In 1998, Jeff Bezos set a high standard for hiring at Amazon.com, emphasizing that the company’s growth depended on the quality of its employees. In a shareholder letter that spring, Bezos outlined three critical questions that interviewers should ask themselves before extending job offers. These questions aimed to ensure that each new hire would contribute positively to the company culture and performance.
Bezos instructed interviewers to consider whether they would admire the candidate, if the individual would elevate the effectiveness of their team, and what unique skills might make the person a standout. He believed that these inquiries would help maintain a high hiring bar and keep Amazon competitive in the rapidly evolving landscape of internet retail. He noted, “The bar has to continuously go up” to prevent stagnation and encourage growth in the company.
Bezos illustrated his philosophy with a light-hearted example, mentioning a former National Spelling Bee champion who worked at Amazon. While her spelling skills might not directly impact day-to-day operations, he argued that unique talents can enhance the workplace atmosphere, making it more enjoyable for everyone.
Amazon’s Bar-Raiser Program Defined
This early hiring philosophy eventually evolved into Amazon’s “bar-raiser” program, which comprises specially trained interviewers responsible for maintaining the quality of new hires. Under this system, any candidate who does not enhance the talent pool can be vetoed, a practice that Amazon’s current Chief Executive, Andy Jassy, refers to as “one of Amazon’s crown jewels.”
Bezos continued to advocate for high standards long after Amazon expanded beyond books. In a 2017 shareholder letter, he articulated that “high standards are teachable” and essential for meeting the ever-increasing expectations of customers. He emphasized that once an organization experiences high standards, there is no reverting to lower expectations.
These principles have permeated Amazon’s internal practices, influencing everything from the six-page narrative memos that have replaced traditional PowerPoint presentations to rigorous interview processes. In 2022, the company introduced a public six-step guide for applicants, further formalizing its commitment to high hiring standards.
Continued Emphasis on High Standards
In its 2020 shareholder letter, Amazon reiterated the importance of maintaining a high hiring bar, stating that it remains “the single most important element of Amazon.com’s success.” While some critics argue that this relentless pursuit of excellence fosters a cut-throat corporate culture, Amazon’s leadership maintains that this toughness has driven the company’s transformation from an online bookstore to a global leader in logistics and cloud services.
As Amazon continues to evolve, its commitment to hiring exceptional talent remains a cornerstone of its strategy. The company’s ability to attract and retain top performers is seen as crucial to sustaining its competitive edge in an increasingly crowded marketplace.