Introduction

The process of getting into Amazon, one of the world’s most sought-after employers, can be described in equal measure as enticing and overwhelming. I still recall the day I thought of applying, my heart wanting to explode from both excitement and nervousness. Through this blog, I intend to take you through my ordeal with the Amazon interview, providing some information, advice, and techniques that would assist you in not only going through this process but also emerging successfully.

Understanding the Amazon Interview Process

The Interview Stages

It’s common knowledge that Amazon’s hiring assessment is intense and thorough. Below is a detailed explanation of the average Amazon interview process organized by a timeline.

1. Online Application: The initial phase entails a candidate submitting their resume and application via Amazon’s job recruitment portal.
2. Phone Interview: In the case of application cuts, one or more telephonic interviews shall be requested. Usually, these include questions about the resume, technical aspects, and behavioral-related queries.
3. Onsite Interviews: The majority of the candidates who manage to perform well during the phone interview round are also invited for in-person interviews which basically consist of several rounds of interviews with different team members back to back.

Importance of the Leadership Principles

In the course of the interview process, the Leadership Principles, as outlined by Amazon, are of utmost importance. It is important to know these principles and tailor your answers to them to be successful.

My Personal Experience

Online Application

Firstly I submitted my resume. My resume was structured in a way that would demonstrate experiences enriching an understanding of Amazon Leadership Principles especially that of customer obsession and ownership.

Phone Interviews

At the outset of each telephone conversation, my previous projects, technical expertise, and some scenarios were recalled where I was required to demonstrate certain actions at work. One of the most regrettable questions was: “Describe a time when you had to solve a complex problem with few or no resources available.” I chose to apply the Amazon STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to the given problem, revealing the degree of my ability to cope with challenges and address the issue effectively.

Onsite Amazon Interview

The Amazon interview conducted on the premises was overwhelming. I had five interviews in a row which was approximately for one hour each. The questions posed were technical in nature and also in the form of behavioral scenarios. For instance, one interviewer asked, “Tell me about a time you did something something that seemed a huge risk but backfired. What did you do?” I gave an example of such failure frankly and what lessons I drew out from it which was in line with Amazon’s Principles of being “Right, A Lot” and “Learn and be Curious.”

Preparation Tips and Strategies for Amazon Interview

Research the Company and Role

You also need to study the Amazon business model, its way of doing business, and the particular position that you are applying for. You can look at the Amazon sites, some news articles, and Glassdoor reviews.

Practice Common Interview Questions

Practice answering the anticipated technical and non-technical questions. Distill your answers using the STAR approach.

Mock Interviews and Feedback

Engage in mock interviews with family or friends and get their feedback on your performance. This works like a practice: helps with the answers and eases the stress.

Utilize Online Resources and Books

Commonly Asked Questions

Questions in Amazon Interviews

1. Technical Questions: These vary by role but often include coding problems, system design, and algorithms.
   • Example: “How would you design a scalable system for an e-commerce website?”
2. Behavioral Questions: These focus on past experiences and how you handled various situations.
   • Example: “Give an example of a time when you showed leadership.”

Sample Answers Using the Amazon STAR Method

Question: “Describe a time when you had to deliver a project under a tight deadline.”

• Situation: “At my previous job, we had a critical project with a two-week deadline.”
• Task: “I was responsible for leading the team and ensuring timely delivery.”
• Action: “I organized daily stand-up meetings, delegated tasks, and stayed late to support the team.”
• Result: “We delivered the project on time, and it received positive feedback from the client.”

Insights from Successful Candidates

Quotes and Tips

• John, Software Engineer: “Focus on the Leadership Principles. Every answer should reflect how you embody these values.”
• Emily, Product Manager: “Practice mock interviews and seek feedback. It made a huge difference in my preparation.”

Amazon Leadership Principles

16 Leadership Principles

Amazon’s Leadership Principles include customer obsession, ownership, invention and simplicity, and many more. Each principle guides the company’s culture and decision-making process.

Incorporating the Principles into Your Answers

Demonstrate these principles in your answers by sharing relevant experiences. For example, for “Customer Obsession,” you might say, “I always prioritize customer feedback and work to exceed their expectations.”

Examples of Demonstrating the Amazon Guiding Principles

• Customer Obsession: “In my previous role, I implemented a new feedback system that increased customer satisfaction by 20%.”
• Ownership: “I took full responsibility for a failing project, restructured the team, and turned it around successfully.”

Final Tips and Advice

Confidence and Staying Calm

Confidence is key. Practice relaxation techniques and stay calm during the interview. Remember, it’s okay to take a moment to think before answering.

Handling Unexpected Questions During an Amazon Interview

For unexpected questions, stay composed, think logically, and structure your response using the STAR method.

Following Up After the Interview

Send a thank-you email to your interviewers, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the role.

Related
How to Prepare for a FAANG Software Engineering Job: From Mock Interviews to Technical Tips 2024

Top 10 Most Common Interview Questions and Answers in FAANG Companies (2024)

Conclusion

The Amazon interview process is challenging but manageable with the right preparation and mindset. By understanding the process, practicing diligently, and aligning your answers with Amazon’s Leadership Principles, you can increase your chances of success. Good luck, and feel free to share your own experiences or ask questions in the comments below!