Amazon recruiter explains why you should always use the STAR method for a successful job interview
Lucy Devine
Featured Image Credit: Amazon/Westend61
An Amazon recruiter has revealed why you should always use the STAR method during interviews.
Interviews can be tricky (nevermind totally nerve-wracking) and certain companies are known for having more difficult and more in depth interview processes than others.
One company that has quite a specific hiring process is Amazon. Their recruiters explain that when interviewing a candidate, they use something called the STAR method.
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This essentially looks at the situation, task, action and result, when it comes to candidates discussing their experiences and why they'd be the right fit for the job.
But what's so special about the method? And how does it actually work in an interview setting?
Cody Nelson is a senior manager of Talent Acquisition at Amazon. In a post over on the About Amazon website, Cody explained why it's always best to use the STAR method - especially if you're interviewing with Amazon specifically.
"The STAR method is a structured manner of responding to a behavioral-based interview question," Cody explained.
The recruiter explained that when it comes to Amazon interviews specifically, they recommend answering with this format, all the while thinking of the business' leadership principles.
"Your examples should showcase your expertise and how you’ve taken risks, succeeded, failed, and grown," he added.
"We value straightforward and clear communication. We use the STAR method as a framework for clear answers. It’s not something to memorize but rather a tool to communicate your strengths and experiences."
Different companies and hiring managers have different approaches when it comes to interviews.
We recently told you how one boss uses a brutal ‘salt and pepper’ test in every job interview and won’t hire anyone who fails.
Posting on Reddit, one user claimed the boss felt this test helped show a person’s character.
On the social media post, the user wrote: “A company I used to work for does all-day interviews with multiple people, and one of them is always a lunch interview.
“I heard about a guy who would base his entire decision on one thing - whether or not the person he was interviewing tried their food before reaching for salt, pepper, hot sauce, etc.
"If you didn't try your food first, you didn't get a pass from him."
The Reddit user added they were glad they didn’t have to interview him because they definitely would fail based on how much pepper they add to their food.