An Amazon Bar Raiser breaks down the three common interview pitfalls: prepping only for technical rounds, parroting leadership-principle buzzwords, and leaning on a single impressive story. Each mistake masks a lack of consistent, real-world behavior that predicts on-the-job success.

The author shares key lessons from conducting nearly 1,000 interviews at Amazon, emphasizing that technical skills alone aren't enough to secure a job. Candidates often fail due to poor self-presentation and lack of preparation for behavioral questions. Investing time in storytelling and delivery can significantly improve interview outcomes.