Jeff Bezos once asked a simple yet telling question during Amazon job interviews—one that revealed far more about a candidate than their resume ever could. This unusual inquiry wasn’t about skills or experience, but about luck, optimism, and humility—the qualities Jeff Bezos believed essential for success at Amazon.
The surprising interview question that could decide your fate at Amazon
Dan Rose, a longtime Amazon executive and a trusted associate of Jeff Bezos, recently shared insights into one of Bezos’s favorite interview questions: “Are you a lucky person?” At first glance, this question might seem odd or even trivial. But in reality, it served as a powerful tool for understanding how candidates perceive success, failure, and their role in both.
Rose worked closely with Bezos from 1999 to 2006—a critical period during which Amazon transformed into a global powerhouse. He explained that this particular question helped Bezos assess a candidate’s mindset and character, beyond just technical qualifications. The question’s real purpose was to gauge whether candidates had the right blend of optimism, self-awareness, and humility needed for Amazon’s uniquely challenging and fast-paced culture.
What the “lucky person” question reveals about candidates
According to Rose, the best answers to this question showcase a nuanced understanding of luck and effort. An ideal response might sound like this: “Yes, I’m incredibly lucky. I’ve worked hard to build my career, but I recognize that a lot of things also had to go right along the way, and I’ve made the most of those opportunities.”
This type of answer demonstrates a rare combination of optimism (believing in one’s potential), recognition of external factors (luck playing a role), and humility (acknowledging forces beyond oneself). It indicates that the candidate is likely open to teamwork, adaptable, and ready to confront challenges with maturity.
Rose pointed out that this question wasn’t some trick. Instead, it served as a starting point for a meaningful conversation about values and outlook. Candidates who embraced the idea of luck while remaining grounded impressed Bezos and his team because it reflected how they viewed their successes and setbacks.
What wrong answers can tell employers
On the flip side, certain answers immediately raised red flags for Bezos and his hiring managers. For example, candidates who said, “No, I’ve never felt lucky but have always overcome bad luck,” or “No, I don’t need luck because I’m smarter and better than others,” revealed problematic mindsets.
Such responses suggested either a victim mentality or, conversely, arrogance. Both undermine the emotional intelligence vital for working in a demanding environment like Amazon’s. According to Rose, Amazon sought employees who could acknowledge the complex mix of factors behind success—not just raw talent or stubborn perseverance.
This approach underscored that Bezos was less interested in conventional metrics and more focused on the psychological makeup of candidates. The “lucky person” question was never used in isolation but as part of a broader interview narrative aimed at teasing out deep insights into character.
How this question reflects Bezos’s leadership philosophy
The rationale behind this seemingly peculiar question ties directly to Bezos’s philosophy on leadership. Dan Rose explained in a recent interview that people who acknowledge luck yet remain confident in their efforts tend to be the best leaders. This balanced viewpoint showcases emotional maturity and clarity about the realities of life and work.
According to a Harvard Business Review article, leaders who recognize the role of luck are often more empathetic and better collaborators—a crucial fit for Amazon’s team-oriented culture. This helps them manage setbacks gracefully and foster trust among colleagues.
Dan Rose also revealed that the question helped detect “false humility” or humblebrags when candidates elaborated in follow-up questions. These subtle probes showed how honest and authentic a candidate’s self-perception truly was.
Why this matters for job seekers today
For those preparing for interviews at Amazon or any other high-stakes company, this story offers an important lesson: Hiring managers are increasingly looking beyond credentials and experience. They want candidates with a certain psychological resilience and a mindset that combines confidence with self-awareness.
Jeff Bezos’s “Are you a lucky person?” question is a reminder that success isn’t just about what you’ve done—but how you interpret your journey and what that reveals about your future potential.
If you’re ready to tackle tough interview questions with insight and humility, try reflecting on your own concept of luck and how it has influenced your career. This can help you craft authentic answers that resonate deeply with interviewers.
Have you ever been asked a question that caught you off guard during an interview? How did you respond? Share your thoughts or experiences below and join the conversation!