Why Amazon and Why AWS? Acing Your Product Management Interview
Product Management interviews at Amazon and its subsidiary AWS often delve into a candidate’s motivations for joining the company. Successfully answering “Why Amazon and why AWS?” requires a thoughtful, informed response. This blog post will guide you through structuring an answer that stands out.
Detailed Guide on Framework Application
Picking the Right Framework
The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method, typically used for behavioral interview questions, can be adapted to address a candidate’s rationale for joining a company. It highlights how a candidate’s experiences align with the company’s objectives.
Step-by-step Application of the STAR Framework
To utilize the STAR method for answering this question:
- Situation: Describe the industry landscape or a trend that showcases Amazon’s or AWS’s leadership and relevance.
- Task: Explain your professional objectives or what kind of company you aimed to join.
- Action: Outline why and how choosing Amazon or AWS fits into your career plan.
- Result: Conclude with the anticipated outcomes or contributions you wish to achieve at Amazon or AWS.
Hypothetical Example
For instance, your narrative could run as follows:
“With the increasing adoption of cloud services, Amazon’s AWS has established itself as a key player—accounting for a sizeable portion of the cloud market. My goal was to join a market leader that is at the forefront of technological innovation. After researching and experiencing AWS’s robust and expansive service offerings, I was convinced that this is where I could contribute to cutting-edge products and help drive further innovation. Working with Amazon, I see the potential to not only accelerate my growth as a product leader but also contribute to products that fundamentally transform businesses and customer experiences worldwide.”
Fact Checks and Approximations
Support your narrative with relevant statistics, such as AWS’s market share or the growth rate of cloud adoption. Even if you can’t remember the exact figures, mention that AWS is the market leader, as an average technology-savvy individual might be aware of.
Communication Tips
Emphasize your alignment with Amazon’s leadership principles, as they are central to the company’s culture. Be passionate and connect your personal story to the company’s trajectory. Ensure that your answer is structured and ends on a forward-looking, ambitious note.
Conclusion
When answering “Why Amazon and why AWS?” lean on the STAR framework to present a compelling narrative. Showcase your understanding of Amazon’s and AWS’s business, align your career objectives, and articulate the results you wish to achieve within the company. Authenticity and enthusiasm, combined with a strong, structured response, will leave a lasting impression in your PM interview.