3 Interview Tips from Amazon & Microsoft (that Work for All Interviews)!

Bay Area economic recovery has been described as “feeble,” but tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft are still hiring through the pandemic. I’m not recruiting for them, but wanted to share what their recruiters are looking for. See tips from an Amazon interviewer and tips from a Microsoft legal recruiter, also summarized below for your convenience. These excellent recommendations work for interviews with all companies, not just these two.

1. Learn the employer’s guiding values/principles. Amazon’s leadership principles are here. Microsoft’s values are respect, integrity, and accountability.
2. Prepare an intro about yourself and examples showing you have the experience, skills, and values they are looking for. Both companies recommend you respond to questions following the STAR or SOAR format: Situation, Task (or Obstacle), Actions, Results. Make sure you include measurable outcomes and lessons learned. But don’t go long! Invite the interviewer to drill down.
3. Do your research. You can find a plethora of resources on what each company’s process is like and what they are looking for. For Amazon, watch YouTube interviews by Jeff Bezos and former SVP Jeff Wilke, and read “The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon” by Brad Stone, for example. Now use your research to give on-point answers and to stave off any surprises.

Remember: Make the interview a natural and authentic conversation (no monologues!). Prepare enough so you come in calm, confident, and ready for any curveballs.