s leadership principles and providing examples of how you have achieved excellence in the past, you can show potential employers that you are the perfect candidate for Amazon.
Preparing for the Amazon interview is the key here so consider checking our top-rated Amazon Interview Guide and get ready for your upcoming interview.
For further reading, you may also check the Top 25 Amazon Interview Questions, 150 Most Common Interview Questions, and Amazon Interview Process articles.
Good luck!
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