In interviews, he focuses on questions that reveal candidates’ curiosity, problem-solving skills, and long-term thinking, rather than just their resume achievements. He often asks candidates to describe a personal failure, encouraging honesty and self-reflection, and explores how they would tackle ambiguous or high-stakes situations.
Bezos believes that the best hires are those who demonstrate adaptability, creativity, and a bias for action.
By asking thought-provoking and sometimes uncomfortable questions, he aims to identify individuals who can thrive in Amazon’s fast-paced, innovative environment.
This approach underlines the importance of character, critical thinking, and initiative over conventional metrics, offering valuable insight into how top leaders select talent for transformative companies.