How to Pass the Amazon Bar Raiser Interview: Full Guide
Updated November 18, 2023
- What Is the Amazon Bar Raiser Interview?
- What Does the Amazon Bar Raiser Do?
- What Are Amazon’s 16 Leadership Principles?
empty
empty
empty
empty
empty
empty
empty
empty
empty
empty
empty
empty
empty
empty
empty
empty
- Example Amazon Bar Raiser Interview Questions and Sample Answers
empty
empty
empty
empty
empty
empty
empty
- How Do You Answer Amazon Leadership Principle Questions?
empty
empty
empty
empty
- How to Prepare for the Amazon Bar Raiser Interview
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
What Is the Amazon Bar Raiser Interview?
Amazon is focused on hiring well, rather than hiring quickly.
The Amazon hiring process for technical and corporate positions is lengthy, and this is a purposeful move that ensures that only the very best people are hired.
As part of this, the Amazon Interview Loop consists of several different interviews, led by different people in the hiring team, and all looking at different aspects of skills, aptitudes and work behaviors.
The Bar Raiser is an important part of this process.
This is a member of Amazon staff who volunteers to help hiring managers make better decisions about who they hire.
The Bar Raiser is a specially trained interviewer who focuses on the 16 Leadership Principles, which are the guiding light for all Amazon hires and central to the way the company does business.
The main goal of the Bar Raiser is to ensure that every candidate hired will raise the bar – they are looking for the candidates who will perform better than 50% of the people already in the position or similar positions.
The Amazon Bar Raiser interview is similar in structure to other Amazon interviews, but the focus is on whether the candidate demonstrates the same core values to match the 16 Leadership Principles.
So the questions are about behavior at work, asking for examples that show the candidate is above average where it counts.
Prepare for the Amazon Bar Raiser Interview on JobTestPrep
What Does the Amazon Bar Raiser Do?
To become a Bar Raiser, an Amazon employee has to have worked there for at least five years, and they need to be nominated by someone else, usually a manager or a qualified Bar Raiser.
Once they have been nominated and accepted onto the program, the Bar Raiser candidate has to complete in-depth training and shadowing, which can take up to a year to complete and they will not be signed off to do interviews until they can reach the exacting standards of quality that are required.
In the interview process, the Bar Raiser has three main responsibilities:
- Assess candidates both for the specific role and for their long-term success at Amazon, asking leadership-related questions that are relevant to the 16 Leadership Principles.
- Ensure that the interview process is open and fair, with everyone contributing.
- Help hiring managers to prepare for the interview, and then collate all the data and feedback in a meeting to help make a decision.
After the interviews have concluded, the Bar Raiser runs a debriefing session, where they will invite the views of all the interviewers and get them all to discuss whether they think that the candidate has what it takes to raise the bar and perform better than their peers.
The Bar Raiser is a specially trained interviewer, and will be from elsewhere in the organization so they bring unbiased eyes and thoughts to the process.
They are there to ensure that candidates exceed expectations and will follow the Leadership Principles, looking at work behavior rather than technical skill and ability.
The Bar Raiser has the power of veto when it comes to deciding whether someone gets hired, but insiders say that this is not used, and it is considered the nuclear option when they cannot get a fair decision made.
What Are Amazon’s 16 Leadership Principles?
1. Customer Obsession
At Amazon, work starts with the customer and works backwards, and leaders always work vigorously to earn (and keep) the trust of customers. They obsess over customer satisfaction.
2. Ownership
Leaders work on behalf of the whole company, not just themselves or their team – and they never say, ‘that’s not my job.’ They think long term and are never about short-term results without owning the long term.
3. Invent and Simplify
The leader needs their team to innovate and invent, keeping creativity at top of mind to find ways of simplifying and making things work better.
Leaders know that good ideas can come from everywhere and there is always scope for improvement, even if something wasn’t invented here. By always trying new things, leaders are prepared for misunderstandings and are ready to deal with them.
4. Are Right, A Lot
Leaders have excellent judgment skills and good instincts, and they are ready to learn from diverse perspectives and challenge their beliefs.
5. Learn and Be Curious
Leaders lead by example, and they are always ready to improve themselves, seeking opportunities to learn and develop. They are curious and ready to explore new possibilities.
6. Hire and Develop the Best
Leaders raise the bar with every hire (and promotion), and they can recognize exceptional talent when they see it.
Leaders work to support their employees and to develop leaders, moving them through the company when needed, and they take mentoring and coaching roles seriously.
7. Insist on the Highest Standards
Leaders have high standards, and at Amazon these are often considered to be impossibly high – but that is the expectation.
Leaders drive their teams to deliver high quality in products, service and process and insist that when a problem is fixed, it stays fixed.
8. Think Big
Leaders are responsible for creating (and communicating) bold direction that inspires results, because thinking small leads to small results.
Leaders can think differently, often outside the box, to seek new ways to delight customers.
9. Bias for Action
Leaders understand that speed matters and that calculated risk-taking is the best course of action.
Decisions are usually reversible, but making them at the right time is the most important thing.
10. Frugality
Financial and other constraints often lead to inspiration and resourcefulness, so leaders are able to accomplish more even when they have less.
Reducing waste from everywhere possible, from processes to head count, is part of the leadership role.
11. Earn Trust
Leaders inspire trust from their teams by listening and treating others with respect.
They speak candidly, even when the conversation is difficult, and they benchmark themselves against the best to show they are worth respect themselves.
12. Dive Deep
Leaders take responsibility to operate at all levels so that they can stay connected to the details.
This means they can be skeptical when the metrics don’t match the anecdotes, and they know that no task is beneath them.
13. Have Backbone, Disagree and Commit
Leaders are obligated to challenge decisions made respectfully, even if it is difficult.
They are tenacious and have conviction so that they can commit to their decisions, and they do not back down or compromise just to ‘get along’.
14. Deliver Results
Leaders are laser-focused on key inputs that allow them to deliver the right level of quality on time. They work through setbacks, and never settle – instead, they rise to the occasion.
15. Strive to Be Earth’s Best Employer
Leaders strive to create a safer, more productive and higher performing environment that is more diverse.
They have fun and lead with empathy, supporting employees to grow and develop because they are empowered – and their personal success could happen at Amazon or even elsewhere.
16. Success and Scale Bring Broad Responsibility
Being a big company means having a big impact on the world, and leaders remain both humble and thoughtful, with a strong determination to make things better, to do better and to be better for customers, employees and the wider world.
Leaders create more than they consume, and they leave things better than they found them.
Example Amazon Bar Raiser Interview Questions and Sample Answers
The Amazon Bar Raiser interview questions are all about the 16 Leadership Principles, and to answer them, you will be expected to give an example from your previous experience that demonstrates you have not only got the skills, but that you have gone above and beyond before.
Describe a Time When You Have Simplified a Process
In my previous role at Company X, I simplified a complex process to improve efficiency and productivity. After analyzing the existing workflow, I collaborated with stakeholders to identify areas for simplification. I proposed a streamlined approach, eliminating redundancies and introducing automation. Through training and support, I successfully implemented the simplified process, reducing turnaround time by 40% and boosting team morale. This experience honed my project management and communication skills while emphasizing the importance of process evaluation and simplification.
In my previous role at Company X, I successfully implemented cost-saving initiatives. By renegotiating contracts, exploring alternative vendors, and implementing expense tracking, I reduced procurement costs by 20%. I also evaluated operational processes, identifying inefficiencies and implementing improvements that reduced costs by 15%. These efforts significantly contributed to improved financial stability and profitability for the company. I'm excited to bring my cost-saving expertise to Amazon.
In a previous role, I encountered a customer with an urgent system failure issue causing significant downtime and financial losses. Taking immediate ownership, I collaborated with the technical team, implemented a temporary workaround, and provided constant updates. We successfully resolved the issue, scheduled a post-resolution meeting, and presented a plan for future prevention. The customer expressed gratitude for our responsiveness and problem-solving skills. This experience emphasized the importance of empathy, urgency, and effective communication. I'm eager to bring this customer-centric mindset to Amazon.
In a previous role, I encountered a critical problem that was causing project delays. Taking immediate ownership, I analyzed the situation, developed a plan, and collaborated with cross-functional teams. Despite unforeseen obstacles, I adapted quickly and communicated updates transparently. Through my efforts, we successfully resolved the problem within the desired timeframe, getting the project back on track. This experience taught me the importance of ownership, proactivity, resilience, and effective communication. I look forward to bringing this mindset to Amazon and contributing to its success.
To recognize potential in a colleague, I would observe their passion, dedication, and continuous learning mindset. Strong problem-solving skills, proactive attitude, and effective collaboration are also indicators. Adaptability to change is important as well. Once identified, I would provide feedback, offer growth opportunities, and support their development. Fostering potential contributes to the team and organizational success.
When I recently disagreed with a proposed change in our project timeline, I scheduled a meeting with stakeholders to express my concerns. I presented alternative approaches backed by data and examples to maintain quality standards. Through respectful dialogue, we reached a consensus on a modified plan that addressed the concerns raised. This experience reinforced the importance of open communication and constructive problem-solving. I am eager to bring this collaborative mindset to Amazon, embracing diverse perspectives for improved outcomes.
I actively pursue development opportunities by seeking new challenges, acquiring new skills, and attending industry events. I volunteer for projects that push my abilities and stay updated on the latest trends through webinars and online courses. Seeking feedback from supervisors, peers, and mentors is crucial for refining my skills and fostering growth.
Mentorship has played a significant role in my development journey, providing valuable guidance and support. By taking ownership of my growth and seeking out opportunities, I have expanded my skill set and positioned myself for success. I'm excited to bring this commitment to development to Amazon, embracing new opportunities and contributing to the company's growth.
How Do You Answer Amazon Leadership Principle Questions?
To answer Amazon Bar Raiser round questions (and other behavioral interview questions), you will need to be able to provide examples from your previous experience.
Depending on your situation, this might be an example from a previous job, or something that you might have done while at college or university.
To make sure that you get all the information about the situation you are describing across to the interviewer – without waffling – you need to be quite structured in your answer.
Following a simple framework will ensure that you get all the necessary details in, and that you don’t go off topic too much when you are describing the event.
There are lots of ways you could do this, but one of the most simple is using the STAR mnemonic.
This is where you describe the Situation, Task, Action and Results.
Situation
This is the introduction to the scenario that you are describing. You are setting the scene for the Bar Raiser so that they understand the important background issues of the situation.
For example, if you were asked to describe a time where you had to lead a team to success, you might set the scene as below:
I was part of a project to implement new security measures for entry to the building we worked in. The management wanted to introduce key cards that could be swiped for entry, and I was asked to work with several colleagues to make it happen.
Task
This is the part of the mnemonic where you will be talking about the steps that you needed to take to solve the problem or deal with the issue. This is about what was required of you, as well as what you wanted to do.
For example, in the scenario above, you might have something like the below:
To get started on this project, I needed to contact some companies who provided these services to get quotes for the work to be completed. This meant carrying out some research online and speaking to some other local businesses who have had a similar system installed.
Action
This is the part of the scenario building that is all about what you did – and this is the important bit in many cases for the Bar Raiser, because they want to see that what you did meets the Leadership Principles.
In our example, this might look like this:
Once I had a collection of quotes, I presented them to the senior management team so they could choose the one that they wanted. Then I had to speak with operations and the grounds maintenance team to get everything ready. I also had to liaise with the IT department to get the hardware and software related to the installation set up.
Result
This is the part where you will round out the scenario with the outcome and describe what happened. This might not be a positive outcome; things might not have worked out as you had planned, but you can turn it into a good thing by describing what you have learned from the situation.
In our scenario this might be:
The chosen contractors who were installing the new entry system completed the job on time and within budget, but there was a problem with the implementation of the software. The IT department ran into some bugs that took a while to sort out, which led to a delay of the rollout to the wider business. I learned from this that it is important to test software well before the ‘go-live’ time so that other bugs could be ironed out.
If you need to prepare for a number of different employment tests and want to outsmart the competition, choose a Premium Membership from JobTestPrep.
You will get access to three PrepPacks of your choice, from a database that covers all the major test providers and employers and tailored profession packs.
How to Prepare for the Amazon Bar Raiser Interview
Step 1. Practice Answering Example Amazon Bar Raiser Interview Questions
The Bar Raiser interview is only part of the Interview Loop that you will be in, so you should treat it exactly as you would another interview.
Practice answering questions, looking the interviewer in the eye and being honest and truthful. You can practice with a friend or family member.
Step 2. Prepare as Best You Can
Preparation is key to success. You know that the Amazon Bar Raiser Interview will be based on the 16 Leadership Principles, so think about some situations and scenarios that will demonstrate that you are above average in every way that they are looking for.
As part of your preparation and practice, you should use the STAR mnemonic to plan out how you are going to answer these behavioral questions. You can find Amazon Bar Raiser practice questions online and use these in your interview prep.
Step 3. Look After Your Well-Being
You are only going to perform at your best if you have taken some time for self care. This doesn’t have to be a spa day or anything too serious, but you do need to make sure that you are well rested, not hungry and not thirsty.
Aim for between six-to-eight hours of sleep a night – this is the optimum for cognitive ability – and focus on eating healthy meals and staying hydrated.
Step 4. Dress Well
You want to make a good impression on the interview day, and you should always aim to dress well.
There are different recommendations in terms of what you should wear, but if in doubt go for a suit, shirt and tie that is well fitting, clean and pressed.
You need to be comfortable, of course, but you want to appear serious about the opportunity.
Step 5. Arrive Early
Another point for demonstrating your seriousness about the position is to turn up early.
If you have to travel, either by car or by public transport, then plan your journey so you will arrive at least 15 minutes early.
The Bar Raiser at Amazon is a specially trained interviewer that is used during the Interview Loop, and they are there to look for candidates who will raise the bar and are better than 50% of their peers who are already in the position.
The Amazon Bar Raiser interview is challenging – very few people are selected, because Amazon is focused on only employing the very best.
However, with some preparation and understanding of what they are looking for, you can give yourself a better chance at being selected.
If you want to become a Bar Raiser at Amazon, you have to have worked there for at least five years, and you need to be nominated. This usually comes from a manager or another Bar Raiser, but sometimes from another employee.
Prospective Bar Raisers need to complete in-depth training around the 16 Leadership Principles, and the process can take up to a year.
To crack the Bar Raiser interview, you need to be able to answer the questions that are asked based on the Leadership Principles – and you will need to prepare some ideas so that you have them in hand when you are asked about it. This means really knowing (and living) the 16 Leadership Principles.
The best way to prepare for the Amazon Bar Raiser Interview is to practice answering interview questions, and think about some specific examples of when you have gone above and beyond in relation to the 16 Leadership Principles. These Principles are hugely important in corporate roles at Amazon.
The Amazon Bar Raiser Interview is not necessarily timed strictly, but it usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
The Amazon Bar Raiser Interview takes between 30 and 60 minutes, much like the other interviews in the Interview Loop that you will have on the same day.
You can get Amazon Bar Raiser practice questions online, and there are plenty of similar behavioral interview questions that you can practice with that will be similar to the ones used in your Amazon interview.
They are sometimes known as competency-based interviews.
The purpose of the Amazon Bar Raiser interview is to ensure that there is a focus on raising the bar when it comes to selecting candidates.
The Bar Raiser is not affiliated with the hiring team, so they are able to help the hiring manager make a rational and unbiased decision based on the candidate’s adherence to the Leadership Principles.
The Amazon Bar Raiser Interview cannot be taken online; it is part of the Interview Loop that you will have at the Amazon office.
If you pass the Amazon Bar Raiser Interview, the usual next step is to get a job offer – so you’ll know that you have passed if they offer you the job.
Remember that Amazon is about hiring the right people, not hiring fast – so the process can take a long time.
You can get a complete guide for the Amazon Bar Raiser Interview here at Psychometric Success, and there is some more information about the Amazon Bar Raiser process available on the About Amazon site, which is made for potential employees.
Final Thoughts
If you do not impress the interviewers and the Bar Raiser during the Interview Loop, then you won’t get the job that you have applied for.
You have to prepare thoroughly so you have some examples that you can use to demonstrate that you can raise the bar and that you are better for the role than 50% of the people already there.
The Bar Raiser has the ultimate power to veto your application, so nailing your answers in that interview (and the others too) is the best thing that you can do for your chances.
