How to Ace Amazon Writing Exercise

Are you dreaming of landing a coveted position at Amazon? You might face a unique hurdle: the written interview question. Amazon’s writing exercise isn't your typical test of grammar or vocabulary. Instead, Amazon uses this exercise to peek into your mind, gauging how you approach problems, celebrate innovations, and reflect on your professional journey.

In this comprehensive guide, I will share my perspective as Ex-Amazon Canada CTO and have reviewed hundreds of written exercises. I'll walk you through the essence of the test, shedding light on the types of questions Amazon might throw your way. But that's not all. I'll arm you with practical strategies, tips, and insights to craft compelling responses that resonate with Amazon's core values.

Whether you're a newbie just stepping into the professional world or a seasoned expert with years under your belt, this guide promises to be invaluable. So, if you're eager to get a leg up in your Amazon interview journey, you're in the right place. Let's embark on this enlightening journey together!

Understanding Amazon's Written Interview Questions:

After you've applied for a job at Amazon, especially for those higher-level (L6+) positions, you'll have to complete the written interview exercise. But what's it really about? Let's demystify it.

At its core, this exercise isn't just a test of your writing. It's a window into your experiences, decision-making process, and innovative spirit. Amazon wants to see how you've tackled challenges and how you think on your feet. They present you with two main questions:

1. Innovation: This question dives into your creative side. Have you ever come up with a new idea or process at work? Did you find a unique solution to a problem? This is your chance to showcase that inventive spirit.
2. Judgment Calls: Amazon is keen to understand your decision-making skills, especially when there's no clear right or wrong answer. Did you ever have to make a tough call at work? How did you decide, and what was the outcome?

These questions might seem broad, but that's the point. Amazon wants to give you the space to share a story that best represents you. In the coming sections, we'll delve deeper into how to approach these questions and structure your answers for maximum impact.

What is Amazon looking for in the writing of its leaders?

1. Full Responses: Do you address the entire question, incorporating all essential details?
2. Clear Communication: Can you convey your thoughts succinctly and straightforwardly?
3. Structure: Is your narrative well-structured, or does it wander aimlessly?
4. Effort and Caliber: Given ample time for a single writing task, do you invest adequate effort into it?

The above seems obvious, but it's shocking how often a writing sample demonstrates a gap in one of the above expectations.

Crafting a Stellar Response

So, you've got a grasp of what Amazon wants with their written questions. How do you craft a response that answers the question and stands out? If you have learned how to answer behavioral questions, you already know much about approaching Amazon’s written exercise.

• Start with Clarity: Before you dive into writing, take a moment to understand the question. What's Amazon asking? Jot down some initial thoughts or experiences that come to mind. This will serve as your roadmap.
• Use the STAR Structure: The STAR method, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result, is an invaluable tool for crafting comprehensive and impactful responses. Beginning with the 'Situation' and 'Task', it ensures that the answer is rooted in context, addressing the question in its entirety. The 'Action' component promotes clear and concise communication, detailing the steps taken without unnecessary embellishments. The structured nature of STAR inherently prevents rambling, guiding the writer to present a cohesive narrative. Lastly, by concluding with the 'Result', the method emphasizes the importance of showcasing the quality and effectiveness of one's actions, demonstrating the effort and thought put into the response.

• Be Authentic: It might be tempting to embellish your stories or present them in a way you think Amazon wants to hear. Resist that urge. Authenticity shines through, and it's more relatable. Share your genuine experiences, even if they weren't all rosy.
• Keep It Concise: While you might have much to share, aim for clarity and brevity. Add enough details but don’t make it too long. Remember, the goal is to communicate your experience effectively rather than to write a novel.

- Review and Refine: Once you've penned your initial response, take a break and return to it with fresh eyes. Read it aloud. Does it flow well? Is it clear? Make edits as needed and consider getting feedback from a trusted friend or mentor.

Crafting a compelling response takes time and reflection. But with the right approach and practice, you can impress the hiring manager and the Amazon hiring team.

Crafting Your Amazon Story: A Personal Touch to Professional Experiences

Sitting down to share your story with Amazon is like gathering around a campfire with friends. You're not just recounting events but inviting listeners into your world. The words you choose, how you structure them, and even the font you pick all play a part in how your story is received.

Start with the heart of your tale. Imagine explaining a complex project to a close friend over coffee. You'd naturally lean towards simple, clear words, right? That's the essence you want to capture. While industry jargon might make you sound knowledgeable, it can also create distance. So, opt for relatable language that paints a vivid yet understandable picture.

Now, think about the flow of your story. Like any memorable tale, there's a beginning where you set the scene, a middle where the action unfolds, and an end that brings closure. This natural progression keeps your reader engaged and provides clarity to your narrative.

As you're penning down these experiences, consider the presentation. Imagine your words are guests at a party. Using a tool like MS Word, dress them up in a classic 'outfit' – a font like Arial or Times New Roman. It's universally appealing and easy to read. Do not stretch your story across multiple pages; remember that sometimes, less is more. A concise two-page narrative shows you respect your reader's time and can get straight to the point.

Active voice is another tool in your storytelling kit. Instead of saying, "The project was completed by me," bring energy with "I completed the project." It's direct and adds a personal touch.

Finally, before sending off your story, read it aloud. Hear how it sounds, feel the rhythm, and ensure it resonates authentically. Consider sharing it with a friend or family member for feedback. After all, every great storyteller values their audience's perspective.

Ultimately, your goal is to make your professional journey resonate on a personal level with Amazon. By blending clarity, authenticity, and thoughtful presentation, you're not just sharing a story but building a connection.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them:

During my tenure at Amazon, I have reviewed hundreds of writing samples, and it's disheartening to see that even the most seasoned professionals can sometimes trip up when crafting their written responses. Here are some common pitfalls and how you can sidestep them:

Sample Response (Not from a real example but crafted based on many that I have seen personally):

I sat in on a meeting about our flagship software product a while back. I've been with the company for over a decade, and I've seen this product evolve. The meeting was about deploying a major update to our clients. The team planned to push the update as a downloadable patch with new features and security enhancements.

Listening to the team, they discussed the technicalities of the patching process, server loads, and potential downtimes. I had reservations. The update method seemed a bit outdated and might cause disruptions for our clients. Plus, there was talk about potential compatibility issues with older versions. I wasn't sure if this was the best approach, but I didn't voice my concerns then.

Mistake #1: Failing to Add an Introductory Paragraph

Every story needs a beginning. In the Amazon Writing Exercise, this means an introductory paragraph. The sample response dives straight into the narrative without setting the scene. Like an executive summary in business writing, an introductory paragraph provides a snapshot of the entire story. It ensures the reader can grasp the essence of the narrative right from the beginning.

Suggested Improvement: Start with a concise introduction that briefly outlines the situation, your role, the challenge, and the outcome.

Mistake #2: Failing to Provide Context

Context is vital. A statement like, "I attended a crucial meeting about our product," leaves many questions. By offering context, the narrative becomes rich and comprehensive. The sample response mentions a "flagship software product" and a "major update," but it doesn't clarify the significance of this product to the company or why the update was crucial. Without this context, the reader might not fully appreciate the stakes involved.

Suggested Improvement: Offer a brief background on the product's importance to the company and the implications of the update.

Mistake #3: Giving Too Much Background

While context is essential, there's a balance. A response that delves into the company's history, such as "After joining ABC Corp in 2010, I saw management changes, product evolutions, and more," can be overwhelming. A focused approach keeps the narrative centered. While the sample doesn't necessarily suffer from this, it's a common pitfall. Overloading the reader with excessive background can dilute the main message and make the narrative cumbersome.

Suggested Improvement: Strike a balance. Provide enough context for clarity but avoid unnecessary details that don't directly contribute to the main story.

Mistake #4: Failing to Detail Your "Action"

Your actions showcase your problem-solving skills. A vague statement like, "I made changes to address the issue," lacks insight. A detailed approach showcases proactive steps and strategies employed. The sample response mentions reservations about the update method but doesn't delve into any proactive steps taken to address these concerns. The "action" segment is vital as it showcases your problem-solving skills and initiative.

Suggested Improvement: Detail the steps you took upon realizing the potential issues. Did you raise your concerns? Propose an alternative. Collaborate with a team to find a solution.

Mistake #5: Failing to Describe Impact

The culmination of any narrative is its outcome. A statement like, "Things got better after my intervention" is generic. A more impactful conclusion would quantify results and highlight benefits, and the narrative becomes compelling. The sample response concludes without highlighting the consequences of the discussed actions (or lack thereof). The positive or negative impact demonstrates the significance of your actions and decisions.

Suggested Improvement: Conclude by explaining the aftermath. If the update was rolled out as initially planned, were there disruptions? If an alternative method was adopted, did it lead to smoother transitions? Quantify the impact if possible.

By being aware of these common mistakes and actively working to avoid them, you'll be better positioned to craft a compelling, clear, and impactful response that resonates with Amazon's hiring team.

Improved Version of the Sample Response:

"At our company, we were on the brink of deploying a significant update to our flagship software product, which has been a cornerstone of our business for over a decade. In a crucial meeting, the team proposed pushing this update as a downloadable patch, introducing new features, and bolstering security. As someone familiar with the product's evolution, I immediately foresaw potential disruptions for our clients, especially those on older versions. I voiced my concerns, emphasizing the potential compatibility issues and the risks of client dissatisfaction. I worked with the tech team to explore alternative deployment methods, and we eventually settled on a cloud-based incremental update. This approach not only simplified installations but also minimized compatibility issues. Post-deployment feedback indicated a 90% client satisfaction rate, validating our revised approach."

Conclusion:

Embarking on the Amazon interview journey can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. The written exercise, in particular, offers a unique opportunity to showcase your professional experiences and your ability to communicate, reflect, and innovate. While the task might seem daunting initially, you can craft a response that genuinely resonates with Amazon's ethos with the right approach, insights, and preparation.

Remember, it's not just about highlighting your achievements; it's about telling a story. A story of challenges faced, actions taken, and lessons learned. It's about authenticity, growth, and the value you bring.

As you prepare for this exercise, lean on the strategies and tips in this guide. Reflect on your experiences, practice your writing, and always keep the reader in mind. With dedication and focus, you'll be well-equipped to impress the Amazon hiring team and take a significant step toward securing your dream role.

Best of luck on your Amazon journey!

Frequently Asked Questions