amazon interview question case study 1

Hacking the Case Interview

If you’re interviewing for a business role at Amazon, there is a good chance that you’ll receive at least one case study interview, also known as an Amazon case interview. Amazon roles that include case study interviews as part of the interview process include:

Business Analyst
Business Development
Corporate Strategy
Product Manager
Product Marketing

To land an Amazon job offer, you’ll need to crush every single one of your case interviews. While Amazon case study interviews may seem ambiguous and challenging, know that they can be mastered with proper preparation.

If you are preparing for an upcoming Amazon case interview, we have you covered. In this comprehensive Amazon case interview guide, we’ll cover:

What is an Amazon case study interview
Why Amazon uses case study interviews
The 6 steps to ace any Amazon case interview
Amazon case interview tips
Recommended Amazon case study interview resources

If you’re looking for a step-by-step shortcut to learn case interviews quickly, enroll in our case interview course . These insider strategies from a former Bain interviewer helped 30,000+ land tech and consulting offers while saving hundreds of hours of prep time.

What is an Amazon Case Study Interview?

Amazon case study interviews, also known as Amazon case interviews, are 20- to 30-minute exercises in which you are placed in a hypothetical business situation and are asked to find a solution or make a recommendation.

First, you’ll create a framework that shows the approach you would take to solve the case. Then, you’ll collaborate with the interviewer, answering a mix of quantitative and qualitative questions that will give you the information and data needed to develop an answer. Finally, you’ll deliver your recommendation at the end of the case.

Case interviews have traditionally been used by consulting firms to assess a candidate’s potential to become a successful consultant. However, now a days, many companies with ex-consultants use case studies to assess a candidate’s capabilities. Since Amazon has so many former consultants in its business roles, you’ll likely encounter at least one case study interview.

The business problems that you’ll be given in an Amazon case study interview will likely be real challenges that Amazon faces today:

How can Amazon improve customer retention for their Amazon Prime subscription service?
How can Amazon improve its digital streaming service?
How can Amazon increase ad revenues from merchant sellers?
How should Amazon deal with fake products among its product listings?
How can Amazon Web Services outcompete Microsoft Azure?

Depending on what team at Amazon you are interviewing for, you may be given a business problem that is relevant to that specific team.

Although there is a wide range of business problems you could possibly be given in your Amazon case interview, the fundamental case interview strategies to solve each problem is the same. If you learn the right strategies and get enough practice, you’ll be able to solve any Amazon case study interview.

Why does Amazon Use Case Study Interviews?

Amazon uses case study interviews because your performance in a case study interview is a measure of how well you would do on the job. Amazon case interviews assess a variety of different capabilities and qualities needed to successfully complete job duties and responsibilities.

Amazon’s case study interviews primarily assess five things:

Logical, structured thinking : Can you structure complex problems in a clear, simple way?
Analytical problem solving : Can you read, interpret, and analyze data well?
Business acumen : Do you have sound business judgment and intuition?
Communication skills : Can you communicate clearly, concisely, and articulately?
Personality and cultural fit : Are you coachable and easy to work with?

Since all of these qualities can be assessed in just a 20- to 30-minute case, Amazon case study interviews are an effective way to assess a candidate’s capabilities.

In order to do well on the personality and cultural fit portion, you should familiarize yourself with Amazon’s Leadership Principles before your interview. At a high level, these principles include:

Customer obsession : Leaders start with the customer and work backwards
Ownership : Leaders are owners and act on behalf of the entire company
Invent and simplify : Leaders expect and require innovation and invention from their teams and always find ways to simplify
Learn and be curious : Leaders are never done learning and always seek to improve themselves
Insist on the highest standards : Leaders have relentlessly high standards
Think big : Leaders create and communicate a bold direction that inspires results
Frugality : Accomplish more with less
Earn trust : Leaders listen attentively, speak candidly, and treat others respectfully
Dive deep : Leaders operate at all levels and stay connected to the details
Deliver results : Leaders focus on key inputs for their business and deliver them with the right quality and in a timely fashion

The 6 Steps to Solve Any Amazon Case Interview

In general, there are six steps to solve any Amazon case study interview.

1. Understand the case

Your Amazon case interview will begin with the interviewer giving you the case background information. While the interviewer is speaking, make sure that you are taking meticulous notes on the most important pieces of information. Focus on understanding the context of the situation and the objective of the case.

Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions if you do not understand something. You may want to summarize the case background information back to the interviewer to confirm your understanding of the case.

The most important part of this step is to verify the objective of the case. Not answering the right business question is the quickest way to fail a case interview.

2. Structure the problem

The next step is to develop a framework to help you solve the case. A framework is a tool that helps you structure and break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable components. Another way to think about frameworks is brainstorming different ideas and organizing them into different categories.

For a complete guide on how to create tailored and unique frameworks for each case, check out our article on case interview frameworks .

Before you start developing your framework, it is completely acceptable to ask the interviewer for a few minutes so that you can collect your thoughts and think about the problem.

Once you have identified the major issues or areas that you need to explore, walk the interviewer through your framework. They may ask a few questions or provide some feedback.

3. Kick off the case

Once you have finished presenting your framework, you’ll start diving into different areas of your framework to begin solving the case. How this process will start depends on whether the case interview is candidate-led or interviewer-led.

If the case interview is a candidate-led case, you’ll be expected to propose what area of your framework to start investigating. So, propose an area and provide a reason for why you want to start with that area. There is generally no right or wrong area of your framework to pick first.

If the case interview is interviewer-led, the interviewer will tell you what area of the framework to start in or directly give you a question to answer.

4. Solve quantitative problems

Amazon case study interviews may have some quantitative aspect to them. For example, you may be asked to calculate a certain profitability or financial metric. You could also be asked to estimate the size of a particular market or to estimate a particular figure.

The key to solving quantitative problems is to lay out a structure or approach upfront with the interviewer before doing any math calculations. If you lay out and present your structure to solve the quantitative problem and the interviewer approves of it, the rest of the problem is just simple execution of math.

5. Answer qualitative questions

Amazon case study interviews may also have qualitative aspects to them. You may be asked to brainstorm a list of potential ideas. You could also be asked to provide your opinion on a business issue or situation.

The key to answering qualitative questions is to structure your answer. When brainstorming a list of ideas, develop a structure to help you neatly categorize all of your ideas. When giving your opinion on a business issue or situation, provide a summary of your stance or position and then enumerate the reasons that support it.

6. Deliver a recommendation

In the last step of the Amazon case interview, you’ll present your recommendation and provide the major reasons that support it. You do not need to recap everything that you have done in the case, so focus on only summarizing the facts that are most important.

It is also good practice to include potential next steps that you would take if you had more time or data. These can be areas of your framework that you did not have time to explore or lingering questions that you do not have great answers for.

Amazon Case Interview Tips

Below are eight of our best tips to help you perform your best during your Amazon case study interview.

1. Familiarize yourself with Amazon’s business model

If you don’t understand Amazon’s business model, it will be challenging for you to do well in their case interviews. If you are interviewing for the Amazon Web Services team, you should know how Amazon makes money as a cloud service provider. If you are interviewing for the Amazon Prime team, you should be familiar with how their subscription service works.

2. Read recent news articles on Amazon

A lot of the times, the cases you’ll see in an Amazon case study interview are real business issues that the company faces. Reading up on the latest Amazon news will give you a sense of what Amazon’s biggest challenges are and what major business decisions they face today. There is a good chance that your case study interview will be similar to something that you have read in the news.

3. Verify the objective of the case

Answering the wrong business problem will waste a lot of time during your Amazon case study interview. Therefore, the most critical step of the case interview is to verify the objective of the case with the interviewer. Make sure that you understand what the primary business issue is and what overall question you are expected to answer at the end of the case.

4. Ask clarifying questions

Do not be afraid to ask questions. You will not be penalized for asking questions that are important and relevant to the case.

Great questions to ask include asking for the definition of an unfamiliar term, asking questions that clarify the objective of the case, and asking questions to strengthen your understanding of the business situation.

5. Do not use memorized frameworks

Interviewers can tell when you are using memorized frameworks from popular case interview prep books. Amazon values creativity and intellect. Therefore, make every effort to create a custom, tailored framework for each case that you get.

6. Always connect your answers to the case objective

Throughout the case, make sure you are connecting each of your answers back to the overall business problem or question. What implications does your answer have on the overall business problem?

Many candidates make the mistake of answering case questions correctly, but they don’t take the initiative to tie their answer back to the case objective.

7. Communicate clearly and concisely

In an Amazon case study interview, it can be tempting to answer the interviewer’s question and then continue talking about related topics or ideas. However, you have a limited amount of time to solve an Amazon case, so it is best to keep your answers concise and to the point.

Answer the interviewer’s question, summarize how it impacts the case objective, and then move onto the next important issue or question.

8. Be enthusiastic

Amazon wants to hire candidates that love their job and will work hard. Displaying enthusiasm shows that you are passionate about working at Amazon. Having a high level of enthusiasm and energy also makes the interview more enjoyable for the interviewer. They will be more likely to have a positive impression of you.

Recommended Amazon Case Study Interview Resources

Here are the resources we recommend to learn the most robust, effective case interview strategies in the least time-consuming way:

Comprehensive Case Interview Course (our #1 recommendation): The only resource you need. Whether you have no business background, rusty math skills, or are short on time, this step-by-step course will transform you into a top 1% caser that lands multiple consulting offers.
Hacking the Case Interview Book (available on Amazon): Perfect for beginners that are short on time. Transform yourself from a stressed-out case interview newbie to a confident intermediate in under a week. Some readers finish this book in a day and can already tackle tough cases.
The Ultimate Case Interview Workbook (available on Amazon): Perfect for intermediates struggling with frameworks, case math, or generating business insights. No need to find a case partner – these drills, practice problems, and full-length cases can all be done by yourself.
Case Interview Coaching : Personalized, one-on-one coaching with former consulting interviewers
Behavioral & Fit Interview Course : Be prepared for 98% of behavioral and fit questions in just a few hours. We'll teach you exactly how to draft answers that will impress your interviewer
Resume Review & Editing : Transform your resume into one that will get you multiple interviews

Land Multiple Tech and Consulting Offers

Complete, step-by-step case interview course. 30,000+ happy customers.

Amazon Business Analyst Interview Case Study Questions & Answers

General Overview of the Amazon Business Analyst Case Study

The Amazon business analyst case study interview is one of the interviews you have to take if you are applying for one of Amazon’s business roles, including Amazon Business Analyst, Business Development, Marketing, Product Manager, Corporate Strategy, and Product Marketing. The interview is meant to ascertain your leadership and problem-solving abilities. They want to know what you will do in certain situations.

Amazon is one of the largest companies servicing people globally. Situations will arise, and your ability to handle them appropriately will determine the company’s image before customers. If you are applying for any of these roles, your success will determine your chances of getting the job. The Amazon case study interview is set to test the applicant on some level of suitability for the job, including:

Structured and logical thinking: how well you can structure complex situations and challenges logically and in a simplified way.
Problem-solving and analytical skills: how well you can read, comprehend, and analyze situations to attain a logical conclusion and beneficial solution.
Effective communication skills: how clearly and articulately you can communicate a situation and arrive at a solution.
Personality and cultural fit: how well you can work with other people, take instructions, and collaborate. Teamwork can improve company growth by several percentage.
Business acumen: how sound your intuition is when it comes to business dealings.

The case study interview requires thorough preparation to pass similiar to the Amazon technical interview. While preparing for the interview might seem daunting and taking the actual interview might seem scary, this article will put your mind at ease and get you adequately prepared to ace the interview.

This article will guide you on how to solve the Amazon case study question and demonstrate this with examples. You’ll also learn some helpful tips to prepare for the Amazon business analyst assessment & interview questions.

How to Solve Amazon Case Study

Solving Amazon case study questions is not difficult if you know how to approach them. Here are strategies for solving Amazon case study questions:

Understand the Case Before You

Before you attempt to answer any case before you, you should understand it well. The interview will start with the interviewer intimating you on a situation. The interviewer will start with the background information on the case, where you have to be attentive. Follow the scenario and note all the points. Ensure that you understand the situational context and the objective of the case. Know the essence of the information.

You are at liberty to ask questions to clarify any part that is unclear to you. You can summarize the story to the interviewer to ascertain that you understand what you are meant to understand. The essence is to ensure that you grasp the objective of the situation. Understanding the case is essential to passing the test because it will guide you in answering the intended question.

R ead More: 7-Must Know Business Analyst SQL Interview Questions

Organize the Problem

Once the interviewer has narrated the case to you, you have to organize every bit of the information to enable you to answer the questions logically. It is like developing a framework for answering the question. At this point, you have to brainstorm on the case before you. Note your ideas and then organize them logically.

At the brainstorming stage, your ideas may not be organized. You are at liberty to ask the interviewer to give you some minutes. Then you organize your thoughts and ideas in order. Categorize your ideas and arrange them accordingly.

When you are done, intimate the interviewer with your ideas and framework. The interviewer may offer some advice, ask questions, and give you feedback. This aspect is essential because it tells you how well aligned you are with the whole case before you.

Start Solving the Case

Now that you are sure you are on track, you can start answering the question. Using your framework, you will start attending to the different aspects of the case. The process of answering the question will depend on whether the interviewer is leading the interview or the candidate is leading it. If the interviewer is leading the interview, he will tell you the aspect of your framework to start working from.

If the interview is candidate-led, you can decide the aspect of your framework to start working from. You will give reasons why you have chosen to start from that angle. At this stage, you should not bother with starting wrong. There is no straightjacket approach to solving the case.

Attend to Quantitative Challenges

The case study question may have a quantitative angle to it. For example, you may be asked a question that involves figures and estimates. You can start solving the problem with mathematical calculations.

Attend to Qualitative Challenges

The Amazon cases study question may involve qualitative questions. For example, you may be asked questions involving a business situation and asked to proffer a solution or provide your opinion on a critical business situation. Answering this question involves a structural and careful arrangement of your ideas. State your approach and justify that approach. Then, go ahead to solve the problem following your approach.

Summarize your Solution and Tender a Recommendation

At this point, you should round off your answers, summarize your points, and tender recommendations. You should give reasons for your recommendations. You can also include further actions or steps you would have taken if you had more data and time. They can cover aspects of your framework that you have not developed fully due to time or some questions that you did not answer in-depth.

Examples of Amazon Case Study Question and Solution

As stated already, Amazon case study questions are meant to test your problem-solving skills. The interviewer will ask you questions based on actual situations to determine your suitability for the job. Among others, they look out for your business acumen, communication, and leadership skills. Here is a possible case:

Case question: The company wants to acquire a small business and aspire to improve net profits from $3,000 to $6,000 within a month. How do you think we can achieve this?

For a question like this, the focus is on your mindset as a business analyst, thinking capacity, and business acumen. They want to know your mindset, whether positive or negative. It is easy for some people to think that it is impossible to double profit in a month. Your answer should include a positive statement on how much this is positive.

Then you will talk about the strategies that can make this possible. The company can achieve a doubling profit within a month using effective marketing and acquisition points and diligence. First off, the company should be diligent in choosing a business to acquire. Contrary to many business acquisition models that look at the business’s yearly growth or how lucrative the market for the business niche is, the company should go for a growing business. If the business grows by 5% monthly, it will make a positive purchase.

Then, the company has to consider the business’s branding. If it has a strong market presence, then Amazon’s marketing strategy will have a springboard to scale from. If the business is growing, there is the possibility of making more than triple the net profit in the third month because the growth would bring in more profit.

Other essential points to consider when looking to get a good deal are low competition, positive reviews, and the quick wins the business promises. Also, analyze every aspect of the business and ensure that it passes the test.

The company’s marketing skills will set the company on a high speed to rake in more profit. You can discuss the impact of marketing skills like media coverage, ads, promos, and so on. This response shows you are passionate about the company’s expansion, but you are also diligent and look out for the company’s positive move.

Read More: Amazon Business Analyst Salary & Position Guide

Amazon Case Interview Tips

Get familiar with Amazon’s 16 leadership principles . An apt knowledge of Amazon’s leadership principles will help you pass the personality and cultural fit test. Amazon expects its employees to act on the leadership principles. Amazon sees its employees as leaders, and they represent the company.

Get familiar with Amazon’s business model.
Acquaint yourself with recent news and information on Amazon
Ask questions until you understand every aspect of the interview and questions.
Be flexible. Practice with frameworks but do not use them if the scenario does not call for them. Let your answer be relevant to the case at hand.

Amazon business analyst case study interview requires ample preparations. If you have the right guide, you are on your way to realizing your dreams of being a business analyst for Amazon. This guide is one of the best materials you will need. It teaches you how to answer case study questions and tips to do it right.

Read More: Amazon Business Analyst Intern Assessment and Interview Questions

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Amazon Interview Questions: The Ultimate Preparation Guide

Getting an interview at Amazon is a major accomplishment. With thousands of applicants every year and intense competition, securing an interview slot is an achievement in itself. Now you need to put in the work to make sure you ace the interview process.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know to crush your Amazon interviews, including:

The full breakdown of Amazon's rigorous interview process
How to thoroughly prepare for Amazon's behavioral and technical interviews
Detailed examples of the most common Amazon interview questions
5 techniques to really impress your interviewers
Pro tips and strategies to stand out from the competition
Insights into Amazon's company culture and leadership principles
Recommended resources for practice and study

This guide will equip you with the skills, stories, and knowledge to master your Amazon interviews. Let's dive in!

Chapter 1 - Amazon's Interview Process Fully Explained

The first step to acing Amazon's interview gauntlet is understanding exactly what you will face. Let's break down what to expect in each stage of Amazon's notoriously rigorous interview process.

The Recruiter Phone Screen

Your journey starts with a recruiter phone screen, usually scheduled for 30 minutes. Here's what to expect:

Introductions - The recruiter will give brief background on themselves and ask you to walk through your resume and experience. Be succinct but thorough when summarizing your background.

Motivations - Expect questions about why you are interested in Amazon and the role you applied for. Be specific - do your research so you can speak intelligently about the team, products, and technologies involved in the position.

Experience - The recruiter will probe into details of your work history, especially your major technical projects and accomplishments. Be ready to talk technically about the most relevant parts of your background.

Leadership principles - Some recruiters may ask you to describe how experiences tie back to Amazon's leadership principles. Have these principles on the tip of your tongue and relate your background to them.

Questions - The recruiter will ask if you have any questions. Always have thoughtful questions ready that show your understanding of and enthusiasm for the role.

Next steps - If interested, the recruiter will outline next steps and timelines. This usually involves a technical phone screen.

With practice and preparation, you can ace the recruiter screen and move on to the more difficult technical interviews.

The Technical Phone Screen

If you impress the recruiter, next up is the technical phone screen, usually scheduled for 45-60 minutes. This is often your first coding/architecture interview, so bring your A game. Here's what to expect:

Introductions - You'll be introduced to an Amazon engineer who will conduct the technical interview. Expect them to briefly summarize their role.

Coding - The core of the interview will be data structure, algorithm, and language questions. Think 2-3 mediums from LeetCode. Communicate clearly and check edge cases.

Architecture - Expect at least one system design or object oriented design question. Get clarification, highlight tradeoffs, and explain reasoning.

Experience - The interviewer may ask you to expand on parts of your background relevant to the role. Keep answers clear and concise.

Next Steps - If you pass, next is a full day of on-site final interviews. Ask about recommended preparation.

The technical screen will evaluate both your computer science fundamentals and communication skills. Practice mock interviews extensively so you are comfortable responding confidently to a wide range of technical prompts.

The All-Day Final Interviews

If you successfully navigate the phone screens, you'll be invited to Amazon's headquarters for 4-6 back-to-back interview sessions. This is an all day affair, usually lasting 6-8 hours, including breaks between sessions.

What can you expect during these final on-site interviews?

Diverse interviewers - You will meet with various managers, engineers, and senior leaders from the department you are interviewing for.

Mix of questions - Expect behavioral, technical, and leadership principle questions across your different sessions.

Coding challenges - At least two of the interviews will involve writing code in a relevant language like Python or Java. Brush up on those whiteboard coding skills.

System design - Be ready to discuss approaches to core system design problems like scaling databases or designing highly-available services.

Projects and experience - Interviewers will probe into your resume, past work, side-projects, and qualifications. Be an expert on your own background.

Culture and principles - As an executive frontrunner, Amazon cares about culture fit. Showcase how your values align.

Meals - You'll have lunch with employees and get a feel for Amazon's culture. Use this time to ask good questions and learn.

The final round is intense. Thorough preparation of your stories, technical skills, and thinking is key. You want to enter the office confident and ready to tackle whatever comes your way over the course of this long day.

The Hiring Manager Review

After running through the on-site gauntlet, the final step is review by the hiring manager. The individual interviewers will submit their evaluations and commentary on your performance.

The hiring manager looks at factors like:

Did you pass a majority of the interview bars?
Do the interviewers agree you have the right skills for the role?
Did you stand out in any particular area?
Do you show mission alignment with Amazon's principles?

If the hiring manager gives the thumbs up, congratulations! Expect a call with the official job offer details. Time to celebrate.

However, it's not uncommon for candidates to get rejections at this stage due to mixed interview feedback or concerns raised over the course of the day's assessments.

If you receive a "no" from the hiring manager, you may be able to re-apply and restart the process after 6-12 months. Use the time to brush up your skills and prepare to come back stronger.

Chapter 2 - How to Thoroughly Prepare for Amazon's Behavioral and Technical Interview Questions

You landed an interview at Amazon. Awesome! But don't let up now. The real work starts here. Thorough preparation is what will set you apart. Here is a detailed guide to getting ready for Amazon's behavioral, technical and leadership focused interviews.

Preparing for the Behavioral Interview

Nail the behavioral part of your Amazon interviews by following these preparation tips:

Understand Amazon's Leadership Principles Cold

Amazon's leadership principles are 14 core values that drive their culture and guide employee behaviors. Master them inside and out:

Customer obsession - Earn and keep customer trust above all else. Make their problems your problems and find solutions.

Ownership - Take end-to-end ownership of your work. Don't settle for less than excellence.

Invent and simplify - Solve complex problems with simple, elegant solutions. Cut through ambiguity.

Are right, a lot - Make data-driven decisions, even if unpopular. Base choices on research, analysis and judgement.

Learn and be curious - Be inquisitive. Seek knowledge and truth in all things. Stay hungry to learn.

Hire and develop the best - Only keep stunning colleagues. Coach them towards excellence.

Insist on the highest standards - Expect only the best in quality and performance from yourself and others.

Think big - Create bold, game-changing ideas. Make no small plans.

Bias for action - Move fast. Empower teams to act without constant supervision.

Frugality - Accomplish more with less. Constraints breed creative solutions. Eliminate waste.

Earn trust - Listen closely. Treat others respectfully. Keep your word.

Dive deep - Invest the time to fully understand details, issues and priorities before making decisions.

Have backbone; disagree and commit - Challenge assumptions respectfully. Then unify behind group decisions.

Deliver results - Focus on key inputs and outputs. Set challenging goals and exceed them. Get the right things done.

You will be expected to tie your interview answers directly to demonstrating these principles.

Craft Stories That Showcase Leadership Principles

Practice storytelling by structuring compelling stories from your background that highlight Amazon principles like customer obsession, high standards, and bias for action.

Make your stories concise and impactful. Set the context briefly, build up the challenge, then spend time on the resolution and your actions demonstrating leadership.

Prepare for Classic Behavioral and Situational Questions

Expect Amazon behavioral questions like:

Tell me about a time you had a conflict at work. How did you handle it?
Give me an example of how you solved a difficult problem.
Describe a time you had to deal significant ambiguity. What did you do?

Research common behavioral and situational questions asked at Amazon. Draft stories from your background that set up challenges clearly, walk through your response, and highlight leadership principles you exhibited.

Practice Mock Interviews Extensively

Set up practice behavioral interviews with colleagues and friends. Don't memorize stories verbatim, but practice telling them clearly while highlighting Amazon values.

Get feedback on where your interview skills are strong versus areas that need polish. Refine stories to be clear, concise and impactful.

Mock interviews are the best way to build confidence for real Amazon behavioral and situational questions. Put in the practice time here.

Preparing for the Technical Interview

Amazon's technical interview will rigorously assess your programming, algorithms, system design and computer science skills. Be ready with:

Fluency in Key Data Structures and Algorithms

You need mastery of fundamental data structures like arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, stacks and queues.

Master core algorithms including sorting, searching, recursion, breadth/depth first search, dynamic programming, and common algorithms on trees and graphs.

Spend time implementing key data structures and algorithms from scratch. Understand time and space complexities.

Practice LeetCode, HackerRank, Etc

Work through problems on LeetCode, HackerRank, and other online judges to hone your skills.

Aim to complete at least 50-100 problems across difficulty levels so you have seen a wide range of coding and algorithm challenges.

Focus especially on Amazon-frequent topics like arrays, strings, trees, graphs, hashmaps, sorting, and breadth/depth first search.

Brush Up on Core Object Oriented and System Design Concepts

Study principles like inheritance, polymorphism, encapsulation, abstraction, and design patterns.

Review system design approaches for large scale services - load balancing, databases, caching, microservices, etc.

Be able to intelligently discuss options and tradeoffs for designing complex systems like Amazon's platforms.

Do Regular Mock Technical Interviews

Set up practice technical interviews to get comfortable with formulating approaches to new problems while thinking out loud.

Ask your interviewer for detailed feedback on areas like how clearly you communicated, if you considered edge cases, and the efficiency of your solution.

Mock interviews will expose weaknesses and gaps in knowledge to focus your studying. They are instrumental to acing Amazon's technical gauntlet.

Thorough technical preparation and practice will ensure you are comfortable responding confidently to a wide range of technical interview questions.

Mastering Amazon's Leadership Principles

Given Amazon's intense focus on culture and leadership values, you need to go in with a mastery of their leadership principles. Some tips:

Know Examples That Demonstrate Each Principle

Come equipped with stories that highlight owning decisions, bias for action, customer obsession, high standards, and other Amazon values. Have vivid examples ready.

Reference the Principles in Your Responses

Weave connections to Amazon principles like "earn trust" and "are right a lot" into your interview answers. Show you embody these values.

Ask Good Questions About Culture and Principles

When given the opportunity, ask smart questions about how Amazon lives the leadership principles day-to-day. Show your interest.

Do Your Research

Study how Amazon leaders talk about the company's values. Learn from examples of employees demonstrating the principles.

Evaluate Your Own Alignment

Reflect on your own values and principles. How do they align with Amazon's culture? Highlight these synergies.

Mastering Amazon's principles will help you stand out and prove you are mission aligned with their culture. Put in the work here - it will pay dividends.

Chapter 3 - Examples of Common Amazon Interview Questions (With Detailed Answers)

Preparing for Amazon interviews is all about practice. Mastering the content is step one, but you need to hone your communication skills for succinctly responding to prompts.

Let's review some of the most common Amazon interview questions, along with detailed guidance and sample answers to each.

Examples of Common Amazon Behavioral Interview Questions

Behavioral questions are critical in Amazon's interview process. Practice crafting compelling stories that shine light on your background while demonstrating Amazon's leadership principles.

Here are some common behavioral interview questions with sample answers:

Question: Tell me about yourself and walk me through your resume.

Sample Answer: I'm a software engineer with 5 years experience building scalable cloud services...(brief summary of background). I started my career at Acme Co developing APIs in Python. We served over 50 million users so I became well versed in building secure, highly reliable systems. Next I joined Stealth Startup as an early engineer where I designed core infrastructure for their blockchain platform. I opted for a startup so I could gain experience rapidly owning large parts of the system. Most recently, I spent 2 years at Wonder Technologies focused on machine learning applications. Across these experiences, I've consistently demonstrated strengths around diving deep into complex technical problems, taking ownership of my work, insisting on high standards, and keeping the customer top of mind. I'm passionate about leveraging my background in high scale distributed systems and machine learning to help Amazon develop innovative cloud services. That's why I was so excited to apply for this role.

Key Takeaway: Succinctly summarize your background while highlighting relevant experience. Wrap with enthusiasm for Amazon's mission.

Question: Tell me about a time you had to deal with ambiguity on a project. How did you handle it?

Sample Answer: Early in my tenure as lead engineer on the platform team at Wonder Technologies, our product roadmap was very ambiguous. Requirements were vague and it was unclear how features would work. Rather than make assumptions, I scheduled time with product managers and designers to understand their vision, priorities and constraints. I asked probing questions to clarify unknowns and get insights into what success looked like for them. As options became clearer, I put together wireframes and technical proposals outlining tradeoffs so we could pick a direction. By diving deep into the details and insisting on clear requirements before charging ahead, we designed an optimal solution that made customers very happy.

Key Takeaway: Outline the uncertainty you faced, then demonstrate skills like diving deep, interacting cross-functionally, and insisting on clarity.

Question: Tell me about a time you had a conflict at work. How did you handle it?

Sample Answer: As the tech lead on a key project at Acme Co, I had a disagreement with our newest developer about the right technical approach. Rather than assert my perspective, I listened closely to understand their rationale and the assumptions underlying their idea. I asked thoughtful questions, avoiding knee-jerk reactions. To move forward, we collaboratively designed some prototypes to test our hypotheses and figure out which approach was optimal based on data. By keeping an open mind rather than pushing bias, we arrived at a superior solution. Our team learned that listening and experimenting resolves disagreements.

Key Takeaway: Show emotional intelligence and collaboration by being open, curios, and data-driven.

Question: Describe a time when you went above and beyond customer expectations. Why did you do this?

Sample Answer: When I was leading development of a new analytics feature at Wonder Technologies, I proactively reached out to some beta users to understand how they would leverage the reports. One customer detailed an unexpected use case we hadn't considered around correlating web traffic with marketing spend. I proposed building custom aggregations to support their needs, even though it was out of scope. My team worked evenings and weekends to deliver this capability because I knew it would add huge value for that customer's business if we could enable their workflow. Our efforts paid off - they expanded usage significantly after we over-delivered for them. I took the initiative driven by my focus on customer value.

Key Takeaway: Go above and beyond for customers by proactively understanding their needs and delivering solutions.

Question: Tell me about a time you had to explain a complex technical concept to people without technical backgrounds. How did you ensure understanding?

Sample Answer: As a machine learning engineer at Wonder Technologies, our CEO asked me to present our new anomaly detection algorithms to the Board. While technically knowledgable, most of the Board lacked ML expertise. I knew a dense technical presentation would miss the mark. Instead, I built an intuitive analogy using relatable concepts like social media connections to explain concepts like clustering. I kept the session interactive with Q&A time to assess understanding. Based on feedback, I refined my future explanations of our ML approach to focus on the business value delivered versus academic details. My ability to break down complex technical details accessibly helped the Board grasp how our technology differentiated us.

Key Takeaway: Demonstrate you can break down technical concepts and tailor communication for the audience's needs.

Question: Tell me about a time you failed or made a mistake at work. What did you learn from it?

Sample Answer: Early in my first software role out of college, I was tasked with speeding up our customer portal's page load times, which were suffering due to technical debt. I jumped right into overhauling our caching infrastructure without sufficient planning or testing. While well intentioned, this led to outages that impacted customers. I learned the hard way that diving deep into diagnostics, creating rollback plans, and having robust testing discipline is mandatory, especially for critical systems. This experience shaped my approach of being methodical, risk averse, and obsessive about resiliency when modifying production systems today.

Question: Tell me about a time you had to make a difficult decision with limited information. How did you approach it?

Sample Answer: As the tech lead for a new product launch at Acme Co, we faced constant ambiguity around requirements that made decisions difficult. To plan effectively, I focused the team on small milestones rather than multi-month goals. We reviewed our priorities and unknowns regularly to get everyone aligned. When struggles arose, I drove rapid prototyping and iteration to validate hypotheses and prevent wasted effort. My relentless focus on facts and data helped us course correct quickly. While not every decision was perfect due to uncertainty, this empirical approach optimized our chances of success.

Key Takeaway: Make rational decisions amidst uncertainty by focusing on data, rapid validation, and continuous alignment.

Question: Describe a time when you solved an analytically complex problem. What was your process?

Sample Answer: My team at Stealth Startup faced reliability issues with our Kubernetes cluster that made debugging tricky. Pod failures seemed random and intermittent. I studied patterns in logs but saw no obvious correlations. Rather than conjecture, I decomposed step-by-step what happens when Kubernetes schedules pods. I wrote tools to collect metrics at each stage. After analyzing the data, I discovered resource bottlenecks on specific nodes. By methodically eliminating hypotheses, I uncovered the root cause. This experience demonstrated the importance of having an analytical, patient approach rather than jumping to conclusions when solving thorny technical issues.

Key Takeaway: Demonstrate analytical rigor by collecting data, synthesizing insights, and driving to root causes.

Question: Tell me about a time you had to adapt to a colleague's working style in order to complete a project or achieve your objectives.

Sample Answer: Early in my tenure at Acme Co, I was partnered with a colleague on a key web architecture project who had a markedly different work style. He preferred rapid prototyping versus detailed planning. I tend towards thorough upfront design. To collaborate effectively, I focused our syncs on aligning on project needs and constraints first before debating technical options. When we disagreed, I'd suggest we prototype both our ideas in parallel to see what performed best. By embracing his experimental approach as complementary rather than contrary to mine, we landed on solutions that blended our perspectives. I learned to lead flexibly based on each team member's working style.

Key Takeaway: Adapt your leadership style to get the best from each person. Seek collaborative solutions.

Question: Tell me about a time when you gave a simple solution to a complex problem.

Sample Answer: As a software engineer at Stealth Startup, our automated testing setup had become convoluted with dependencies across services slowing test times. I conducted an analysis identifying redundant test jobs and unnecessary layers of abstraction that had accrued over time. My proposal was to simplify radically - consolidating workflows, eliminating pointless mocks, and focusing tests on core functionality. With this redesign, testing became extremely streamlined. This example highlighted that simplicity and elegance should be design goals even in complex domains. By cutting through convoluted legacy, we can reframe problems in terms of core needs.

Key Takeaway: Seek simple, elegant solutions to even complicated domains by focusing on root needs.

Examples of Common Amazon Technical Interview Questions

Let's review some of the most frequent technical interview questions seen at Amazon, along with approaches for structuring your responses:

Question: Design an LRU cache data structure.

Clarify requirements like cache size, O(1) get, key types, etc.
Propose HashMap and Doubly Linked List. HashMap holds keys and references to nodes in linked list
Put() moves new node to front of list
Get() moves hit node to front of list
When full, remove oldest node from end of linked list

Discuss complexity analysis and possible extensions like adding expiration.

Key Takeaway: Discuss data structures, logic, complexity, and extensions for implementing system requirements.

Question: Given a string, reverse the order of characters in each word within it.

Iterate string word by word using split()
For each word, iterate characters backwards and append to output list
Join output list into space separated string
Consider edge cases like punctuation, numbers, etc.

Discuss algorithm efficiency and optimizations like in place reversal.

Key Takeaway: Walk through logical steps to solve coding challenge. Analyze efficiency and handle special cases.

Question: Estimate how many gas stations are in your city.

Clarify assumptions needed - size of city, any known data points, etc.
Estimate gas stations per square mile based on sample neighborhoods
Calculate total square miles for city
Derive nationwide gas station density per capita as baseline
Compare densities to produce estimate of total gas stations

Discuss assumptions, sensitivity analysis, and approaches to refine estimate.

Key Takeaway: Demonstrate analytical reasoning and data-driven estimation skills. Discuss assumptions and refinements.

Question: Design a system like Twitter to handle massive tweet volume.

Outline core API endpoints like post tweet, get timeline, follow user, etc.
Propose high level architecture - application layer, caching, NoSQL database for storage
Discuss partitioning schemes to handle writes across shards
Optimize timelines for celebrities with high followers using dedicated caches
Scale reads via caching, replication, DB read replicas

Dive into areas like reliability, scaling pain points, and optimizations.

Key Takeaway: Provide system design covering APIs, architecture, partitioning, caching, scale and reliability.

Question: You have millions of users uploading photos. How do you store them efficiently?

Clarify requirements like expected user base, access patterns, and storage limitations
Propose distributed object storage like AWS S3 to manage large volume of unstructured data
Discuss challenges like managing access controls, optimizing latency, handling failures
Suggest optimizations like CDNs for caching, metadata DBs for queries, compression to reduce storage footprint

Emphasize scalability in discussing architecture.

Key Takeaway: Outline architecture to address scale and performance challenges prompted by question.

Question: Given a binary tree, print all root-to-leaf paths.

Traverse the tree recursively, maintaining path in each recursion
Add node to path before recursive call and remove after
When reach a leaf, print accumulated path
Handle formatting output like inserting arrows between nodes

Discuss algorithm complexity and potentially iterative solutions.

Key Takeaway: Walk through key steps in traversal algorithms and handle output formatting.

Chapter 4 - How to Stand Out: 5 Techniques to Impress Amazon Interviewers

Now that you are armed with an understanding of Amazon's interview format, leadership principles, and practice responding to sample questions - let's discuss some pro tips to stand out from the competition.

Implement these strategies to impress your Amazon interviewers and highlight why you are the ideal candidate:

1. Demonstrate Deep Passion for Customer Obsession

Customer obsession is arguably Amazon's number one cultural value. Come ready with vivid stories that demonstrate putting customer needs first.

Frame your background and experience back to examples of delighting customers, solving pain points, and building human centered products.

Ask thoughtful questions around how teams prioritize solving customer problems and gather insights.

Show you live and breathe this principle in all you do.

2. Display Leadership Maturity Beyond Your Years

Interviewers want evidence you can handle ambiguity, make sound decisions, and lead with maturity.

Demonstrate these qualities by highlighting projects or initiatives you drove end-to-end.

Discuss challenges faced pragmatically, rather than complaining or blaming external factors.

Show you can operate autonomously and make shrewd calls in the face of uncertainty.

Come across as unflappable in dealing with stress and obstacles.

3. Balance Smarts with Humility

While intellect and analytical abilities are key, arrogance is a non-starter.

Highlight your capabilities and track record for results without ego or entitlement.

Admit openly when you don't know something rather than trying to fake it.

Embrace mentoring opportunities to showcase you are continually learning.

Check any tendencies towards stubbornness or now-it-all attitudes.

4. Ask Insightful Questions

Interviews go two ways. Asking smart, researched questions impresses interviewers.

Inquire about team challenges, Amazon's future ambitions, org culture, technical architecture, etc.

Focus questions on learning more about the role problems versus just impressing.

Jot down questions as you prep so you enter interviews armed with a list.

5. Demonstrate Alignment with Mission and Values

Interviewers want to know you'll thrive within Amazon's culture.

Do your research to understand Amazon's history, principles, ambitions, and challenges.

Highlight where your skills, values, and priorities align with Amazon's mission.

Get specific on why you are so excited to bring your experience and passion to help Amazon innovate.

Check any misconceptions of Amazon or red flags that contradict their principles.

Sell why this is your dream job aligned with your long term growth.

Implementing these strategies will help you enter interviews with confidence, ace the conversations, and convince Amazon you are mission-focused talent worth investing in.

Chapter 5 - Amazon Interview Preparation Resources

Looking for additional resources to master Amazon's interview process? Here are some recommendations:

Some great books to study include:

Grokking the Coding Interview - Amazon-focused programming interview prep with 200+ practice problems and 5 mock interviews.

Designing Data Intensive Applications - Gives broad and deep technical grounding for system design interviews.

Decode and Conquer - Provides frameworks and practice for approaching case interviews, estimation, and other business prompts.

Online Courses

Recommended online courses include:

Grokking the System Design Interview - Visual course on system design preparation with architecture walkthroughs and coding challenges.

Grokking System Design Fundamentals - Learn system design essentials required for designing scalable and high-performance systems.

Software Engineer Interview Unleashed - Over 21 hours of video focused exclusively on Amazon-specific software engineering interview prep.

Mock Interviews

Some options to get practice include:

Pramp - Free peer mock interviews where you can practice technical prompts and feedback skills.

Interviewing.io - Anonymous mock interviews with senior engineers from top companies like Amazon, then get rated/reviewed.

LeetCode Mock Interview - Structured mock interview platform to practice solving coding challenges with shared editors and voice chat.

The best preparation comes from diligent practice through mock interviews tailored closely to Amazon's actual interview techniques and questions. Leverage these resources to refine your skills.

If you've made it this far - congratulations, you now have exhaustive preparation for nailing the Amazon interview process.

From phone screens to onsite rounds, behavioral prompts to coding challenges, leadership principles to technical architecture - we've covered it all.

You have the knowledge and tools to showcase your experience powerfully while impressing upon interviewers your alignment to Amazon's mission and culture.

Be relentlessly customer focused. Champion high standards. Apply engineering rigor and creativity. Let your passion for innovation shine through.

Keep this preparation guide handy as you practice and refine stories, coding skills, design chops, and communication style.

You are now equipped to master the Amazon interview gauntlet. Go get that offer! Your dream job awaits.

Here are a few more resources on Amazon's tech interview:

System Design Interview Survival Guide (2023): Preparation Strategies and Practical Tips
18 System Design Concepts Every Engineer Must Know Before the Interview.
Ace Your System Design Interview with 7 Must-Read Papers in 2023
Grokking Scalability in System Design

Breaking Down the Amazon Interview Process: Every Stage Explained

Master the Amazon interview with interview.study's guide. Perfect your interview skills, and excel in culture fit evaluations. Confidently tackle case studies, situational tests, and harmonize with Amazon's Leadership Principles effortlessly.

Practice 512 verified interview questions asked at Amazon in the last year.

Introduction

Are you considering applying for a job at one of the world's largest and most successful companies? The Amazon Interview Process can be a daunting experience, but fear not! With the help of our comprehensive Amazon Interview Guide, we will break down every stage of the process and provide you with valuable insights and tips to help you land your dream job at Amazon. From the initial application to the final offer, we've got you covered. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the Amazon Interview Process.

Understanding Amazon's Unique Interview Structure

When it comes to the Amazon Interview Process, it's important to understand the unique structure that sets it apart from other companies. From the initial application to the final offer, Amazon takes a thorough and rigorous approach to selecting its employees. The Amazon Application Process is the first step in this journey. It's essential to create a standout resume and cover letter that highlight your skills, experience, and alignment with Amazon's values. In this section, we will provide you with valuable tips and insights on crafting a resume that catches the attention of recruiters and a cover letter that showcases your passion for the company.

Once your application is reviewed, you may be invited to an Initial Screening at Amazon, which can take the form of a phone interview. We will discuss strategies for acing this stage, including how to prepare, what to expect, and how to effectively communicate your qualifications.

If you successfully pass the initial screening, you will progress to the Onsite Interview stage. This is where the real test begins. You'll face a series of behavioral interview questions and technical assessments that evaluate your problem-solving skills, ability to work in a team, and your knowledge in your respective field. We'll provide you with tips on how to prepare for these interviews, including mock interview practice and understanding Amazon's leadership principles.

Throughout the interview process, it's important to keep Amazon's work culture in mind. This includes showcasing your ability to work in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating customer obsession, and emphasizing your desire to innovate and take ownership of projects. We'll delve deeper into how you can stand out in Amazon's Culture Fit Assessment and align yourself with the company's core values.

After the interview, there's still work to be done. We'll guide you on the best practices for following up with your interviewers, including interview follow-up etiquette and post-interview feedback.

Tips to Effectively Prepare for Each Stage of the Amazon Interview Process

When it comes to the Amazon Interview Process, preparation is key. Each stage of the process requires a different set of skills and strategies to succeed. To help you effectively prepare, we've compiled a list of valuable tips for every stage of the Amazon Interview Process.

Starting with your application, it's important to craft a standout resume that highlights your skills and experience. Make sure to tailor your resume specifically to Amazon and showcase how your qualifications align with the company's values. Our Resume Tips for Amazon will provide you with the guidance you need to create a strong and impactful resume.

Once your resume catches the attention of recruiters, your cover letter becomes your chance to showcase your passion for the company and demonstrate why you are a great fit for Amazon. Our Cover Letter for Amazon tips will help you craft a compelling letter that sets you apart from other candidates.

As you progress through the interview process, you may be invited to a phone interview, also known as the Initial Screening. This is your opportunity to make a strong first impression and effectively communicate your qualifications. Our Phone Interview Strategies will guide you on how to prepare, what to expect, and how to stand out. If you successfully pass the initial screening, you will progress to the Onsite Interview stage. This is where the real test begins. To effectively prepare for this stage, our Onsite Interview Preparation tips will help you navigate the behavioral interview questions and technical assessments that evaluate your problem-solving skills and knowledge in your respective field.

Additionally, we will provide you with valuable insights on Case Study Interviews, Panel Interviews, and understanding Amazon's Hiring Criteria. Knowing what to expect and how to approach these different interview formats will greatly increase your chances of success.

Lastly, we understand that negotiation skills are crucial when it comes to job offers. Our tips on Negotiation Skills for Job Offers will help you navigate the process with confidence and ensure that you are getting the best possible offer.

Overcoming Common Interview Challenges: Turning Weakness into Strength

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when you're faced with challenging questions or asked to talk about your weaknesses. But fear not! In this section, we'll discuss common interview challenges and provide tips on how to turn your weaknesses into strengths. One common challenge is being asked about your weaknesses. Instead of viewing this as a negative, see it as an opportunity to demonstrate self-awareness and growth. Identify an area where you have struggled in the past, but show how you have taken steps to improve. For example, if you struggle with public speaking, you can talk about how you joined a toastmasters club to build your confidence and improve your communication skills. This shows that you are proactive and committed to personal growth.

Another challenge is technical assessments at Amazon. These assessments can be intimidating, but the key is preparation. Review the job description and requirements thoroughly, and make sure you understand the technical skills needed. Practice solving similar problems and familiarize yourself with relevant tools and technologies. Additionally, don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you don't understand a question. Demonstrating your problem-solving skills and ability to learn quickly can outweigh any technical gaps you may have.

Preparing for panel interviews is also a challenge many job seekers face. In a panel interview, you'll be facing multiple interviewers, each with their own questions and perspectives. To overcome this challenge, practice answering questions in a clear and concise manner. Focus on addressing each interviewer individually while still maintaining a cohesive and engaging response. Pay attention to body language and maintain eye contact with each person, showing that you can handle multiple stakeholders.

Dressing appropriately for an interview is another challenge. Amazon has a unique dress code, with a casual and relaxed environment. However, this doesn't mean you should show up in jeans and a t-shirt. Aim for business casual attire, which shows professionalism while still being comfortable. Research the company's culture and dress code expectations beforehand to make a good impression.

Decoding Amazon's Leadership Principles and Their Role in Your Interview

When it comes to the Amazon Interview Process, understanding and aligning with Amazon's Leadership Principles is key to success. These principles are a set of guidelines that Amazon uses to assess candidates and determine their fit within the company's culture. By decoding these principles and incorporating them into your interview responses, you can showcase your ability to thrive in Amazon's unique work environment. The first step in decoding Amazon's Leadership Principles is to familiarize yourself with them. Amazon has 16 leadership principles, including "Customer Obsession," "Ownership," "Bias for Action," and "Invent and Simplify." Each principle represents a core value that Amazon looks for in its employees. Take the time to understand what each principle means and how it applies to the role you are interviewing for.

During your interview, you will likely be asked behavioral interview questions that relate to these principles. For example, you may be asked to describe a situation where you demonstrated customer obsession or took ownership of a project. By providing specific examples that highlight these principles, you can show the interviewer that you not only understand the principles but also embody them in your work.

In addition to understanding the principles, it can be helpful to seek interview tips from current or former Amazon employees. They can provide insights into how the principles are valued within the company and offer guidance on how to effectively incorporate them into your interview responses. Learning from their experiences can give you a competitive edge and help you stand out as a strong candidate.

While it's important to focus on showcasing your alignment with Amazon's Leadership Principles, it's also essential to avoid common interview mistakes. For example, don't simply memorize the principles and regurgitate them in your responses. Instead, provide concrete examples and stories that demonstrate how you have applied these principles in your past experiences. Additionally, avoid generic or vague answers. Instead, be specific and provide details that show the depth of your understanding and commitment to these principles.

Successfully Navigating Case Study Questions and On-the-job Scenario Tests

Successfully navigating case study questions and on-the-job scenario tests is a crucial part of the Amazon Interview Process. These assessments are designed to evaluate your problem-solving skills and ability to apply your knowledge in real-life situations. To help you excel in this stage of the process, we have compiled some valuable tips and insights. First and foremost, it is important to thoroughly understand the case study or scenario you are presented with. Take the time to read and analyze the information provided, identifying key issues and potential solutions. Consider different perspectives and approaches to the problem at hand, and think critically about the implications of each option.

When responding to case study questions or on-the-job scenario tests, it is essential to clearly articulate your thought process and reasoning. Explain the steps you would take to address the problem, and provide evidence-based solutions. Demonstrate your ability to think logically and analytically, while also considering the broader implications and impact of your decisions.

Another important aspect of successfully navigating case study questions is effective time management. These assessments are often time-limited, so it is crucial to prioritize your efforts and allocate your time accordingly. Focus on the most critical aspects of the problem and allocate sufficient time to develop well-thought-out responses.

Finally, remember to avoid common interview mistakes when responding to case study questions. Avoid jumping to conclusions or making assumptions without sufficient evidence. Instead, gather all relevant information and evaluate it objectively before formulating your response. Additionally, be sure to communicate your ideas clearly and concisely, avoiding jargon or overly technical language.

How to Stand Out in Amazon’s Culture Fit Assessment

When it comes to the Amazon Interview Process, one crucial stage that can make or break your chances of landing a job is the Culture Fit Assessment. Amazon places great importance on finding candidates who not only have the necessary skills and experience but also align with the company's unique culture. In this section, we will provide you with valuable tips on how to stand out and excel in Amazon's Culture Fit Assessment.

First and foremost, it's essential to thoroughly research and understand Amazon's culture. Take the time to delve into the company's core values and leadership principles. This will not only help you align your own values with Amazon's but also allow you to demonstrate your understanding and appreciation for their culture during the assessment.

One important tip to remember is to be yourself. Authenticity is key in Amazon's Culture Fit Assessment. Don't try to mold yourself into what you think Amazon is looking for. Instead, showcase your genuine self and let your unique qualities and experiences shine through. Amazon values diversity and individuality, so don't be afraid to be different and stand out. Additionally, demonstrate your ability to work in a fast-paced and innovative environment. Show your passion for innovation, your willingness to take ownership of projects, and your drive to constantly improve and find new solutions. Amazon is known for its customer obsession, so emphasize your dedication to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Finally, be mindful of the common interview mistakes to avoid during the Culture Fit Assessment. These include being too vague or generic in your responses, not providing concrete examples, and failing to demonstrate a genuine passion for the company and its culture. Take the time to prepare and practice your answers, ensuring that they are thoughtful, specific, and highlight your fit with Amazon's values.

Following up After Your Amazon Interview: Dos and Don’ts

Following up after your Amazon interview is a crucial step in the process that can help you stand out from other candidates and leave a lasting impression on the hiring team. In this section, we will discuss some dos and don’ts to guide you through the follow-up process. First and foremost, do send a thank-you email or note within 24-48 hours of your interview. This simple gesture shows your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and allows you to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Be sure to personalize your message and mention specific aspects of the interview that stood out to you.

Another important do is to reiterate your interest in the position. Use the follow-up email as an opportunity to reinforce your excitement about the role and highlight why you believe you would be a great fit. This can help reinforce your candidacy in the minds of the interviewers and demonstrate your dedication to the opportunity.

When it comes to the don’ts of following up after your Amazon interview, avoid being pushy or overly persistent. While it's important to express your interest, bombarding the hiring team with multiple emails or phone calls can come across as desperate and unprofessional. It's best to give them some time to make a decision and reach out if they have any further questions or updates.

Additionally, don't expect an immediate response. The hiring process can take time, and the interviewers may have a lot on their plate. Be patient and allow them the necessary time to evaluate all candidates and make a decision.

Dealing with Rejection and Tips on Reapplying at Amazon

Dealing with rejection is a tough pill to swallow, but it's a common part of the job search process. If you receive a rejection from Amazon, it's important to remember that it doesn't mean you aren't qualified or capable. Sometimes, there are simply more qualified candidates or factors beyond your control that influenced the decision. Instead of dwelling on the rejection, use it as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

One of the first steps to dealing with rejection is to take some time to reflect on your performance during the interview process. Assess your strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas where you can improve. Take the feedback from the interviewers, if available, and use it to further develop your skills and expertise. This self-reflection can help you grow as a candidate and be better prepared for future interviews.

Additionally, don't be afraid to reach out for feedback or clarification. If you received a rejection without any explanation, it's okay to politely request feedback to help you understand where you may have fallen short. This feedback can be invaluable in identifying areas for improvement and tailoring your approach in future interviews.

When it comes to reapplying at Amazon, timing is key. Give yourself enough time to work on your skills and gather new experiences that align with the role you are interested in. Use the feedback and insights gained from your previous interview to strengthen your application. Revise your resume, cover letter, and any other application materials to highlight your growth and development.

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amazon case interview questions

An in-depth guide about how to prepare to answer Amazon interview questions from two ex-Amazon hiring managers (and one Bar Raiser).

This guide will show you how to prepare for behavioural interview questions at Amazon. Our recommendations are based on our experience with thousands of candidate interviews and coaching sessions (both while we were at Amazon and after starting Day One Careers).

At the end of this guide, we offer a vetted Amazon interview questions list, but we encourage you to read through the entire guide. While we cannot guarantee that you will get a job, following this guide will increase your chances of landing the offer.

Evgeny Bik and Gayle Gallagher (GG), co-founders of Day One Careers , wrote this guide. GG spent five years at Amazon as a senior leader in Prime Video and Amazon Fresh in the UK. Evgeny spent over three years at Amazon as a senior leader in Amazon Launchpad and Amazon Devices in Europe. In addition, GG and Evgeny were Hiring Managers and interviewers for their teams and partner organizations.

In addition, GG was a qualified Amazon Bar Raiser – an independent decision-maker with veto power over the hiring manager in the Amazon interview process. GG and Evgeny had careers in multi-national Tech, FMCG and Retail companies before joining Amazon.

Finally, after leaving Amazon, Evgeny spent one year at Apple as an eCommerce lead in IMMEA (Apples developing markets organization).

We created Day One Careers to provide everyone with expert Amazon interview preparation resources. Were incredibly proud of our free and paid resources, and we encourage you to explore our blog and YouTube channel for more expert guidance.

You can check out our LinkedIn profiles if youd like to learn more about our career paths: GGs profile and Evgenys profile .

Amazon Case Study

Amazon Case Study Interview: Everything You Need to Know

If you are preparing for an upcoming Amazon case interview, we have you covered. In this comprehensive Amazon case interview guide, we’ll cover:

What is an Amazon case study interview
Why Amazon uses case study interviews
The 6 steps to ace any Amazon case interview
Resources to prepare for your Amazon case interview

What is an Amazon Case Study Interview?

The business problems that you’ll be given in an Amazon case study interview will likely be real challenges that Amazon faces today:

How can Amazon improve customer retention for their Amazon Prime subscription service?
How can Amazon improve its digital streaming service?
How can Amazon increase ad revenues from merchant sellers?
How should Amazon deal with fake products among its product listings?
How can Amazon Web Services outcompete Microsoft Azure?

Depending on what team at Amazon you are interviewing for, you may be given a business problem that is relevant to that specific team.

How to Answer Amazon Interview Questions

While you could just jump into the fray, memorize a few Amazon interview questions, and be done with it, that’s not the best way to go about things. Sure, you might be ready to handle specific questions. But, if something unexpected comes up, you might be caught flatfooted. No one wants that.

With the right techniques and overall strategy, you can face off against unanticipated questions. Now, exactly how you need to prepare can and will be a bit nuanced. After all, there is a slew of positions at Amazon, and each one involves something different.

How do you make sure you’re ready for YOUR Amazon interview?

Start by reading the job description for the position. In that handful of paragraphs, you’ll find a ton of specific, actionable information about what the hiring manager is looking for in a perfect candidate.

For example, the list of must-have skills you find on most job descriptions reflects their priorities. Those keywords or qualities you see over and over? Yeah, those fall into that category, too.

Without a doubt, you can expect to have to speak about your capabilities in those areas, so reflect on your abilities and think about relevant examples from your work history that you can describe. That way, you can discuss your capabilities with ease.

Now, you may be headed for an interview at a traditional department store. If you’re curious about what those interview questions look like, head over to our articles on Kohl’s or Best Buy. Otherwise, here’s how to prepare for behavioral questions at Amazon!

How to Solve Amazon Case Study

Solving Amazon case study questions is not difficult if you know how to approach them. Here are strategies for solving Amazon case study questions:

Case question: The company wants to acquire a small business and aspire to improve net profits from $3,000 to $6,000 within a month. How do you think we can achieve this?

What are the questions asked in Amazon interview?

What would you do if you found out your closest friend at work was stealing? …
Describe your most difficult customer and how you handled it. …
Tell me about a time you were 75 percent through a project and had to pivot quickly. …
Behavioral questions. …
Leadership questions.

Does Amazon do case studies?

How do you prepare for a case interview?

Listen to the interviewer and ask questions. …
Structure the problem and form a framework. …
Think before speaking. …
Focus on high-impact issues. …
Generate a hypothesis and explore options creatively. …
Demonstrate business judgment. …
Make quick and accurate calculations.

What are case questions in an interview?

The case interview is a scenario modeled after a real business or management problem. Candidates are asked to analyze a problem and provide a solution based on the information given .

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Amazon Business Analyst Interview Guide

Careerflow Team

Are you ready for an exhilarating career that blends challenge and reward in equal measure? If so, look no further than the role of a business analyst. This dynamic profession offers professionals like you the unparalleled opportunity to wield influence over the success of organizations and drive meaningful change. And there's no better place to unleash your potential than at Amazon😎, a global powerhouse that's reshaping the world we live in.

A career as a business analyst is both challenging and rewarding, offering professionals the opportunity to make a significant impact on the success of organizations. If you possess a keen analytical mindset, a knack for solving complex problems, and an unwavering desire to fuel business growth, a career as an Amazon Business Analyst could be your gateway to unprecedented success.

This guide will provide you with valuable insights into the interview process specifically tailored for the role of a Business Analyst at Amazon. From the skills and qualifications they are looking for to the types of questions you can expect, we've got you covered.

So, let's dive in and get ready to ace your Amazon Business Analyst interview😇!

Essential Skills and Qualifications for a Successful Amazon Business Analyst

In the fast-paced world of Amazon, the work of a business analyst is critical to making informed decisions, gaining strategic insights, and achieving revolutionary growth. Amazon's business analysts are data navigators, analyzing fine patterns to discover opportunities and catalyze change. Let us delve into the series of their responsibilities, the resonance of their impact, and the dynamic environment in which they should work.

Qualifications of an Amazon Business Analyst

Amazon looks for candidates with a combination of business knowledge, strong technical skills, analytical abilities, and good communication and interpersonal skills for business analyst roles. A relevant degree, certification, and work experience are also important requirements.

To become a business analyst at Amazon, you typically need:

A bachelor's degree in business administration, information systems, computer science, or a related field. An MBA or higher degree is also preferred.
2-5 years of experience as a business analyst. Analyst roles in IT consulting firms, banks, and FMCG industries are a good start.
Strong technological skills. Knowledge of business applications like ERPs, CRM tools, etc. Proficiency in coding ( at least the basics of SQL, and Python) is desirable.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to interact with clients, understand their needs, and translate them into technical requirements.
Analytical and problem-solving abilities. Ability to analyze processes, gather and evaluate information to determine system requirements.
Attention to detail. Ability to document processes, requirements and analyze data accurately.
Organizational and time management skills. Capability to prioritize and manage several tasks at the same time.

Unveiling the Responsibilities and Key Functions

Their responsibilities encompass a range of functions, including:

Data Mining and Analysis : Skillfully extracting data to uncover hidden trends, correlations, and anomalies that can drive valuable business insights.
Forecasting and Modeling : Utilizing statistical methods and predictive modeling to project future scenarios and guide strategic planning.
Performance Evaluation : Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of existing strategies and identify areas for improvement.
Market Research : Studying market trends, customer behavior, and industry landscapes to provide a competitive edge.
Collaboration and Communication : Acting as a conduit between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders, translating complex findings into comprehensible language.

How to Crack Amazon Business Analyst Interview

Amazon follows a rigorous interview process for business analyst roles with 3 rounds:

Round 1: Resume Shortlist Round

The Amazon Business Analyst interview process starts with shortlisting the resume. Your resume and cover letter play an important role in getting shortlisted for the interview. Ensure your resume is tailored to the role, and highlights your relevant experience, key skills, and accomplishments. A good cover letter shows your interest, matches the job requirements, and communicates your strengths.

📢 Bonus Tip: Careerflow's resume review service and AI cover letter generator can help you create customized, ATS-optimized, and error-free documents that highlight your skills and experience for the business analyst role at Amazon.

Also Read: Top 5 Best Job Search Tools 2023

What to Add to Amazon Business Analyst Resume?

Profile/Summary: Briefly mention your experience, skills, and job objective in an impactful way.

Example: Dedicated Business Analyst with 4 years of experience improving processes and developing solutions to meet business objectives.

Core Competencies: Highlight 5-7 most relevant skills for the role. Provide quantitative metrics where possible.
Data Analysis - Identified issues through data analysis, reducing operational costs by 20%.
Process Improvement - Optimized workflows, reducing processing time by 30%.
Requirements Gathering - Clarified requirements through interviews, minimizing revision requests by 50%.
Technical Expertise: List 2-3 technical skills like software, tools, and methods.

Example: Experienced in tools like SQL, Tableau, Visio, and agile methodologies like Scrum and Kanban. Understanding of system architecture and design principles.

Certification: Mention all your certifications.

Example: Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, AWS Certified Developer – Associate, etc.

Communication: Mention how you communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Example: Present findings and recommendations to teams using reports, demonstrations, and workflow diagrams. Partner with business units to drive change initiatives and gain adoption.

Round 2: Technical Round

This round tests your technical skills like proficiency in tools/applications, database concepts, data analysis, ability to understand business requirements, etc. There will be case study questions, system design questions, and coding exercises (for some roles).

The technical rounds in an Amazon Business Analyst interview typically assess the following areas:

Database Concepts and SQL Skills: You will likely be asked SQL queries to test your knowledge of SQL, database concepts, and best practices. Expect questions on subqueries, joins, indexes, aggregations, self-joins, and normal forms.

Sample Amazon Business Analyst SQL Interview Questions:

Write a SQL query to find the 3rd highest salary from an employee table.
Write a SQL query to find products with the highest revenue in each product group from a sales fact table and product dimension.
What are the different types of SQL subqueries? Give examples.
Explain the difference between a merge transformation and a union all transformation.
What is a clustered index? Explain its benefits.

Data Analysis and Visualization: You may be asked questions to evaluate your experience with tools like Tableau, Excel, or others. They may ask you to explain how you have used these tools in prior roles.

Sample Amazon Data Analysis and Visualization Interview Questions:

What tools have you used for data analysis and visualization? Give examples of projects where you used them.
Explain how normalization helps in data analysis.
What are the different types of data visualizations? Give examples.
What is the difference between descriptive and predictive analytics?
Explain how dashboards help in decision-making. Share an example of a dashboard you have created.

Data Engineering: Questions may cover ETL processes, and data warehousing concepts like star schema, snowflake schema, and clustered indexes. They want to see your familiarity with data pipelines.

Sample Amazon Data Engineering Interview Questions:

What is the difference between a star schema and a snowflake schema?
Explain the Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) process with an example.
What are the challenges in integrating data from multiple sources? How do you overcome them?
Explain the term clustered index with an example.
What are the different types of data warehouses? Compare and contrast them.

Statistical Analysis and Logic: You may get questions on statistical measures like mean, median, mode, standard deviation, etc. Some logic and problem-solving questions can also test your analytical abilities.

Sample Amazon Statistical Analysis and Logic InterviewQuestions:

Compute the mean, median, and mode for a positively skewed distribution. How are they related?
What are the two absolute measures of dispersion? Explain them.
Calculate the number of smaller cubes that are completely invisible in a 6 6 6 Rubik's cube.
Determine the standard deviation from the given data set: [5,9,4,2,6,10].
If the mean of 4 numbers is 12 and their sum is 44, find the 4 numbers.

Use Case Questions: Expect questions that present a business scenario and ask you to determine relevant metrics, key data sources, or recommendations to improve processes. These test your thought process and approach.

Sample Amazon Use Case Interview Questions:

A customer finds an item in Amazon's catalog but it's currently out of stock. What metrics and data sources would you recommend to improve stock replenishment and reduce out-of-stock incidents?
Amazon recently launched a new product line. How would you measure the success of this launch and what key metrics would you recommend tracking?
Amazon's delivery timelines have increased over the last quarter. What factors could you investigate to identify the root cause and how would you recommend improving delivery times?
Amazon's refund rate for a particular product category is higher than average. What metrics would help pinpoint the reason and how would you recommend reducing unnecessary refunds?
Orders from mobile app users have been declining. What metrics and key performance indicators would you track to understand the reason and formulate solutions?

Product Insight: Amazon may ask questions to gauge your understanding of their business model, products, and industry trends to evaluate your domain knowledge.

Sample Amazon Product Insight Interview Questions:

What are some of the latest trends in e-commerce that Amazon should take note of? How could they leverage these trends?
Amazon recently acquired Whole Foods. What product recommendations or strategies would you suggest to better integrate the grocery business within Amazon's portfolio?
Amazon is planning to expand its grocery delivery service. What metrics would help measure the success of this initiative?
Amazon is looking to launch a new subscription service for business customers. How would you recommend determining the pricing for such a service?
Amazon recently launched Amazon Go, a cashier-less convenience store. What are some of the key challenges they may face in scaling up this innovation? How would you suggest overcoming these challenges?

Overall, the technical rounds focus on hands-on skills and real-world experience more than theoretical knowledge. They want to see how you have applied concepts to identify issues, recommend solutions, and drive improvements through analysis and metrics.

🔔 Important Note: The provided questions above are mere samples, and there is no guarantee that the exact same questions will appear in the interview. The interview questions could differ based on the latest technologies and advancements. Stay prepared for a diverse range of inquiries.

Round 3: HR / Behavioral Round

This assesses your soft skills, behavioral competencies, and cultural fit for the role. Expect questions about leadership skills, problem-solving approach, communication skills, previous work experience, and responsibilities.

When it comes to Amazon's Behavioural Interview, the questions may take varied forms, yet the essence of each question would direct to Amazon's leadership principles and remains consistent throughout. This consistency serves as your guiding light while crafting responses that align seamlessly with Amazon's values.

For every leadership principle, remember that the key lies in weaving a narrative that epitomizes each principle. Here's an illustrative approach:

Consumer Obsession: Used consumer feedback and pain points to create a better product or process.
Dive Deep: Solved a complex problem by diving headfirst into it.
Action Bias: Prioritised action and initiative for various initiatives.
Ownership: A project in which you went above and beyond the intended scope.
Earning Trust: This entails resolving a disagreement among team members and developing a positive relationship with clients.
Invent and Simplify: A project in which you improved the efficiency of a system.

Remember that the interviewer will never inform you that he/she is asking you a leadership question, so be prepared to respond when you are asked one.

Sample Questions:

Describe a difficult decision you had to make in a previous role as a Business Analyst. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?
Share an instance when you found yourself at odds with your team's perspective. How did you navigate this situation and ensure collaboration despite differences?
Can you narrate a time when a project you were involved in faced a deadline delay? How did you manage the situation and ensure project success?
Describe a scenario where you encountered a complex problem with no clear solution. How did you approach this challenge and make progress?
Tell us about a project or task that didn't go as planned. What did you learn from this experience, and how did you adapt for future success?
Share an example of a time when you proactively identified an opportunity for improvement in a process or project. How did you initiate change?
Can you elaborate on a situation where you motivated your team members or colleagues to exceed expectations? How did you go about inspiring them?
Describe a project where you delegated tasks to team members and it resulted in a significant accomplishment. How did you manage the delegation process?
Share an experience when you mentored someone to enhance their skills or knowledge. How did this mentorship contribute to their growth and development?
Describe a situation where you had to work on a project that faced unexpected changes or uncertainties. How did you adapt your approach and ensure the project's success despite the challenges?

🔔 Important Note: Remember, in behavioral interviews, it's crucial to structure your responses using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. This format helps you provide context, showcase your actions, and highlight the outcomes of your experiences. Aligning your answers with Amazon's Leadership Principles will further demonstrate your suitability for the role of a Business Analyst within Amazon.

To excel in an Amazon Business Analyst interview, it is crucial to thoroughly prepare and understand the requirements of the role. This guide has provided a concise overview of the essential aspects to focus on. From understanding the principles of data analysis to showcasing your problem-solving skills, it is important to demonstrate your ability to analyze complex data sets and provide actionable insights. Additionally, highlighting your knowledge of Amazon's business model and emphasizing your experience in conducting thorough market research can greatly enhance your chances of success. By thoroughly preparing for the interview, you can confidently showcase your skills and increase your chances of securing a position as an Amazon Business Analyst.

Why waste your valuable weekend hours watching films💻 when you may use just one day to pave the way to your dream role? Redirect your attention, read this guide, and propel yourself toward that sought position!

Your future success is waiting for you; take it now✨!

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30 Amazon Business Analyst Interview Questions and Answers

Common Amazon Business Analyst interview questions, how to answer them, and example answers from a certified career coach.

There’s no denying the significance of a business analyst in today’s data-driven world, and when it comes to tech giants like Amazon, the role becomes even more critical. As an aspiring Amazon Business Analyst, you are expected to decode complex data and translate it into actionable insights that can drive business decisions. The interview process will be designed to assess not just your analytical skills, but also your ability to navigate ambiguity and communicate effectively.

In this article, we’ll delve into some of the most commonly asked questions during an Amazon Business Analyst interview. We’ll provide potential answers and guidance on how to approach these questions, helping you showcase your capabilities and make a lasting impression.

1. How have you used data analysis to drive business decisions in the past?

Digging deep into the heart of data and extracting relevant insights to influence business strategies is a key part of any business analyst’s job. Hiring managers want to understand how you’ve used these skills in the past to drive successful business decisions. They want to see if you can effectively analyze data, interpret it and use those findings to make informed, strategic decisions that benefit the business. This question helps them gauge your ability to turn complex data into actionable strategies.

Example: “In my experience, data analysis is crucial for making informed business decisions. For instance, at one point our company was experiencing a significant drop in sales. I used data analysis to identify the root cause by examining customer behavior, market trends and internal operations.

Upon analyzing, I discovered that our product pricing was not competitive enough in the market. We readjusted our prices based on this insight which led to an increase in sales. This example demonstrates how data analysis can directly impact decision-making and drive business growth.”

2. In what ways have you utilized SQL or other database management tools professionally?

The essence of being a business analyst, particularly in a data-driven environment like Amazon, is the ability to extract, manipulate, and analyze data to make informed business decisions. SQL and other database management tools are fundamental in performing these tasks. Therefore, hiring managers are interested in your experience with these tools, as it gives them a sense of your ability to handle the technical aspects of the role.

Example: “In my experience, I’ve used SQL extensively to extract and analyze data. For instance, I’ve written complex queries for generating reports that helped in decision making.

I also have experience with database management tools like MySQL Workbench and Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio. These tools were instrumental in managing databases, tuning performance, and debugging issues.

Moreover, I’ve utilized ETL processes for integrating data from multiple sources into a centralized system. This was particularly useful in creating comprehensive dashboards.

Overall, these experiences have honed my skills in handling large datasets and deriving insights from them.”

3. Describe an occasion where your analytical insight led to a significant improvement.

As an Amazon Business Analyst, your key responsibility is to provide meaningful insights from data to drive improvements. Hiring managers want to know that you can not only analyze data, but also translate it into actionable strategies that can make a real difference to the company. This question gives you the chance to demonstrate your analytical abilities, your problem-solving skills, and your impact on past projects or roles.

Example: “In a previous project, I noticed our marketing campaigns weren’t performing well due to poor targeting. Using my analytical skills, I segmented our customer base into different groups based on their purchasing behavior and preferences.

I then recommended personalized marketing strategies for each segment. This approach improved the effectiveness of our campaigns by 30% and increased overall customer engagement significantly.”

4. What strategies do you employ for handling large datasets and ensuring accuracy?

Amazon operates on massive amounts of data. As a Business Analyst, your responsibility would involve analyzing large datasets to extract insights and make business recommendations. Therefore, hiring managers want to ensure that you have the skills to manage these large datasets, maintain data integrity, and draw accurate conclusions. This is why they ask about your strategies for handling and ensuring the accuracy of data.

Example: “To handle large datasets, I employ strategies like data sampling and partitioning. Sampling helps to reduce the size of the dataset while maintaining its representativeness. Partitioning allows for parallel processing which can greatly speed up analysis.

For ensuring accuracy, I use techniques such as cross-validation and anomaly detection. Cross-validation helps in assessing how well a model will generalize to an independent dataset. Anomaly detection identifies outliers that might skew results or indicate errors.

In terms of software, I am proficient with SQL for database management and Python libraries such as Pandas and NumPy for data manipulation and analysis. These tools are essential for handling big data efficiently and accurately.”

5. Share an experience of using predictive modeling to solve a complex problem.

Amazon, like many tech-forward companies, relies heavily on predictive modeling to anticipate trends, optimize operations, and solve complex problems. As a business analyst, your ability to use these tools effectively will be critical. This question can help gauge your experience, creativity, and effectiveness in using predictive modeling to drive informed business decisions.

Example: “In my previous role, we were facing a high churn rate of customers. To address this, I developed a predictive model using customer data. This included their browsing behavior, purchase history, and feedback.

I used logistic regression to predict the likelihood of a customer leaving. The model highlighted several key variables such as frequency of purchases and satisfaction ratings that significantly influenced customer retention.

We implemented strategies targeting these areas which resulted in a 15% decrease in churn rate over six months. This experience showed me how powerful predictive modeling can be in solving complex business problems.”

6. How would you approach a situation where stakeholders had conflicting requirements?

Being an analyst often means being a mediator. In this role, you’ll often find yourself in situations where stakeholders have different, and sometimes conflicting, requirements or visions for a project. Your interviewer wants to know if you have the diplomacy, negotiation skills, and strategic thinking required to navigate these situations and come up with a solution that satisfies all parties involved.

Example: “In a situation where stakeholders have conflicting requirements, I would first ensure I fully understand each stakeholder’s perspective. Then, I’d facilitate a meeting with all involved parties to openly discuss the issues and potential solutions.

Using data analysis skills, I’d present objective insights on how different decisions might impact the business goals. This approach often helps in finding common ground or compromise.

If conflicts persist, prioritizing based on strategic alignment, feasibility, and impact can be beneficial. It’s essential to maintain open communication throughout this process to manage expectations effectively.”

7. Which BI tools are you most proficient with and why?

A key element of a Business Analyst’s role involves leveraging Business Intelligence (BI) tools to gather, analyze, and present data. Amazon, like many other companies, uses these tools to make data-driven decisions that drive the business forward. Therefore, understanding your proficiency with these tools gives the interviewer insight into your ability to effectively harness data and contribute to informed decision-making processes.

Example: “I am most proficient with Tableau and Power BI.

Tableau is a powerful tool that allows me to create detailed, interactive visualizations. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to use, yet it’s robust enough to handle complex data sets. I’ve used it extensively for data exploration and storytelling.

Power BI, on the other hand, excels in creating comprehensive dashboards and reports. It has strong integration with other Microsoft products which enhances its capabilities. I frequently utilize it for building automated reports and performing advanced analytics.

Both tools are instrumental in making data-driven decisions, aligning well with Amazon’s customer-centric approach.”

8. Detail a time when you successfully communicated technical information to non-technical team members.

As an Amazon Business Analyst, one of your key responsibilities will be translating complex data into understandable insights for different stakeholders, including those without technical backgrounds. The ability to communicate technical information effectively is vital in ensuring everyone on the team is on the same page and can make informed decisions. Hence, interviewers want to know if you have the ability to bridge that gap and simplify complex information for everyone’s understanding.

Example: “In a previous project, our team was implementing a new data management system. I was responsible for explaining the benefits and functionality to non-technical stakeholders.

I broke down complex concepts into simple analogies related to everyday experiences. For example, I compared database indexing to a library’s catalog system, making it easier for them to understand its efficiency.

To ensure clarity, I used visual aids like flowcharts and diagrams. I also encouraged questions and provided real-time demonstrations of the system. This interactive approach helped in successful communication and adoption of the new system by all team members.”

9. Have you ever faced resistance when implementing a change based on your analysis? If so, how did you handle it?

Change is hard for many, and not everyone will be thrilled with new processes or strategies, even if data supports the change. This question is designed to assess your soft skills—specifically, your ability to navigate resistance and influence others. As a business analyst, you’re not only expected to analyze data and make recommendations, but to also champion those recommendations and help guide stakeholders through the transition.

Example: “Yes, I have faced resistance when implementing change based on my analysis. The key is to communicate effectively, explaining the rationale behind the proposed changes and how they align with business objectives.

In one instance, there was pushback from a team who felt their current processes were efficient. I arranged a meeting to present my data-driven insights and show them potential improvements.

I also encouraged open dialogue for concerns and suggestions. By acknowledging their apprehensions and involving them in the process, we could reach a consensus. This approach not only facilitated the implementation but also fostered a culture of data-driven decision making.”

10. How familiar are you with Amazon’s retail analytics platform?

As an Amazon Business Analyst, you’re expected to have a deep understanding of the tools and platforms that the company uses to track and analyze performance. Amazon’s retail analytics platform is a critical part of this system, and your familiarity with it can indicate how quickly you’ll be able to get up to speed and start making meaningful contributions to the team.

Example: “I have extensive experience with Amazon’s retail analytics platform. I am proficient in using the various tools to analyze sales data, track product performance, and forecast future trends.

My expertise lies in interpreting complex data sets and translating them into actionable insights. This includes understanding key metrics like conversion rates, average order value, and customer lifetime value.

Moreover, I’m adept at leveraging these insights to drive business strategies, optimize operations, and improve customer experiences. My ability to use this platform effectively will be beneficial in making informed decisions for Amazon’s retail sector.”

11. What metrics would you consider critical in assessing the performance of an e-commerce business like Amazon?

The essence of being a Business Analyst is understanding the metrics that drive business success. In the e-commerce world, especially for a giant like Amazon, these metrics are integral to strategic decision making. By asking this question, the interviewer wants to gauge your understanding of key performance indicators in the e-commerce industry and how well you can use them to analyze business performance.

Example: “Key metrics for assessing the performance of an e-commerce business like Amazon include:

1. Conversion Rate: This measures the percentage of visitors who complete a purchase, indicating the effectiveness of marketing and site design.

2. Average Order Value (AOV): AOV tracks the average amount spent each time a customer places an order, providing insights into pricing strategy and product mix.

3. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): CAC calculates the total cost to acquire a new customer, which is vital for budgeting and profitability analysis.

4. Churn Rate: This shows the rate at which customers stop doing business with Amazon, helping in understanding customer loyalty and satisfaction.

5. Gross Margin: It’s essential to understand how much profit is made after deducting the costs directly associated with making and delivering products.

6. Net Promoter Score (NPS): NPS gauges customer satisfaction and loyalty by asking if they would recommend the company to others.”

12. How comfortable are you working with cross-functional teams remotely?

As a business analyst for a global company like Amazon, you will often work with teams spread across different locations and time zones. The hiring manager wants to ensure that you can effectively collaborate, communicate, and manage projects with people who may not be in the same office—or even the same continent—as you. Demonstrating your ability to do so could make you a more attractive candidate, particularly in an increasingly remote work environment.

Example: “I am very comfortable working with cross-functional teams remotely. I believe effective communication and collaboration tools are key to successful remote work.

In my experience, regular check-ins and clear expectations help maintain a smooth workflow. I also find it important to respect different time zones when scheduling meetings.

Understanding each team member’s role contributes to the overall project success. This allows us to leverage our strengths and support each other in areas of improvement.

Overall, I view remote teamwork as an opportunity for growth and learning. It encourages adaptability and enhances problem-solving skills, both essential in today’s dynamic business environment.”

13. Illustrate your process for conducting A/B testing.

Nailing down the specifics of your approach to A/B testing is crucial in the world of business analysis. The hiring team wants to know that you have a solid understanding of how to conduct these tests to optimize the performance of the company’s products or services. Your answer will demonstrate your skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making, which are all vital for success in this role.

Example: “A/B testing is a crucial part of decision making. My process begins with identifying the problem or feature to test, followed by formulating a clear hypothesis.

Next, I ensure that we have a representative sample size for accurate results. The A group receives the current version while the B group gets the new variant.

Data collection comes next, where key metrics are tracked and analyzed. It’s important to run the test long enough to get statistically significant results.

After analysis, if the new variant outperforms the existing one based on our success metric, then it’s implemented. If not, insights from the experiment help refine future tests. This iterative process ensures continuous improvement.”

14. How would you manage tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality output?

As an Amazon business analyst, you’ll likely be juggling multiple projects with competing deadlines. It’s essential to be able to deliver high-quality work within a tight timeframe. Hiring managers want to understand your time management skills, how you prioritize tasks, and how you maintain attention to detail under pressure. It’s about your ability to work efficiently without compromising the quality of your output.

Example: “Managing tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality output requires a blend of effective planning, prioritization, and communication. I would start by breaking down the project into manageable tasks, estimating the time required for each task.

Prioritizing these tasks is crucial; focusing on those that are most critical to the project’s success first. Utilizing tools like Gantt charts or project management software can help visualize progress and identify potential bottlenecks.

Good communication within the team and stakeholders ensures everyone understands their responsibilities and deadlines. Regular check-ins allow for adjustments if necessary.

Lastly, it’s important to maintain a balance and avoid burnout. This means taking breaks when needed and ensuring a healthy work-life balance. High quality work isn’t sustainable without it.”

15. Share an instance where you identified a trend before it became apparent to others.

The essence of a Business Analyst’s role is to identify trends, patterns, and make predictions that can help shape strategic decisions for the organization. When an interviewer asks this question, they want to assess your analytical skills, your ability to anticipate changes, and how proactive you are in leveraging these insights for business advantage.

Example: “In my previous role, I was analyzing customer purchase data and noticed a slight but consistent increase in the sales of eco-friendly products. This trend wasn’t apparent at first glance due to its gradual nature. However, by using predictive analytics tools, I projected that this upward trend would continue based on current consumer behavior patterns.

I presented these findings to the management team, suggesting we should invest more in our range of eco-friendly products. They took note of my analysis and made strategic adjustments accordingly. Within a few months, the demand for such products increased significantly, proving the accuracy of my prediction.”

16. How would you handle a situation where your data analysis contradicts intuition or popular belief?

Data doesn’t lie, but it can certainly surprise us or challenge our preconceived notions. As a business analyst, your role is to interpret the data, not to confirm what people already believe. This question is about testing your integrity and your ability to stand by your data analysis, even when it’s controversial or unexpected. It also probes your skills in communicating complex data insights in a digestible way to stakeholders who might be resistant to change.

Example: “In such a situation, I would first verify the methodology and data sources used for my analysis. If everything checks out, I’d present the findings with transparency, providing all relevant details.

It’s essential to communicate that data is objective and sometimes challenges our preconceived notions or popular belief. Encouraging a culture of data-driven decision making can help in these situations.

Moreover, it could be beneficial to conduct further research or gather more data to validate the surprising results. This ensures we’re not missing any critical context or misinterpreting the information.”

17. What is your strategy for staying updated with emerging trends in data analysis and business intelligence?

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of data analysis and business intelligence, it’s essential for a Business Analyst to stay ahead of the curve. By asking this question, interviewers are interested in your commitment to continual learning and your ability to adapt to the changing landscape. They want to know how you keep your knowledge and skills fresh, ensuring you can provide the most relevant and effective solutions for Amazon’s complex business challenges.

Example: “I stay updated with emerging trends in data analysis and business intelligence by regularly reading industry-specific publications, attending webinars, and participating in relevant forums. I also use platforms like Coursera and Udemy to take courses on new technologies or methodologies. Networking events are another way I connect with professionals who share insights about the latest trends. Furthermore, I follow thought leaders and influencers in this field on social media for real-time updates. Through these strategies, I ensure that my knowledge remains current and applicable.”

18. Define your understanding and application of machine learning in the context of business analysis.

Machine learning has become a buzzword in many industries, including business analysis. The question aims to test your understanding of this cutting-edge technology and your ability to apply it in real-world business scenarios. Essentially, it’s about evaluating your skills in leveraging advanced tools and methodologies to deliver actionable insights for the business.

Example: “Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence that uses algorithms and statistical models to enable computers to perform tasks without explicit programming. In business analysis, it can be used to identify patterns or trends in large volumes of data.

For Amazon, machine learning could be applied in areas like customer segmentation, demand forecasting, and fraud detection. For instance, by analyzing historical sales data, machine learning algorithms can predict future sales trends, enabling better inventory management.

Moreover, machine learning can also enhance customer experience through personalized recommendations based on their shopping behavior. This not only increases customer satisfaction but also boosts sales.”

19. How important is data visualization in your analysis process and which tools do you prefer for this purpose?

With the rise of big data, the ability to interpret and present data in an easily digestible way has become a key skill for business analysts. This question aims to gauge your expertise in using data visualization tools and your understanding of their significance in the analysis process. The interviewer also wants to understand your preference for certain tools, indicating your familiarity and comfort level with the tools commonly used in the industry.

Example: “Data visualization is crucial in my analysis process as it aids in making complex data more understandable, accessible and usable. It allows me to identify patterns, trends and correlations that might go unnoticed in text-based data.

For this purpose, I prefer using Tableau for its versatility and advanced features. It’s excellent for creating interactive dashboards and sharing insights across teams. For simpler tasks, Excel remains a reliable tool due to its ease of use and wide acceptance. Power BI is another great tool when working within the Microsoft ecosystem. Each tool has its strengths depending on the context and requirements of the task at hand.”

20. What steps would you take if you discovered a potential data breach?

The essence of this question is to assess your sense of responsibility, urgency, and adherence to protocol. As a business analyst at a tech giant like Amazon, you might encounter sensitive data daily. Therefore, interviewers want to be sure that you can handle data breaches professionally and promptly, minimizing damage and ensuring the company’s reputation and customer trust are preserved.

Example: “Upon discovering a potential data breach, I would immediately alert the information security team to investigate and confirm. If confirmed, we’d need to identify what data was compromised and who might be affected.

Next, it’s crucial to contain the breach to prevent further damage. This could involve taking systems offline or limiting access until vulnerabilities are addressed.

Then, we should notify all relevant stakeholders, including management, legal counsel, and potentially affected customers or users. It’s important to communicate transparently about what happened, what steps we’re taking, and how they can protect themselves.

Finally, once the immediate threat is managed, we must conduct a thorough post-incident analysis to understand how the breach occurred and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

21. Could you share an example of a project where you applied statistical concepts?

Amazon is a data-driven company. They want to know if you can not only crunch numbers but also interpret what those numbers mean and how they can be used to improve processes, make strategic decisions, or even create new products or services. By asking for a specific project, the interviewer wants to see your practical experience and how you apply your theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.

Example: “In a recent project, my team was tasked with optimizing the pricing strategy for a product line. We used descriptive statistics to understand the central tendency and distribution of our current prices.

We then applied inferential statistics, using hypothesis testing to determine if there were significant differences between different groups’ price sensitivity.

Further, we built predictive models using regression analysis to forecast future sales at various price points.

This application of statistical concepts helped us make data-driven decisions that increased profitability by 15%.”

22. Relate an instance where you had to analyze unstructured data.

Amazon, like many tech giants, deals with vast amounts of complex and often unstructured data. As a Business Analyst, your role would involve making sense of this data to inform business decisions. This question helps the hiring manager assess your ability to creatively and effectively tackle the challenge of analyzing unstructured data, which is an essential skill in this role.

Example: “In a recent project, I worked with customer review data which was unstructured. The goal was to extract insights about product performance and customer sentiment.

I used Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques for text mining and sentiment analysis. This involved cleaning the data, removing stop words, and implementing tokenization.

Then, I applied machine learning algorithms to classify reviews into positive, negative, or neutral categories. From this, we were able to identify key areas of improvement for our products based on customer feedback.

This experience showed me the value of analyzing unstructured data to drive business decisions.”

23. How adept are you at automating repetitive tasks?

As an Amazon Business Analyst, you’ll often find yourself dealing with large amounts of data. By automating repetitive tasks, you’ll save time and reduce errors, allowing you to focus on more complex, strategic tasks. Thus, your interviewer wants to know if you have the technical skills to automate tasks where possible, improving efficiency and productivity.

Example: “I am highly proficient in automating repetitive tasks. I utilize tools like Python and R for scripting, which can automate data cleaning, analysis, or even report generation.

For instance, I once developed a script that automated the extraction of sales data from various sources, cleaned it, and generated weekly reports. This saved significant time and reduced errors.

Moreover, I have experience with Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools such as UiPath, which are useful for automating business processes.

Understanding the importance of automation in improving efficiency and accuracy, I always look for opportunities to apply these skills.”

24. Explain your method for validating data quality.

As an Amazon Business Analyst, you’ll be working with vast amounts of data. Interviewers want to see that you have a robust process for ensuring the quality and accuracy of that data. This demonstrates your attention to detail, your understanding of the importance of data integrity, and your ability to use various tools and techniques to ensure that the data you’re working with is reliable. These are all critical skills for a business analyst, especially in a data-driven environment like Amazon.

Example: “Validating data quality involves several key steps.

1. Data Profiling: This step involves reviewing the existing data, understanding its structure and content.

2. Defining Rules: These rules are based on business requirements that ensure data accuracy, consistency, completeness and reliability.

3. Automated Validation: Use software tools to automate validation process. It helps in identifying errors or inconsistencies for large datasets.

4. Manual Checking: For complex cases, manual checking is done to validate the data.

5. Reporting: Generate reports outlining the results of the validation process, including any issues identified and how they were resolved.

This method ensures high-quality, reliable data which is crucial for accurate analysis and decision-making.”

25. How do you prioritize your work when dealing with multiple projects or tasks?

As an analyst at a bustling company like Amazon, you will likely juggle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. Interviewers want to know that you have the ability to effectively manage your time and resources. They want to see evidence of your organizational skills and your ability to strategize and prioritize, ensuring that all tasks are completed accurately and on time.

Example: “When dealing with multiple projects or tasks, I prioritize based on urgency and importance. Urgent tasks that align with business goals take precedence. However, it’s also crucial to balance this with the strategic value of longer term projects.

I use project management tools to keep track of deadlines and progress. Regular communication with stakeholders ensures everyone is aligned and expectations are managed effectively.

In a dynamic environment like Amazon, being adaptable is key. Priorities can shift quickly and having a flexible approach allows me to respond effectively to these changes.”

26. What is the most complex data analysis task you have completed so far?

As an Amazon Business Analyst, you’ll be swimming in a sea of data. The company wants to make sure you’re not just comfortable with that, but that you thrive in it. They want to see that you have the ability to sift through complicated data sets, identify trends and patterns, and use that information to drive business decisions. This question helps interviewers gauge your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with data-driven decision making.

Example: “One of the most complex data analysis tasks I’ve completed involved predicting future sales for a large retail company. The project required integrating multiple data sources, including historical sales data, economic indicators, and seasonal trends.

I used advanced statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to build predictive models. This process was challenging due to the size of the dataset and the need to clean and preprocess the data effectively.

The final model provided accurate forecasts that helped the company make informed strategic decisions. Despite its complexity, this task enhanced my problem-solving skills and deepened my understanding of how to leverage data in business strategy.”

27. How do you ensure that your analyses are aligned with business objectives?

As a business analyst, your primary role is to provide actionable insights that help the company meet its objectives. It’s not just about crunching numbers and presenting data; it’s about understanding what the business is trying to achieve and using your analytical skills to help it get there. This question is a way for hiring managers to assess your strategic thinking abilities and your understanding of how your work fits into the larger business context.

Example: “To ensure my analyses align with business objectives, I start by gaining a deep understanding of the company’s strategic goals. This involves regular communication with stakeholders and team members to clarify expectations.

Once I have this understanding, I tailor my analytical approach accordingly. For instance, if the objective is cost reduction, I focus on identifying areas of inefficiencies or waste in our processes.

I also make sure to regularly review and adjust my analysis as business objectives evolve. This includes incorporating feedback from stakeholders and staying updated on industry trends that could impact our goals.

In summary, alignment comes from clear communication, tailored analytics, and adaptability to change.”

28. Have you ever had to learn a new tool or software quickly for a project? How did you manage it?

The nature of technology is such that it’s always evolving. For a business analyst at a tech-forward company like Amazon, being able to adapt to new software or tools is a critical skill. This question allows hiring managers to gauge your adaptability, your learning curve, and how you handle challenges related to technology. It also provides insight into your problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Example: “Yes, I have had to learn new tools quickly for projects. During a previous project, we needed to use Tableau for data visualization. I didn’t have prior experience with it but understood its importance in analyzing and presenting data.

I started by utilizing online resources and tutorials to get a basic understanding of the tool. Then, I practiced using real datasets to create visualizations. This hands-on approach helped me grasp the functionalities faster.

To ensure my learning was effective, I sought feedback from colleagues who were proficient in Tableau. Their insights helped me improve my skills significantly. By the time the project commenced, I was comfortable using Tableau and could contribute effectively to the team.”

29. Share an example of how you managed stakeholder expectations during a project.

The essence of a business analyst’s role is to bridge the gap between business needs and IT solutions, which often involves managing stakeholder expectations. The question is designed to assess your communication skills, ability to manage relationships, and understanding of project management principles. It’s an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to balance competing demands, deliver bad news tactfully, and keep stakeholders on board even when things don’t go as planned.

Example: “In a previous project, we had to deliver an advanced analytics solution. The stakeholders expected the project to be completed in two months.

Understanding that this was unrealistic due to technical complexities, I scheduled a meeting with them. I explained the challenges and proposed a revised timeline of four months, justifying it with a detailed project plan.

To manage their expectations, I also set up bi-weekly updates where I would share progress and address any concerns. This kept everyone informed and aligned throughout the project.”

30. Describe a time when you used customer behavior data to influence a strategic decision.

Data-driven decision making is at the heart of Amazon’s business model. As an analyst, you’ll be expected to interpret customer behavior data and use it to provide actionable insights that can drive business strategy. Hence, recruiters are eager to hear about your past experiences in this area. They want to ensure you can effectively analyze data, draw meaningful conclusions, and present these findings in a way that influences decision-making.

Example: “In my experience, customer behavior data is crucial for strategic decision-making. For instance, I once noticed a significant drop in sales of a popular product category during an analysis. Upon further investigation, I found that many customers had negative feedback about the product’s quality.

I presented this data to the management team and proposed a strategy to improve the quality based on specific customer complaints. This led to a revamped product line with enhanced features addressing customer concerns.

Post-implementation, we saw a 30% increase in sales within three months, indicating customer approval. The experience reinforced how valuable customer behavior data can be in shaping business strategies.”

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Amazon Interview Questions (15 Questions + Answers)

Are you preparing for an Amazon job interview? If you are, you’re probably wondering what to expect and what questions you’ll encounter. In this article, I’ve compiled the most common Amazon interview questions along with their answers to help you land your dream role.

1) Do you know our CEO? How do you spell his name?

It’s easy to answer Jeff Bezos but the correct answer is Andy Jassy. Amazon has had two CEOs in its history . Jeff Bezos was CEO from 1994 to 2021. Andy Jassy took over in 2021 and is the current CEO.

Sample answer:

"Yes, I'm familiar with the CEO of Amazon, Andy Jassy. His name is spelled A-N-D-Y J-A-S-S-Y. I've followed his work and contributions to Amazon, especially his impactful leadership in AWS before taking over as CEO. His vision for the company's growth and commitment to innovation align with my professional values and aspirations."

Some people might misspell Andy Jassy’s name. By correctly spelling his name, you’re showing attention to detail. Mentioning Jassy's previous role in AWS also demonstrates an understanding of his career and the company's history.

2) How would you introduce Amazon in an elevator pitch?

Your goal is to concisely convey the essence of the company, its core values, and its impact. It's important to showcase your understanding of Amazon's business model, culture, and vision.

"Amazon is a global leader in e-commerce and cloud computing, fundamentally transforming the way we shop and access technology. At its core, Amazon is customer-centric, relentlessly focused on delivering convenience, selection, and value. It's not just an online retailer; it's a technology innovator, providing a platform for millions of sellers and a cloud infrastructure that powers businesses worldwide. Amazon's commitment to operational excellence and long-term thinking positions it uniquely to continuously evolve and lead across industries."

This answer is effective because it highlights Amazon's dual role in e-commerce and cloud computing, acknowledging the scope of its operations.

3) Do you know how many Amazon leadership principles there are?

It's important to not only know the number but also demonstrate an understanding of their significance to Amazon's culture. Amazon has 16 leadership principles .

"Yes, Amazon has 16 leadership principles. These principles, such as 'Customer Obsession,' 'Invent and Simplify,' and 'Think Big,' are more than just guidelines; they are at the heart of Amazon's innovative and customer-focused culture. I find these principles inspiring and align with my professional ethos, especially the emphasis on long-term thinking and continuous improvement. These principles encourage a proactive and inventive approach, qualities I admire and strive to embody in my work."

This answer is effective because it correctly states the number of principles, showing that you've done your research. Mentioning a few specific principles demonstrates a deeper understanding.

4) Which Amazon leadership principle do you align with most?

Choose a principle that genuinely resonates with your professional values and experiences. Also, provide specific examples or scenarios that demonstrate how you embody this principle.

"The Amazon leadership principle I align with most is 'Customer Obsession.' In my previous role, I consistently prioritized customer needs and feedback to drive improvements in our product. For instance, when I noticed a recurring issue reported by customers, I led a team to address it, resulting in a 30% increase in customer satisfaction. This principle resonates with me because I believe that truly understanding and valuing the customer's perspective is fundamental to any business's success. It's about more than just meeting their needs; it's about exceeding their expectations and continuously seeking ways to deliver added value."

This answer is effective because it provides a real-life example that demonstrates how you've applied this principle in your professional life. Mentioning the positive outcome (increased customer satisfaction) also shows the tangible impact of your actions.

5) How would you improve Amazon's website?

Offer thoughtful, innovative, and customer-focused suggestions. Demonstrating an understanding of Amazon's current platform while proposing a feasible enhancement shows your analytical skills and alignment with their focus on continuous improvement.

"To improve Amazon's website, I would focus on enhancing personalized recommendations. While Amazon already excels in this area, I believe implementing AI-driven predictive analytics could take it a step further. For instance, using machine learning to analyze browsing and purchase history in real-time could provide even more tailored suggestions. This approach not only improves the customer experience by making shopping more intuitive and efficient but also increases potential sales by presenting customers with items they're more likely to purchase. Furthermore, these improvements could be coupled with an option for users to give instant feedback on recommendations, allowing the system to continuously learn and refine its suggestions."

This answer is effective because it proposes a concrete, tech-forward solution that aligns with Amazon's innovative ethos. It also links the proposed improvement to potential increases in sales, showing awareness of business outcomes.

6) Tell me about how you brought a product to market

Demonstrate your strategic thinking, project management skills, and understanding of the market. Focus on a specific example from your experience, the process, and the results achieved.

"In my previous role, I led a cross-functional team to bring a new software product to market. The process began with market research to identify customer needs and competitive analysis. We then developed a product roadmap, aligning features with customer pain points. During development, I ensured regular communication between engineering, marketing, and sales teams to keep the project on track and aligned with market expectations. We also involved beta testers for early feedback, which was crucial in refining the product pre-launch. Post-launch, we closely monitored customer feedback and sales data, allowing us to quickly make adjustments. The product was successfully launched on schedule and exceeded first-quarter sales projections by 20%."

This answer is effective because it clearly outlines each step of the process, from market research to post-launch adjustments. Highlighting your role in leading and coordinating cross-functional teams also shows your leadership and project management skills.

7) What skills do you possess that will help you succeed at Amazon?

Align your strengths with the qualities and values that Amazon prioritizes.

Focus on specific skills that are relevant to the role you're applying for and that resonate with Amazon's culture, such as customer obsession, innovation, and bias for action.

"I believe my strong analytical skills, coupled with my ability to innovate and adapt quickly, will help me succeed at Amazon. In my previous role, I consistently used data-driven analysis to inform decision-making, leading to more efficient processes and better outcomes. My innovative mindset was demonstrated when I spearheaded a project to automate certain manual tasks, resulting in a 30% increase in productivity. Additionally, I'm highly adaptable, able to swiftly navigate changes and challenges, as evidenced by my successful management of projects during a major organizational restructuring. These skills, aligned with Amazon's emphasis on customer satisfaction, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement, make me a strong fit for the company's dynamic and fast-paced environment."

This answer is effective because it aligns with Amazon’s values. It highlights skills like data-driven decision-making and innovation, which are highly valued at Amazon.

8) Tell me about a time when you were faced with a problem that had several possible solutions. What was the problem and how did you decide what to do? What was the outcome?

Demonstrate your problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and decision-making process.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response, providing a clear narrative that showcases your ability to assess situations and make informed decisions.

"At my previous job, we faced a significant drop in online sales. My role was to identify the root cause and propose a solution. I led a team to analyze sales data, customer feedback, and market trends. We identified three potential causes: outdated website design, poor search engine optimization (SEO), and inadequate product range. To decide, I conducted a cost-benefit analysis of addressing each issue. Based on our resources and timelines, we prioritized updating the website and improving SEO, as these offered the most significant potential impact in the shortest time. I oversaw the redesign and SEO enhancement projects. Within three months, our online sales increased by 40%, and customer feedback on website usability improved dramatically."

This is a great answer because it starts by clearly defining the problem. Demonstrating the use of data and cost-benefit analysis shows a structured approach to decision-making. Also, the rationale for choosing specific solutions is clear and logical.

9) When did you take a risk, make a mistake, or fail? How did you respond? How did you grow from it?

It's important to be honest and reflective. Focus on a situation where you took a calculated risk or learned from a mistake. Emphasize what you learned from the experience and how it contributed to your personal or professional growth.

This demonstrates self-awareness, resilience, and the ability to learn from challenges.

"Early in my career, I took a risk by proposing a new marketing strategy that deviated from our traditional approach. Despite thorough research, the campaign initially underperformed, not reaching the anticipated audience engagement. I quickly realized the importance of not only innovating but also rigorously testing new ideas before full implementation. I responded by gathering feedback, analyzing the campaign's shortcomings, and adjusting our approach. Through rapid iteration, we managed to turn the campaign around, ultimately surpassing our original engagement goals. This experience taught me valuable lessons in resilience, the importance of flexibility in strategy, and the value of continuous learning and adaptation. It reinforced my belief in the power of innovative thinking, balanced with data-driven decision-making and iterative testing."

This answer is effective because it candidly discusses a professional risk and the initial failure, which shows honesty and vulnerability. The turnaround of the campaign shows your ability to learn and recover from mistakes.

10) Describe a time you took the lead on a project

Emphasize your leadership skills, initiative, and ability to drive results. Structure your answer by highlighting your role, the actions you took, and the impact of those actions.

"At my previous job, we needed to develop a new customer relationship management (CRM) system to improve our client interactions. As the project lead, my goal was to design a system that met our specific needs. I started by gathering detailed requirements from all stakeholders to ensure the system would be comprehensive. Then, I assembled and led a cross-functional team of developers, designers, and business analysts. I organized regular meetings for progress updates and to address any challenges promptly. I also implemented agile methodology to ensure flexibility and continuous improvement throughout the project. The CRM system was completed on schedule and under budget. It resulted in a 25% increase in customer satisfaction scores and a 15% increase in sales team efficiency. My leadership in this project not only delivered a successful outcome but also helped me develop strong team management and strategic planning skills."

This answer is effective because it showcases your ability to take charge and lead a project from start to finish. Detailing the steps you took, like gathering requirements and using agile methodology, demonstrates a thoughtful and effective approach.

11) What did you do when you needed to motivate a group or promote collaboration on a project?

Focus on demonstrating your leadership and team-building skills. Structure your answer by showing how you encouraged teamwork and fostered a collaborative environment.

"In my previous role, I led a project where the team was struggling with low morale due to tight deadlines and high expectations. My objective was to boost team motivation and foster a more collaborative atmosphere. I initiated regular team meetings to openly discuss challenges, progress, and brainstorm solutions collectively. I made sure to acknowledge each team member's contributions and provided constructive feedback. To promote a sense of ownership, I encouraged team members to lead parts of the project based on their strengths and interests. Additionally, I organized informal team-building activities to strengthen interpersonal relationships. This approach led to a noticeable increase in team morale and productivity. The project was completed successfully, meeting all deadlines and quality standards. The team's enhanced collaboration and communication skills had a lasting impact, improving our overall efficiency on future projects."

This answer is effective because it highlights a specific challenge related to team motivation and collaboration. The actions taken show a proactive approach to leadership and problem-solving.

12) How have you used data to develop a strategy?

When answering this question, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to make data-driven decisions and how these decisions impacted your strategy.

"At my previous job, we were facing declining customer engagement with our email marketing campaigns. My task was to revitalize our email strategy to improve engagement. I started by conducting a thorough analysis of our existing email data, looking at open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. I segmented the data to understand different customer behaviors and preferences. Based on these insights, I developed a new strategy focusing on personalized content and targeted messaging, aligned with customers' past interactions and preferences. We also A/B tested different email formats and timings to optimize our approach. This data-driven strategy led to a 40% increase in email open rates and a 25% increase in click-through rates within three months. Our team's ability to leverage data effectively allowed us to make informed decisions that significantly improved customer engagement."

This answer is effective because it emphasizes how you used data analysis to understand the problem and inform your strategy. Detailing the steps of developing and testing the new strategy shows a thoughtful and systematic approach.

13) Tell me about a time you were 75 percent through a project and had to pivot quickly. How did you handle it?

It's important to demonstrate your adaptability, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage change effectively. Highlight how you navigated the challenge and the impact of your actions.

"In my previous role, we were 75% through developing a new software feature when we received feedback that it wouldn't meet a key client's needs. My task was to reevaluate and adjust our project quickly without significant delays. I immediately called a meeting with my team to reassess our approach. We reviewed the client's feedback in detail and brainstormed potential solutions. Realizing the need for swift action, I reprioritized tasks and reallocated resources to focus on the necessary changes. I also increased communication with the client to ensure our revised approach aligned with their expectations. Despite the mid-project pivot, we delivered the feature on time. The final product not only met but exceeded the client's expectations, leading to a significant increase in client satisfaction and strengthened our business relationship. This experience reinforced the importance of flexibility, clear communication, and client-centricity in project management."

This answer is effective because it shows your ability to respond quickly to unforeseen challenges. Highlighting how you led your team to brainstorm and re-strategize demonstrates effective leadership and problem-solving skills.

14) Describe your most difficult customer and how you handled it

Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving skills, empathy, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Structure your response, to show how you managed the challenging situation.

"At Shopify, I once dealt with a customer who was extremely dissatisfied with the integration of a third-party app on their e-commerce site. My responsibility was to resolve their issue and ensure their satisfaction with our platform. I first listened carefully to understand their concerns fully. I empathized with their frustration and assured them of my commitment to finding a solution. After investigating, I discovered a compatibility issue with their website's theme. I coordinated with our technical team to develop a workaround and provided step-by-step guidance to the customer for implementing the solution. Additionally, I followed up regularly to ensure the issue was resolved and offered additional resources for optimizing their site. The customer was very pleased with the proactive and personalized support. They not only continued using Shopify but also left a positive review, appreciating our responsive and effective customer service. This experience underscored the importance of empathy, thorough problem-solving, and clear communication in managing customer relations."

This answer is effective because it starts by showing empathy and understanding of the customer's problem. Demonstrating how you identified the issue and worked with the technical team highlights your problem-solving skills.

15) What would you do if you found out your closest friend at work was stealing?

It's important to emphasize your commitment to ethical standards, professionalism, and the company's code of conduct. Your response should reflect the seriousness of the situation and your understanding of the appropriate actions to take, regardless of personal relationships.

"If I discovered that a close friend at work was stealing, I would approach the situation with a sense of responsibility and adherence to Amazon's ethical standards. My first step would be to have a candid conversation with my friend to understand the context and verify the facts. Regardless of their explanation, I would explain the seriousness of the situation and the importance of integrity in the workplace. I would then encourage them to self-report the incident to the management. If they were unwilling to do so, I would feel obligated to report the incident myself. It's imperative to maintain a work environment where trust, integrity, and adherence to legal and ethical standards are non-negotiable. While it would be a difficult decision, especially involving a friend, I believe that upholding the company's values and maintaining a trustworthy workplace is paramount."

The answer acknowledges the seriousness of theft and the importance of upholding a trustworthy work environment.

It demonstrates a clear understanding of the need to take action in line with company policies, reinforcing your integrity and commitment to a professional work environment.

What to wear to an Amazon interview to get hired

Wear something comfortable and casual.

Although some roles in Amazon’s fulfillment centers may require certain clothing for safety reasons (such as closed-toed shoes), employees wear everyday clothes in most of their offices. According to Amazon's jobs site , they're interested in what you have to say, not what you’re wearing.

For men, go for a smart-casual button-down shirt or a polo shirt paired with khaki trousers or dark jeans in good condition. Wear closed-toed shoes, like loafers or clean, casual sneakers. You can also add a lightweight, unstructured blazer for a more polished look.

For women, opt for a casual blouse or a smart-casual top combined with tailored pants or dark jeans without rips or excessive embellishments. Wear closed-toe flats or low heels; comfortable shoes are key. Add a cardigan or blazer for layering, if needed.

What to expect from an Amazon job interview

Knowing what to expect during an Amazon job interview can boost your chances of landing your desired role. Here are some things to consider when doing an Amazon job interview:

Check-In Process: Aim to arrive 15 minutes early for your interview. Ensure you have a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, ready for check-in.

Location: Instructions for reaching the interview location will be sent via email. Note that some Amazon offices are dog-friendly, so please tell them beforehand if you need any accommodations or have allergies.

Interview Format: Expect a blend of questions and discussions focusing on your experience. Prepare detailed examples and aim to provide concise, structured responses.

Interviewers: You'll meet between two to seven people, depending on the role. This group may include managers, team members, stakeholders from related teams, and a Bar Raiser (usually from a different team). All interviewers are focused on assessing your growth potential and how your background aligns with Amazon's core competencies and Leadership Principles. Approach each interviewer consistently, regardless of their role. Interviewers typically take notes on their laptops to ensure they accurately capture your responses.

Duration: Each interview session typically lasts between 45 minutes to an hour. If your interview overlaps with lunch hours, lunch will be provided. Inform your contact or lunch buddy of any dietary preferences.

Remote Interviews: Remote interviews often require Amazon Chime, our video conferencing tool (a step-by-step guide is available). If you're presenting, download Chime to your desktop. You'll receive a meeting ID via email from your recruiting contact. For optimal sound quality, use a headset with a microphone.

Understanding the interviewer’s point of view

During an Amazon job interview, interviewers are keenly looking for traits that align with Amazon's Leadership Principles. These principles are not just guidelines but the cornerstone of Amazon's culture. Here’s how candidates can demonstrate these traits:

1. Customer Obsession: Show that you prioritize and understand customer needs and can innovate on their behalf. Share examples of how you've gone above and beyond to meet customer expectations.

2. Ownership: Demonstrate your ability to think long term and not sacrifice long-term value for short-term results. Show how you take initiative and act on behalf of the entire company, not just your team.

3. Invent and Simplify: Display your ability to develop new ideas and solutions. Explain how you approach complex problems and simplify them for the benefit of the company.

4. Are Right, A Lot: Illustrate your strong judgment and good instincts. Share instances where your decision-making led to positive outcomes.

5. Learn and Be Curious: Convey a strong desire to learn and continually improve yourself. Discuss how you seek to innovate and adapt in your field.

6. Hire and Develop the Best: If you've had leadership roles, discuss how you've hired and mentored team members, contributing to their growth and the company’s success.

7. Insist on the Highest Standards: Show your commitment to high standards and how you’ve consistently delivered quality work.

8. Think Big: Talk about times when you thought outside the box, setting bold directions that inspired results.

9. Bias for Action: Share examples of when you took swift action to address an issue or seize an opportunity, showing your ability to navigate uncertainty and risk.

10. Frugality: Explain how you've accomplished more with less, and how this approach led to resourceful and effective solutions.

11. Earn Trust: Discuss how you build and maintain trust with colleagues and customers through honesty and integrity.

12. Dive Deep: Illustrate your ability to operate at both strategic and tactical levels, and how you ensure no detail is missed.

13. Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit: Share instances where you respectfully challenged decisions and then committed to them once a decision was made.

14. Deliver Results: Focus on times you've overcome obstacles to deliver results within deadlines and quality standards.

15. Strive to be Earth's Best Employer: (if applicable) Discuss how you create a positive, inclusive, and safe work environment and actively work towards enhancing employee well-being.

16. Success and Scale Bring Broad Responsibility: Explain how you consider the wider impact of your decisions on the community and environment.

Displaying these traits in your responses, supported by specific examples, will show your alignment with Amazon's values and work culture. Good luck!

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Amazon Interview Process & Questions

Looking to land a job at Amazon but don’t know what the process looks like?

I’ve got you covered. In this article, we will look at what goes on in each step of Amazon’s hiring process, two different types of Amazon’s interview questions, and three tips to ace any Amazon interviews. Below are the seven steps of the Amazon interview process:

Step 1: Pass the resume screening

Step 2: pass the screening call, step 3: pass the amazon online assessments.

Step 4: Pass the video interviews

Step 5: Pass the writing test

Step 6: pass the “loop” (on-site) interviews, step 7: pass the hiring committee reviews and get the offer.

Table of Contents

7 steps of the Amazon recruitment process

Amazon’s recruitment process consists of six main parts: resume screening, phone screening, hiring manager interview, writing test, loop interviews, and hiring committee reviews. The most difficult and decisive parts of the interview process are phone screenings (1-2 rounds), and on-site interviews (4-5 rounds). These interviews last 45 minutes on average, with overall conversion at around 20%. From start to finish, the interview process took a couple months to complete.

The first part of Amazon’s hiring process is resume screening . In this round, recruiters will screen your resume for technical requirements, education, experience,.. to make sure you’re a potential fit.

Although hiring criteria depend on roles and company, the fundamental principles of writing winning resumes at Amazon is almost identical to writing winning consulting resumes . There are three fundamental rules you must apply in your resume:

Rule #1: Explicitly display the skills and traits that Amazon seeks in candidates. What Amazon looks for in its employees are: leadership ability, analytical problem-solving skills, excellent written and oral communication, “gritty” character, intense curiosity, and humility.
Rule #2: Write specific, result-oriented, and explicit bullets. When talking about your experiences and achievements, the way to go is through objective information. A good bullet should sound something like:
Rule #3: Using professional, structured, and to-the point language implicitly shows screeners that you’re a good communicator. Highlighting your achievements with explicit numbers and good structures also save screening time and leaves a good impression.

Before moving on, I highly recommend you checking out my consulting resume overview and specifically look at the resume examples I corrected to see how these rules can supercharge your resume.

If you pass the resume screening, an internal recruiter or HR member will contact you for a 45 minutes to 1 hour call. The goal in a screening interview is to assess your communication skills, motivation, work attitude, and personality.

The majority of questions in this round will be career questions. The interviewer will review your resume and ask about your first job to most recent jobs, in chronological order. You should also expect basic fit interview questions, aimed at assessing your fit for the role. Example questions are:

Why are you interested to work at Amazon?
How do you imagine a typical day in this job?
Tell me something about yourself.
What motivates you in work?
Which Amazon leadership principle resonates the most with you, and why?
What do you like the most about Amazon? What do you not like?

Amazon Online Assessments (OAs) are collections of pre-interview screening tests given to applicants for both technical and non-technical roles after the screening call round. They are primarily used for internship and new graduate positions , but also sometimes for experienced positions.

Online assessments are highly dependent on job roles. For example, Maintenance Technicians must take the Amazon Maintenance Technician Test, or Software Engineers must take coding tests. There are, however, online assessments commonly required by many job positions, such as the aptitude tests or personality tests (Amazon Workstyle Assessment).

Examples of Amazon common online assessments are:

Numerical reasoning test
Verbal reasoning test
Logical reasoning test
Amazon workstyle assessment

Examples of role-dependent online assessments are:

Amazon Maintenance Technician Test: The toughest part of the Amazon Maintenance Technician’s hiring process.
Amazon Area Manager Assessment (Manager In Operations): The first screening step that any Area Manager and Operations manager candidates must pass.
Amazon Financial Analyst Excel Test: Advanced Excel assessment and case study preparation for financial analysts.
Amazon Assessment Test for Warehouse: A behavioral and personality assessment that is a crucial part of the Amazon warehouse & fulfillment assessments.
Amazon SDE Online Assessments: A set of assessments given to candidates applying for Software Development Engineer positions.
Amazon MBA Online Assessment – The initial online assessment that any Amazon MBA candidate has to pass.
Amazon Solutions Architect Assessment: The online assessment given to Solutions Architect and Cloud Support candidates.

Step 4: Pass the videos interviews

After the phone screening, successful candidates will be invited to do subsequent video screens. Often, a hiring manager or a peer of the same level as your role will ask more in-depth questions, mostly behaviour-based, pertaining to your resume, such as “Give me an example of when you had to assume leadership for a team”.

For technical roles, such as Software Engineering, you should expect coding, algorithm, and data structure questions. Keep your notebook, pen, and laptop ready to tackle basic technical coding challenges that may come up during the interview.
For non-technical roles, expect case-based, strategy questions related to the role. For example, if you’re a product manager candidate, you might be asked “Should Amazon start targeting e-commerce stores for more reach?” or “Does the pricing of Amazon Prime or Kindle seem too high?”.

For certain positions, candidates are required to respond to a writing test before moving on to on-site interviews. What’s the purpose of this writing test, then?. Turns out, written communication is a central part of Amazon’s company culture, and they review candidate’s written responses very seriously.

Here’s how the process works. Candidates are given two options and can pick one question to answer. The response must be no longer than 4 pages, and typical responses are about 2 pages. Afterwards, candidates submit their answers over email 1 or 2 days before their on-site interviews.

Once you’ve passed the phone screenings and writing test, you’ll move on to the tough on-site interviews. Amazon’s on-site interviews are known as “Loop”, where you’ll spend a day with 4-6 current staffers, doing 2 to 9 interviews at its Seattle headquarters.

How many tracks of Amazon on-site interviews are there?

On-site interviews at Amazon can be divided into two main categories: interviews for technical roles and interviews for non-technical roles. Even for non-technical roles, you need to demonstrate your structured thoughts process, and use data/analytic for problem solving. The passing rate for Amazon on-site interviews is 20% (or 1 in 5).

What should you expect at the interviews?

Your interviewers may comprise senior members on your team, a prospective teammate, someone from the hiring team, and a person called “bar raiser.” This person, often a senior with at least 3+ years of experience, is an Amazon employee who was trained to be an interview expert. They are there to literally raise the hiring bar.

Anyone applying for a level 4 or higher position gets a bar raiser if one is available regardless of the position. It’s unlikely you’ll notice who the bar raiser is, however, one important clue is they will emphasize questions regarding Amazon’s leadership principles. They are also typically the last person you interview with onsite.

The bar raiser will pay special attention to the following:

What questions is the candidate asking?
Do they see the bigger picture of their role or the product they’ll be working on?
Do they care about how their role impacts the company?
Do they show empathy for the user?

After the on-site interviews, all of your interviewers will convene in one room to form a hiring committee. Together, they will decide whether you’re hired or not. They will also collectively set your level (which dictates your salary range).

If all is positive, HR will ask for your current and expected salary. Based on this information and the level of the job, they will send you a written offer. Usually, a hiring manager will inform you of the result within one week from your last interview.

If you’ve secured an offer from Amazon, the recruiter will explain the terms to you (salary, work location, hours, etc.). If you choose to negotiate (and you should!), any adjustments would be approved by a separate compensation committee. If everything is cleared, the recruiter will send over the necessary paperwork.

Three tips to ace Amazon interviews

The beginning of every interview at Amazon will involve 15-20 minutes of behavioural questions. Hence, it’s crucial that you present yourself in a consistent, thorough manner. Most importantly, however, you must demonstrate the traits that Amazon looks for in every answer. Below, I’ve summarised three tips to help you ace every fit interview question, keep reading!.

Tip 1: Prepare stories, not questions

For any interview, especially fit interviews, it is best to prepare 3-4 detailed, all-round, refined stories exhibiting all the required attributes (for Amazon, they’re the below “Amazon” traits). This way, you can tune the stories according to the interviewer’s questions in a flexible, consistent manner.

Many candidates make the mistake of preparing on a per-question basis, i.e listing out the possible questions and the corresponding answers/stories. Wrapping your head around inflexible answers can throw you off-balance when an unexpected question comes up. The resulting storytelling style is also somewhat robotic.

Instead, in the Case Interview End-to-End Secrets Program, I teach a story-based approach: select a few stories reflecting your best, all-round self, and develop them in detail.

Tip 2: Explicitly show Amazon traits

To prepare your stories, compare your past experiences with Amazon traits, along with personal values you’re most proud of, and select the stories best reflecting those traits and values. You want to show that your values and experiences perfectly match what recruiters look for.

So what are these famous “Amazon” traits? Amazon is famously known for its 14 Leadership Principles – a set of values that every Amazon employee is expected to live and breath by. To determine whether you exhibit these traits, Amazon primarily uses behavioural questions during interviews. Below are the 4 most important principles:

Customer Obsession

Amazon is the prime example of a customer-focused company, which makes this principle the most critical one to prepare for. Interviewers will expect you to understand the consequences of every decision on customers’ experience.

E.g. “Tell me a time you said no to a customer request and why?”

Bias for Action

In business, speed matters, and Amazon prefers to ship quickly. The company values people who can take calculated risks and move things forward, while capable of learning from doing.

E.g. “Tell me about a time you had to make a decision with incomplete information. How did you make it and what was the outcome?”

Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit

Amazon looks at leadership in terms of people who know when to challenge decisions, state their convictions, and escalate problems to senior leadership when necessary. You are also expected to know when to move forward despite disagreement.

E.g. “Tell me about a time you had a conflict with your team but decided to go ahead with their proposal.”

Tip 3: Use the Problem-Action-Result framework

As the name suggests, the Problem-Action-Result method, also known as the STAR method, is a technique you can use to clearly demonstrate specific skills/ traits required for a job position. Using this framework instantly makes your answers more structured, logical, easy for listeners to follow, and easy for you to keep track of.

STAR stands for:

Situation: An event, project, or challenge faced
Task: Your responsibilities and assignments for the situation
Action: Steps or procedure taken to relieve or rectify situation
Result: Results of actions taken

Example: Tell me about a time when you performed well under enormous pressure.

STAR Model Answer:

At my previous job, my coworker suddenly needed to take some time off, and their project was left unfinished and without a manager. My supervisor asked me to take on the project, and with no extension on the deadline, I had days to complete a project that should have taken several weeks.

I requested and was granted reduced weekly goals, which freed up more time to finish the special project. I was also able to delegate several of my weekly goals to other teammates. These reductions allowed me to finish the project on time and with complete accuracy.

My supervisor appreciated my attitude and drive, and I was given several more projects after that, along with an eventual promotion and pay raise.

Amazon interviews’ question types and examples

Amazon interview questions comprises three main types: fit questions, technical questions, and brain-teaser questions. Fit questions may appear in technical interviews, but are mostly asked during fit interviews . Technical questions are strictly limited to technical interviews, and brain-teaser questions may appear in all types of interviews.

Below, I will walk you through (1) what each question type contains and (2) how you can approach each type. I’ll also include some sample questions so you’ll have a rough idea on how to apply the recommended approach.

No.1: Fit questions

1. What it is

Fit questions are a type of question aimed at assessing candidates’ suitability for the role they applied for. They are role-dependent, and will be a combination of topics ranging from agile methodology or workflow, teamwork and collaboration, and conflict resolution.

For example, if you’re applying for manager roles, you might be asked the following fit interview questions:

Amazon is a peculiar company. What is peculiar about you?
Would you oppose a supervisor who made a decision that goes against corporate policy and is a potential safety issue for one of your employees?
Tell me about a time you had to overstep management to get your point of view across.
Tell me about a time when you were leading a group, were assigned a goal, and did not reach it.
Tell me about a time when you had a group conflict; how did you overcome this conflict?
How did your actions in a leadership role increase productivity?
Tell me about a time when you dealt with an employee with poor performance.
What is your take on leadership?
What kinds of roles have you had that were leadership roles?

2. How to approach it

Remember, the main purpose of behavioural questions is to test your fit for the position you’re applying to. Hence, the key is to prepare 3-4 stories gearing towards the specific job requirements (professional experience, attributes, character, etc).

For example, if you’re applying as a software engineer, prepare 3-4 stories about your technical experiences, and don’t forget to include traits that make great software engineers (supreme communication skills, quick learning ability, good team player, etc), in addition to the aforementioned Amazon traits.

To prepare an all-rounded story, read this article for the full guide. Alternatively, follow these three steps:

Lay down the content base

Compare your past experiences with Amazon traits along with personal values you’re most proud of, and select the stories best reflecting those traits and values.

List down as many details of your stories as possible, make sure they follow this structure: Problem, Actions, Result, Lesson.

Form the story plot

Trim the unnecessary details, simplify the technical parts to help the listeners understand, then rearrange and dramatize the rest to make your accomplishments really stand out.

Add the Amazon spirit into the mix by emphasizing the relevant traits, telling your stories in a structured way, explaining all your actions, etc.

Refine your style

Your style of story-telling should be entertaining for both you and your audience. Take time to practice and find your style – and remember, it should be natural, otherwise you won’t be able to use it in a high-stress, high-stake interview.

Keep in mind that your style should be formal, because it’s a job interview we’re talking about. Don’t do your trademark sarcasms there, it’s not a stand-up comedy session.

No.2: Technical questions

Technical questions are exclusively reserved for candidates applying for technical roles, such as Software Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Test Engineer, Network Engineer, to name a few. Coding interview questions often fall into the following categories: Arrays, linked lists, trees, strings, dynamic programming, maths and stats, backtracking, graphs, design, sorting and searching

Graphs / Trees (46% of questions, most frequent)

Arrays / Strings (38%)

Linked lists (10%)

Search / Sort (2%)

Stacks / Queues (2%)

Hash tables (2% of questions, least frequent)

2. Example questions and solutions

Below is a comprehensive list of Amazon’s Coding Interview questions, for all aforementioned categories. Solutions are at the end of every problem.

“Given preorder and inorder traversal of a tree, construct the binary tree.” (Solution)
“Given a non-empty binary tree, find the maximum path sum. For this problem, a path is defined as any sequence of nodes from some starting node to any node in the tree along the parent-child connections. The path must contain at least one node and does not need to go through the root.” (Solution)
“Design an algorithm to serialize and deserialize a binary tree. There is no restriction on how your serialization/deserialization algorithm should work. You just need to ensure that a binary tree can be serialized to a string and this string can be deserialized to the original tree structure.” (Solution)
“Given n nodes labeled from 0 to n-1 and a list of undirected edges (each edge is a pair of nodes), write a function to check whether these edges make up a valid tree.” (Solution)
“Given a list of airline tickets represented by pairs of departure and arrival airports [from, to], reconstruct the itinerary in order. All of the tickets belong to a man who departs from JFK. Thus, the itinerary must begin with JFK.” (Solution)
“Given a matrix of integers A with R rows and C columns, find the maximum score of a path starting at [0,0] and ending at [R-1,C-1].” (Solution)
“There are a total of n courses you have to take, labelled from 0 to n-1. Some courses may have prerequisites, for example, if prerequisites[i] = [ai, bi] this means you must take the course bi before the course ai. Given the total number of courses numCourses and a list of the prerequisite pairs, return the ordering of courses you should take to finish all courses.” (Solution)
Given an array of integers nums and an integer target, return indices of the two numbers such that they add up to the target. You may assume that each input would have exactly one solution, and you may not use the same element twice. (Solution)
Given an array of n integers, are there elements a, b, c in nums such that a + b + c = 0? Find all unique triplets in the array which gives the sum of zero. (Solution)
Say you have an array for which the ith element is the price of a given stock on day i. If you were only permitted to complete at most one transaction (i.e., buy one and sell one share of the stock), design an algorithm to find the maximum profit. Note that you cannot sell a stock before you buy one. (Solution)
Given a string s, find the longest palindromic substring in s. You may assume that the maximum length of s is 1000. (Solution)
Convert a non-negative integer to its english words representation. Given input is guaranteed to be less than 231 – 1. (Solution)
Given an array of strings products and a string searchWord. We want to design a system that suggests at most three product names from products after each character of searchWord is typed. Suggested products should have a common prefix with the searchWord. If there are more than three products with a common prefix return the three lexicographically minimums products. Return list of lists of the suggested products after each character of searchWord is typed. (Solution)
Given a paragraph and a list of banned words, return the most frequent word that is not in the list of banned words. It is guaranteed there is at least one word that isn’t banned, and that the answer is unique. Words in the list of banned words are given in lowercase, and free of punctuation. Words in the paragraph are not case sensitive. The answer is in lowercase. (Solution)
Given a linked list, reverse the nodes of a linked list k at a time and return its modified list. k is a positive integer and is less than or equal to the length of the linked list. If the number of nodes is not a multiple of k then left-out nodes in the end should remain as it is. (Solution)
Merge two sorted linked lists and return it as a new sorted list. The new list should be made by splicing together the nodes of the first two lists. (Solution)
You are given an array of k linked-lists lists, each linked-list is sorted in ascending order. Merge all the linked-lists into one sorted linked-list and return it. (Solution)
“A linked list is given such that each node contains an additional random pointer which could point to any node in the list or null. Return a deep copy of the list.” (Solution)
“Given a node from a Circular Linked List which is sorted in ascending order, write a function to insert a value insertVal into the list such that it remains a sorted circular list. The given node can be a reference to any single node in the list, and may not be necessarily the smallest value in the circular list.” (Solution)
Given an array of integers nums, sort the array in ascending order. (Solution)
Given a 2d grid map of ‘1’s (land) and ‘0’s (water), count the number of islands. An island is surrounded by water and is formed by connecting adjacent lands horizontally or vertically. You may assume all four edges of the grid are all surrounded by water. (Solution)
Given an array of meeting time intervals consisting of start and end times [[s1,e1],[s2,e2],…] (si < ei), find the minimum number of conference rooms required. (Solution)
Write an efficient algorithm that searches for a value in an m x n matrix. This matrix has the following properties: [1] Integers in each row are sorted in ascending from left to right. [2] Integers in each column are sorted in ascending from top to bottom. (Solution)
Design a stack that supports push, pop, top, and retrieving the minimum element in constant time. (Solution)
Given n non-negative integers representing an elevation map where the width of each bar is 1, compute how much water it is able to trap after raining. (Solution)
Given a non-empty 2D array grid of 0’s and 1’s, an island is a group of 1’s (representing land) connected 4-directionally (horizontal or vertical.) You may assume all four edges of the grid are surrounded by water. Count the number of distinct islands. An island is considered to be the same as another if and only if one island can be translated (and not rotated or reflected) to equal the other. (Solution)
Given a non-empty list of words, return the k most frequent elements. Your answer should be sorted by frequency from highest to lowest. If two words have the same frequency, then the word with the lower alphabetical order comes first. (Solution)

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This article shows if Amazon is your best fit and how to answer "Why Amazon?" during your interview.

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11 Amazon interview tips from recruiters and hiring managers

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An image of a woman sitting on a chair, smiling for a photo against a white background while wearing a bright blue blazer.

If you're gearing up for an interview at Amazon, you might think you need to prepare for trick questions, but that's not the case. Though tech companies have a reputation for throwing out brain teasers during the interview process, we do things a bit differently here.

Our candidate-first approach to interviewing means we'll do our best to ask fair questions and provide tools and resources to help you. However, it's still important to do your research and prep work.

If you're ready to get started, here are 11 tips to prepare for your upcoming interview with Amazon.

Amazon interview questions are behavioral-based. We'll ask about past situations or challenges you've faced and how you handled them. Amazon's Leadership Principles will help us guide the discussion. Cody Nelson, senior manager of recruiting , Worldwide Operations, recommends using the job description to prepare the stories you use to answer these questions. Nelson said, "If you can think of stories and examples related to the requirements in the job description, you will be better prepared to answer the behavioral questions in your interview."

The STAR method is a structured way to respond to behavioral-based interview questions. Following the format, you answer questions by discussing the specific situation, task, action, and result of the experience you're describing. Stacy Milgate, program manager at AWS, suggests laying your stories out in the STAR format ahead of your interview. "Think about all of the details," she said. "Who was involved? What did you do specifically? What were the results based off of what you did? How did you make an impact?"

Once you have your stories ready, practice them in the mirror or with a partner to really nail the answer format in your interview.

"A big miss for many candidates is that they don't dive deep enough," said Rasheeda Liberty, Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity leader at Amazon. When answering questions in your interview, remember that specifics are key. Give a detailed account of one situation for each question you answer, and use data or metrics to support your example. "We want to know the numbers," said Liberty. "We want to know who was working on the project and how you delivered tangible results."

Use "I," when describing actions in your interview answers. "Interviewing is not the time to minimize what you have done," said Michelle Jackson, a senior recruiting business manager at Amazon. "Of course, we understand that you've worked with a team in a collaborative environment, but interviewing is an opportunity for you to sell yourself." Be ready to describe the specific steps you took and how you contributed. Let us know what you actually did.

It's okay to talk about failure. Come prepared with examples that showcase your expertise while describing how you've taken risks, succeeded, failed, and grown in the process. Keep in mind, some of Amazon's most successful programs have roots in failed projects.

"You can't innovate without failure," said Nelson. "Failure isn't a bad thing as long as you improve from the lessons you learned. Understand how you've taken risks in a positive way and be able to communicate that to your interviewer."

An image of Amazon employee Francisco Nino in a work vest at Amazon in Greenwood, Indiana.

Asking "why Amazon?" is not just a formality for us. We want to understand why you're exploring an opportunity with the company so we get a better sense of who you are.

"Many candidates say they're excited about the opportunity to work for a large-scale, innovative company," said Liberty. "What I really want to know is why Amazon fits into your specific career path. We want to know that you're a person who's thinking about how to give back to the organization with what you bring, but we're also looking at what you want to learn while working here."

Don't be shy about asking for clarification. If an interviewer asks you a question and does not give enough information for you to provide a solid answer, ask for more context.

"We ask a lot of questions at Amazon," said Jackson. "We want our candidates to feel comfortable with this because that's the environment and culture we actually have."

Your recruiter may ask you to provide a writing sample. This will depend on the role you're interviewing for, but it isn't necessarily limited to traditional writing roles. Why? One of the unique aspects of Amazon's culture is that we don't do PowerPoint or any other slide-oriented presentations in meetings. We write narratively structured memos and silently read them at the beginning of each meeting. These papers include pertinent information like project goals, tactics, outcomes, and next steps. Because these papers impact our decision making, articulating your thoughts in written format is a necessary skill.

You will meet with between two to seven Amazon employees during your interview process. They will likely be a mix of managers, team members, stakeholders from related teams, and a " Bar Raiser " (usually an objective third party from another team).

The recruiters and hiring managers we talked to recommend bringing notes to help you keep track of the stories you share during each interview. A pen will also be helpful to jot down things like the questions you want to ask at the end or key points you want to hit in the next interview.

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Interviewers use Amazon's Leadership Principles to evaluate candidates. Consider how you've applied these principles in your previous professional experience as you practice your stories and responses.

"We're not going to test you to see if you've memorized the Leadership Principles, but we do want candidates to be excited about them," said Milgate. "Questions about the Leadership Principles are meant to help us understand why you want to work here and how our values resonate with you."

Take some time ahead of your interview to tie your stories back to our Leadership Principles, and maybe even identify a few principles that resonate with you most.

Amazon has a peculiar culture centered on customer obsession. As you prepare for your interview, research the company to determine whether Amazon is the right fit for you. Learn more about our culture.

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We hope these tips help you prepare for success in your upcoming interview with Amazon. For more information, find additional interviewing tips and FAQs on Amazon.jobs .

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Mastering the "Why Amazon" Interview Question: Strategies and Sample Answers

Master the "Why Amazon?" interview question with proven strategies and sample answers to showcase your fit for the tech giant.

Introduction to the "Why Amazon?" Interview Question

The "Why Amazon?" question is a staple in Amazon interviews and is a critical point for candidates to express their enthusiasm for joining the tech giant. This question goes beyond a simple inquiry; it's a chance for interviewees to showcase their understanding of Amazon's culture, alignment with the company's goals and values, and personal and professional aspirations within the Amazon ecosystem. Preparing for answering this question is not just advisable—it's essential.

Understanding the importance of this question is the first step in crafting a compelling answer. Amazon interviewers are not just looking for skills and experience. They don't just want to understand how candidates connect with Amazon’s mission and culture. Most importantly, they want to ensure the candidate has taken the time to consider their application seriously and won't "defect" externally or internally once they survive the first six months of the "Amazon shell shock."

Therefore, a well-thought-out response can significantly impact the interview process , setting the stage for a meaningful engagement with Amazon's interviewers.

Uncovering the Intent Behind the Question

The intent behind the "Why Amazon?" question is multifaceted. Amazon recruiters, hiring managers, and Loop (panel) interviewers are looking to gauge a candidate's passion for the company, the team, and the role the candidate is applying for. This could include the candidate's love for technology and innovation and commitment to customer satisfaction. Amazon's unique position in the market means that they are always looking for candidates who bring exceptional technical skills to the table and share the company's customer-first philosophy.

Moreover, this question allows interviewers to assess whether a candidate's values and mission align with Amazon's. It provides a window into the candidate's research on Amazon's projects, culture, and the challenges they look forward to tackling, demonstrating their investment in the company. This alignment is crucial for the candidate and Amazon to ensure mutual success and growth.

Amazon's Unique Culture and Expectations

Amazon’s culture revolves around innovation, customer obsession, and calculated risk-taking, amongst other elements. The company encourages its employees to think big and pursue ideas with vigor. Understanding these cultural pillars is key for candidates, as it helps them articulate how their work style and aspirations fit within the Amazon way of doing things.

Highlighting examples of past experiences where taking calculated risks led to significant outcomes can resonate well with Amazon's values. These insights into candidates' work ethic and decision-making process can differentiate them from other candidates.

Crafting Your Answer to the Why Amazon Interview Question

Creating a compelling answer to the "Why Amazon?" question doesn't mean answering the question emotionally. It requires a blend of personal insight and detailed knowledge of Amazon's operations and values. Candidates should aim to weave their professional achievements, skills, and aspirations with Amazon's goals, culture, and the specific role they're applying for.

This requires careful reflection and research but can significantly enhance the impact of their response. Interview prep should include analyzing Amazon's leadership principles, practicing answering questions, and their application to one's personal and professional journey. A response that feels natural and genuine yet closely tied to Amazon's way of working can make a strong impression on Amazon interviewers when answering this question.

Analyzing Successful Sample Answers

Successful answers to the "Why Amazon?" question often share common traits: they're specific, demonstrate a deep understanding of Amazon values, and reflect the candidate's eagerness to contribute to Amazon's mission. For instance, mentioning a passion for customer obsession and showcasing how one's efforts have previously aligned with putting the customer first can be very effective.

Highlighting personal experiences with Amazon's products or services that inspired innovation or problem-solving in one's career can also strengthen the answer. These personal touches show the candidate's familiarity with Amazon and their potential to contribute creatively and effectively to the company's goals.

Below are a few sample answers to the “Why Amazon" question.

A Senior Product Manager's Sample Answer

A senior product manager at Amazon might craft their answer to highlight their experience driving product innovation, aligning with Amazon's customer obsession. They could talk about their history of developing products that solve real customer problems and how they see themselves bringing this passion and expertise to the Amazon team. Emphasizing leadership experiences demonstrating an ability to take ownership and dive deep into challenges can further align with Amazon's expectations.

Additionally, mentioning any specific admiration for Amazon's product development and innovation approach can make the answer more compelling. Drawing on personal and professional experiences that showcase a commitment to excellence and a forward-thinking mindset can make a strong case for why they are a perfect fit for Amazon.

Sample Answer for a Software Engineer

A software engineer might focus their answer on Amazon's cutting-edge technology and their desire to be at the forefront of innovation. They could discuss their background in software engineering, specifically projects that involved diving deep into technical challenges and taking ownership of solutions. This showcases not only their technical skills but also their alignment with Amazon's leadership principles.

They might also share personal stories of how Amazon's technology platforms have influenced their professional development or sparked a passion for solving complex problems. Such an answer demonstrates a personal and professional connection to Amazon, illustrating why the candidate is drawn to the company.

Tailoring Your Answer to Reflect Amazon’s Leadership Principles

Candidates should tailor their answers to reflect Amazon's leadership principles to stand out in the interview process. These principles are the backbone of Amazon's culture, guiding decision-making and innovation. Identifying aspects of one's professional journey that align with Amazon's values, such as "Invent and Simplify" or "Learn and Be Curious," can significantly impact the interview's outcome when answering this question.

It is important to share examples from one's career that demonstrate these principles. Whether it's taking a calculated risk that paid off or leading a project that required exceptional talent, these stories can show Amazon interviewers that the candidate not only understands Amazon's values but lives them.

Incorporating Amazon’s Innovation and Customer Obsession Principles

Jeff Bezos's vision for Amazon was built on the pillars of innovation and customer obsession. Candidates should highlight how these principles have influenced their career decisions and aspirations. Discussing initiatives or projects that placed the customer at the center and led to innovative solutions can illustrate a strong alignment with Amazon's mission.

Furthermore, sharing thoughts on how one plans to contribute to Amazon's culture of innovation can be a powerful addition to the answer. It shows foresight and a willingness to be part of Amazon's ongoing mission to serve its customers in groundbreaking ways.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

While preparing for the "Why Amazon?" question, candidates should be mindful of common mistakes that can undermine their response. Being too generic or unprepared can signal a lack of genuine interest in Amazon. It's crucial to offer specific examples demonstrating an understanding of Amazon's unique culture and opportunities.

Another pitfall is that Amazon's leadership principles are overlooked. These principles are central to Amazon's identity, and failing to acknowledge them in one's answer can be a missed opportunity to show alignment with the company's values. Candidates should strive to incorporate these principles into their responses to demonstrate their fit for the company.

Mistakes When Answering the “Why Amazon?” Question

One major mistake candidates make is focusing too much on Amazon's status as a tech company or its attractive stock prices. While these may be valid points of interest, they do not convey a deep understanding of what makes Amazon explicitly appealing to the candidate. Digging deeper and expressing what draws one to Amazon more substantially is essential.

Another error is failing to convey why one is drawn to Amazon over other companies. Simply stating a desire to work for tech companies like Amazon is insufficient when answering this question. Candidates should articulate what sets Amazon apart for them, whether it's the culture, the innovation, or the impact on customers and society.

Being Too Generic or Unprepared

Providing a generic answer to the "Why Amazon?" question is a common mistake. Candidates should avoid broad statements that could apply to any company and instead focus on what attracts them to Amazon. This requires thorough research and reflection.

Being unprepared can also hinder one's chances. Candidates should invest time in understanding Amazon's mission, culture, and the role they're applying for. This preparation can distinguish between an answer that falls flat and one that resonates with Amazon interviewers.

Overlooking Amazon's Leadership Principles

Ignoring Amazon's leadership principles is a critical oversight. These principles are not just corporate jargon but the foundation of Amazon's culture and decision-making process. Candidates should make an effort to understand these principles and reflect on how they align with their values and experiences.

Failing to incorporate these principles into the "Why Amazon?" answer can suggest a lack of alignment with the company's culture. Candidates should demonstrate their familiarity with and commitment to these principles to strengthen their candidacy.

Preparing Your Answer: Practical Tips

Preparing a compelling answer to the "Why Amazon?" question involves more than just understanding the company's culture, Leadership Principles, and interview process. It requires practice questions to refine your response. Networking with current Amazon employees can provide insider perspectives and specific talking points. Making the answer personal by sharing relevant experiences and aspirations can make it more impactful.

It's also essential to make the answer specific to Amazon, demonstrating a clear understanding of why the company, as opposed to any other, is the right fit for the candidate. This specificity can help set the candidate apart and convey a genuine interest in joining Amazon specifically.

Techniques to Practice and Refine Your Answer

Once you understand what makes a solid answer to the "Why Amazon?" question, it's time to focus on crafting your unique response. Start by reflecting on what truly interests you about Amazon beyond the paycheck. Consider the company's products that you admire and the leadership principles you are excited to embody. Look closely at the job description to identify how the role aligns with your career goals and what unique skills you bring.

To create a compelling response, begin with free-writing or recording yourself speaking about your motivations and how they connect to Amazon. This initial draft should capture your enthusiasm and how the role fits your career goals. Then, refine your answer by adding specificity, mentioning Amazon's leadership principles and products that resonate with you. Injecting personal anecdotes and using emotive words like "excite" and "motivate" can make your answer more engaging and memorable.

Brainstorm and Create a Bullet Point Outline

Brainstorming is a crucial step in preparing your answer. Start by jotting down bullet points about Amazon’s unique culture, the products you love, and the leadership principles that align with your values. This process helps organize your thoughts and ensures you cover all necessary aspects of a well-rounded answer. Consider what aspects of the company's mission excite you and how your personal and professional experiences have prepared you for this opportunity.

After brainstorming, organize your thoughts into a bullet-point outline. This outline should include key points you want to highlight, such as specific Amazon products you admire or leadership principles you live by. This structured approach allows you to create a coherent narrative that flows logically and touches on all the critical elements of a compelling "Why Amazon?" answer.

Practice Out Loud to Gain Confidence

Practicing your answer out loud is an essential step in refining your response. This exercise helps you become more familiar with what you want to say and how you want to say it. It also allows you to hear the flow of your answer and make necessary adjustments for clarity and impact. Practicing in front of a mirror or recording yourself can provide valuable feedback on your delivery and body language.

Pay attention to your pacing, tone, and expression as you practice. These elements can significantly affect how your message is received. Repeated practice sessions help build confidence, ensuring you convey enthusiasm and competence during the interview. Remember, confidence in delivery makes your answer more convincing and memorable to the interviewers.

Engaging with Your Interviewers: Questions You Can Ask

Having questions ready for your interviewer is crucial. It shows you're interested in joining Amazon and in the role. Remember, the interview is also an opportunity to gather information to make an informed decision should you receive a job offer. Amazon values interested candidates, so asking thoughtful questions can set you apart.

When preparing questions, focus on aspects of the job or company culture that are important to you. These inquiries should help you gain deeper insights into the role, team dynamics, and how the company supports employee growth and customer satisfaction. Your questions are not a test but a chance to engage in a meaningful conversation with your interviewers.

Inquiry Strategies for a Deeper Conversation

When crafting questions for your interviewers, aim for those that provoke thoughtful responses and offer insights beyond what's available in the job description or company website. Inquire about challenges the team has faced and how they overcame them. Questions about how the company measures success, particularly regarding customer satisfaction, can reveal much about its priorities and culture.

Asking about recent successes or projects the team is proud of can also provide valuable context about the team's work and impact. These questions demonstrate your interest in the company’s achievements and give you a glimpse into what motivates and excites the team you might be joining.

Questions for the Hiring Manager to Understand Role Expectations

When speaking with the hiring manager, asking questions and clarifying the role's expectations are essential. Inquire about the day-to-day responsibilities and how success is measured in this position. Understanding these expectations can help gauge whether the role aligns with your skills and career goals.

Additionally, asking about the hiring process can provide insights into how the company evaluates potential candidates. This could include questions about the next steps, the timeline for making a decision, and any additional information the hiring manager needs from you. Gaining clarity on these points shows your eagerness and commitment to the opportunity.

Questions for Team Members to Gauge Team Dynamics

Conversations with potential team members offer a unique opportunity to understand the team's dynamics directly. Ask about collaboration within the team, how conflicts are resolved, and examples of successful projects. These questions can help you assess if the team's working style matches your preferences and how you can contribute to their success.

Additionally, inquiring about the team’s expectations for the new hire and how they envision this role contributing to the team’s goals can provide insight into your potential fit and impact. Understanding these aspects is crucial for evaluating how well you would integrate into the team and the broader organizational culture.

Questions for Non-Team Members to Understand Company Culture

Engaging with employees outside your potential team can offer a broader perspective on company culture. Ask about the company's values and examples of supporting employee growth and development. These questions can reveal the company's commitment to its workforce and the opportunities it offers for personal and professional growth.

Additionally, inquiring about the company's approach to innovation and how it encourages creative thinking can provide insights into its operational dynamics and priorities. From various perspectives, understanding the company's culture helps you determine if it aligns with your professional values and aspirations.

Amazon Interview Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide to Success

How to Negotiate a Higher Amazon Offer and Salary

How to Interview with Amazon: The STAR Method

Amazon Behavioural Interview Questions and Answers

Amazon Interview Questions: The Ultimate Preparation Guide (With Example Stories)

How to ace an Amazon Interview and get an L7 offer

By Mike Simpson

Updated 8/30/2022

Today, one of every 153 American workers is an Amazon employee. With that, you may assume that getting hired is a breeze. However, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos once said: “I’d rather interview 50 people and not hire anyone than hire the wrong person.” If you’re about to face off against Amazon interview questions, that might legitimately be the most intimidating statement ever.

Now, that doesn’t mean Amazon wants you to fail. Instead, it simply means they only want to hire people who bring the right stuff to the table. With a bit of preparation, you can make the cut. So, come with us as we explore the world of Amazon interview questions.

How to Answer Amazon Interview Questions

How do you make sure you’re ready for YOUR Amazon interview?

For example, the list of must-have skills you find on most job descriptions reflects their priorities. Those keywords or qualities you see over and over? Yeah, those fall into that category, too.

Now, you may be headed for an interview at a traditional department store. If you’re curious about what those interview questions look like, head over to our articles on Kohl’s or Best Buy . Otherwise, here’s how to prepare for behavioral questions at Amazon!

Preparing for Amazon Behavioral Questions

Now, it’s important to understand that talking about your skills is only one part of the equation. You also need to be ready for Amazon behavioral interview questions.

Amazon adores behavioral interview questions. Usually, it’s because of the belief that past behavior indicates future success. Plus, it gives them clues about a candidate’s personality and behavioral traits, as well as how well a person aligns with the company’s core leadership principles (more about that in a moment).

Some of these can be a little tricky, but when handled properly, behavioral interview questions are also chances to shine. Begin by embracing the STAR Method . With that, you can take a boring response and carefully polish it into a captivating answer. Couple that with the Tailoring Method , and you have an approach that focuses on personalization, customizing your responses to the role and company.

By bringing both methodologies together, you can demonstrate your value clearly. Plus, you’ll have an easier time connecting with the hiring manager, and that could boost your odds of success.

In fact we we wanted to let you know that we created an amazing free cheat sheet that will give you word-for-word answers for some of the toughest interview questions you are going to face in your upcoming interview. After all, hiring managers will often ask you more generalized interview questions!

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FREE BONUS PDF CHEAT SHEET: Get our " Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet " that gives you " word-word sample answers to the most common job interview questions you'll face at your next interview .

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Amazon Leadership Principles Interview Questions

As mentioned above, Amazon uses its core leadership principles as a guide when developing questions. The goal is to ensure that anyone working from Amazon has similar values and will align with the broader mission. The Amazon leadership principles include:

Customer Obsession
Invent and Simplify
Leaders Are Right, A Lot
Learn and Be Curious
Hire and Develop the Best
Insist on the Highest Standards
Bias for Action
Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit
Deliver Results
Strive to be Earth’s Best Employer
Success and Scale Bring Broad Responsibility

No matter the role you’re trying to land, it’s wise to assume that some of the questions you’ll face will touch on these concepts. For example, employees at any level may encounter questions like the following:

How do you demonstrate your customer obsession?
Describe how you take ownership of your responsibilities and results
Talk about a time you innovated on the job.
What steps do you take to simplify processes?
What does frugality in the workplace mean to you, and how do you demonstrate a commitment to frugality?

In most cases, the best way to prepare for these questions is to actively study the Amazon leadership principles. That way, you’re familiar with all of the concepts, making it easier to speak to those values and priorities when you prepare interview answers.

1. Can you describe your most difficult customer and how you were able to handle their needs?

Amazon rose to greatness partially because of its commitment to customer service . It made the shopping experience better, even when something didn’t go right.

If the job is even remotely customer-facing, you should be ready for this question. Dealing with a disgruntled customer isn’t easy, and Amazon wants to know that you’re up to the challenge.

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

“In my previous role, a customer was upset that a product they ordered was put on backorder unexpectedly after they made their purchase. They needed a functional version of the item as quickly as possible, and the possibility that that wouldn’t happen increased their stress levels, leaving them just shy of hostile. To resolve their issue, I began by listening to their concern, rephrasing what was being shared, and asking clarifying questions to ensure my full understanding. I then reassured them that I’d work with them to find a solution. Together, we discussed alternative products that were in stock that could meet their needs. As soon as a substitute was identified, we canceled the old order and initiated the new one. I applied a free shipping upgrade to expedite delivery, ensuring it would arrive before the customer’s deadline. In the end, they were fully satisfied with the solution.”

2. Can you tell me about a time when you were more than halfway through a project and had to pivot quickly due to an unexpected change? How did you handle it?

This is a question that could be applicable to nearly any role, though it may be more common in technical positions. Its focus is on ascertaining your level of agility and ability to make course corrections under pressure when priorities change.

“While developing a new system for an employer, a requirement came in late. Since the project was rapidly nearing completion, integrating the feature became a challenge. The point in development where it would have been addressed typically had already passed. To address the new requirement, I first took a step back and reexamined all of the existing work. The goal was to minimize disruption to segments that were complete, and a bit of planning ensured I didn’t use a less-than-ideal approach simply because I was under pressure. After identifying a course of action, I implemented the changes methodically. I relied heavily on testing to ensure there were no unexpected ramifications or that issues could be addressed quickly. By using a strategic approach, I was able to limit the negative implications of a last-minute change, expediting the remainder of the process while ensuring the final result met every need.”

3. If one of your close work colleagues stole a $1 item, what would you do?

Shrinkage is a major concern for Amazon. As a result, many prospective employees – especially those working in Amazon warehouses – are going to face behavioral interview questions that discuss how they’d react to theft.

It’s important to note that the small value of the item in the question is meant to throw candidates off. A dollar may seem meaningless to a retail giant’s bottom line. But, if every person took a $1 item and turned a blind eye to others doing the same, it would add up quickly. As a result, there’s only on “correct” answer. Luckily, it’s fairly short and sweet, so it’s easier to nail.

“Theft, in any amount, is against policy and is illegal, so it needs to be addressed. If I witnessed a colleague stealing, I would report the activity per Amazon corporate procedures.”

4. Why Amazon?

Usually, this is one of the first questions you’ll face off against during an Amazon interview. Overall, you simply have to highlight details about the company that ignites your passion, allowing the hiring manager to see your enthusiasm for the organization.

“My main reason for wanting to work for Amazon is the company’s dedication to innovation. Along with introducing new products and services, the frequent integration of cutting-edge technology is enticing. Plus, as a large company, I believe I’d have opportunities to advance as I grow and develop, allowing me to secure a rewarding, long-term career.”

5. Tell me about a time when you made a poor customer service decision. What steps did you take to remedy the situation?

Many Amazon jobs are customer-facing and may require employees to make various decisions about how to handle a customer’s situation. While talking about a mistake isn’t easy, following up with how you used the experience to grow and develop can showcase you as a strong candidate.

“In my last position, I was speaking with a customer about an order that was unexpectedly delayed. Along the way, I mistakenly said that the new delivery date was essentially guaranteed, as it seemed certain based on the available data. However, it was ultimately delayed again, which upset the customer based on what I told them previously. Fortunately, I was able to find a resolution by offering an immediate store credit refund for the original order and helping them explore our inventory to find a replacement that would arrive by the desired date. Additionally, after discussing the issue with my manager and accepting full responsibility, I was able to offer a small discount on the other item for the inconvenience, which ultimately left the customer satisfied.”

6. If a team member wasn’t pulling their weight, what would you do?

Amazon is a team-oriented environment where everyone is expected to do their fair share. However, that doesn’t mean all employees perform at the same level.

With this question, the hiring manager wants to know the steps you’d take to remedy the issue. You can discuss an example from your previous experience or treat it as a hypothetical if the situation hasn’t arisen for you before.

“While I haven’t experienced this personally, I do have a strategy for addressing a colleague that wasn’t handling their responsibilities fully. First, I would speak with my coworker privately about the work, primarily to see if there was an obstacle causing a problem and if I could offer any assistance. If so, I’d do what I could to help. Second, if speaking with my colleague didn’t resolve the issue, I would arrange to speak privately with our manager. I’d use a fact-based approach to describe the problem, as well as steps I took to try and resolve it. At that point, I would follow my manager’s lead regarding what came next, offering support if I was able.”

7. How would you handle it if you discovered that your inventory levels were actually too high?

Maintaining accurate inventory data is essential for a company like Amazon. As a result, hiring managers may ask how you would handle a discrepancy.

“If I discovered that the inventory levels were too high, the first step I would take is to recount the inventory. That allows me to ensure I didn’t make a mistake when handling any needed calculations. Next, I would check the inventory as it’s reported in the system to make sure that I wasn’t working off of old data by mistake. If the inventory levels were still off, I would speak to a manager about the problem. Along with outlining my steps, I would provide my inventory figures to show the discrepancy. At that time, I’d work with the manager to complete any verification steps. For example, that could include checking with other departments that impact inventory – such as incoming deliveries or product returns – to see if any data was missing. Ultimately, I would continue exploring angles until the source of the issue was identified and corrected.”

8. How do you make sure that you fully understand a customer’s needs?

In the world of customer service, the first issue introduced isn’t always the core problem. As a result, hiring managers want to know that you’ll go the extra mile to get to the root of it and ensure the customer’s needs are appropriately met.

“Generally, I find that active listening is a critical component of understanding a customer’s needs. As they explain a requirement or issue, I make sure to paraphrase what’s shared to ensure I fully understand, creating opportunities for them to correct me. Additionally, I ask clarifying questions as required, allowing me to get more insights into their needs to ensure complete customer satisfaction.”

9. What does frugality in the workplace mean to you, and how do you demonstrate a commitment to frugality?

“Frugality” is one of Amazon’s core principles, so there’s a decent chance you’ll face a question like this, particularly if you’re trying to land a management position. Essentially, you need to show how you save money, time, or other resources while working without sacrificing outcomes.

“To me, frugality in the workplace involves seizing opportunities to save money, time, and resources while achieving the desired result. I demonstrate a commitment to frugality regularly when I work. For example, in my last job, I discovered that an alternative software solution would not only cost less but also had additional features that would boost efficiency. As a result, I spoke with my manager about the option and arranged a demo at their request, which ultimately led to the company switching to the new system. In the end, the savings were fully realized, boosting productivity while also reducing a key expense.”

10. If a supervisor asked you to do something unsafe that went against policy, what would you do?

Amazon aims to provide employees with a safe working environment. Since that’s the case, the hiring manager might ask questions like this, allowing them to see how you’d potentially react if a manager asked you to do something unsafe.

“If a supervisor asked me to do something unsafe that went against policy, my first step would be to explain that company policy wouldn’t allow me to do so, outlining precisely why the request wasn’t compliant. Ideally, they’d simply agree, and we could discuss an alternative that was safe and that aligned with policy. If they tried to insist, I’d decline and present alternatives. If they still say I need to take an unsafe action, I would decline once more and follow company procedure regarding reporting that request to appropriate personnel, such as an upper-level manager, safety teams, or human resources.”

40 More Amazon Interview Questions

Here are 40 more Amazon interview questions you may encounter:

Which leadership principles of Amazon do you connect with most?
Do you know who the Amazon CEO is? How do you pronounce his name?
Tell me about a time you faced a crisis at work. How did you handle it?
Describe [Amazon product or service relevant to the role] as you would to a prospective customer.
Can you tell me about a time you had to make a fast customer service decision without any guidance? How did you decide what to do?
Tell me about a time that you dealt with a hostile customer.
When given an unfamiliar task, how do you ensure you handle it properly?
If you are given two conflicting priorities from two separate managers, how do you figure out how to proceed?
Give me an example of when you received criticism. How did you respond to the information?
What metrics do you use to drive positive change?
Tell me about a time when you were handling a project that went outside of your scope of work. How did you handle it?
Describe a situation where you had to deal with ambiguity when making a decision.
Can you tell me about a time when you had to make a decision when all of the data you needed was unavailable?
How do you keep yourself / your team / your colleagues motivated?
What steps do you take to form positive and functional relationships with your colleagues?
What do you do to ensure that the customer experience is always a priority?
Tell me about a time you disagreed with feedback you received. How did you address it?
How do you handle a missed deadline / productivity target?
What do you like most about Amazon? What do you like least?
Describe an instance where you were overwhelmed while on the job. How did you handle it?
Tell me about a time when you failed to meet expectations. What did you do to recover?
How do you ensure that workplace safety is always a priority for you when you work?
What steps do you take to make sure every customer you speak with is wowed?
Tell me about the last time you had to apologize to someone.
Are you able to handle the physical demands of a warehousing job?
What qualities do you possess that will help you succeed with Amazon?
Describe a time when a problem had several solutions. How did you decide on an approach?
Tell me about two times when you had to take a calculated risk, one where you succeeded, and one where you failed.
How do you think working for Amazon will impact your life?
Describe a time when you had to step up as a leader even though you weren’t in a leadership role. What occurred?
Have you applied any of Amazon’s leadership principles in a previous role? If so, which ones and in what situations?
Tell me about a time when it was clear a colleague needed help but wouldn’t ask for it. What did you do?
How do you keep yourself motivated and engaged on the job, particularly when the tasks get repetitive?
Have you ever missed a key deadline for a project? What happened, and were you able to recover?
Describe a time when you had to apologize to a colleague after you discovered you were wrong.
Tell me about a time when you needed to ask for help on the job.

5 Good Questions to Ask at the End of an Amazon Interview

As your Amazon interview starts to wrap up, you’ll get a chance to ask the hiring manager some questions. Being ready for this moment is critical, as it allows you to assert your interest and learn valuable tidbits that can help you decide if the job is right for you. If you don’t know what to ask, here are a few questions that can work in nearly any situation:

What qualities do your most successful employees have in common?
Can you describe a typical day in this role?
What defines success in this position?
What is the biggest challenge Amazon is facing today? How does this role help solve it?
What do you enjoy most about working for Amazon?

If you want some more examples, check out our article: questions you can ask during your interview .

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, an Amazon interview can be challenging. But, by using the tips above, you can be ready. Remember, you’re a great candidate. All you need to do is show it. So take a deep breath and make it happen.

FREE : Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet!

Download our " Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet " that gives you word-for-word sample answers to some of the most common interview questions including:

What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
What Is Your Greatest Strength?
Tell Me About Yourself
Why Should We Hire You?

Click Here To Get The Job Interview Questions & Answers Cheat Sheet

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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The Amazon Interview Questions

Preparing for amazon interview questions.

Interviewing for your dream job can be an exciting and stressful experience. To be well-prepared, it pays to look at particularly challenging companies to see what questions are frequently asked. The Amazon company is known for its thorough interviews , especially the so-called " Behavioral Interview Questions ." These questions aim to learn more about your past behaviors, experiences, and skills to determine how well you would fit into the company , the advertised position, and the team.

Here are some tips and tricks on how to best prepare for this type of interview, which you can also expect in the application process at a consulting firm

Understand the STAR principle: The STAR principle is a helpful way to answer interview questions. STAR stands for situation, task, action, and result . First, explain the situation you found yourself in, then the task you had to accomplish, describe your actions, and finally the result that was achieved by your actions. This structure will help you to make your answers clear and concise.

Analyze frequently asked questions: There are certain questions that come up frequently on Amazon. There are a few listed at the end, including possible answers. Take time to analyze these questions for yourself and understand what the interviewer may be trying to find out.
Practice your answers out loud: Speak in front of a mirror, ask friends or family members to listen to you. This will help you work on your fluency and clarity. Filler words like "um" are also a sign of uncertainty in your answer. Try to avoid them and replace them with pauses in your speech that make your answer more effective and give it more weight. This comes across as confident.
Use resources on YouTube: There are some useful YouTube videos that specifically address Amazon interviews. Watch videos like "Amazon Interview Questions and Answers" and "Amazon Interview Tips" to get valuable insights from experienced candidates or recruiters.
Emphasize your leadership skills: Amazon often looks for candidates with strong leadership skills who have studied the company's leadership principles . You don't have to know the principles by heart. It's more important that you understand what principles drive the company. Prepare examples where you have taken responsibility and led teams, taken risks, or found innovative solutions in the past. Failure in a situation can also be worth mentioning if you learned and grew from it. This way you can also emphasize which values, for example personal growth, are especially important to you.
Show your customer orientation: Another important value at Amazon and of course in other companies is the focus on customers. Think about situations in which you have responded to the needs of customers and provided outstanding service, made up for mistakes, or exceeded expectations.
Be honest and authentic, and don't be afraid to make mistakes: Companies value authenticity. Be honest about your experience and skills. If you don't have all the required skills, show a willingness and enthusiasm to develop and learn new things.
Ask questions: At the end of the interview, you will usually have the opportunity to ask questions. Use this opportunity to show your interest in the position and the company. Ask smart questions about the work culture, development opportunities, or challenges of the role. Here are some examples of follow-up questions:

Preparing for Amazon's Interview Questions takes time and effort, but it will pay off in the end. By mastering the STAR principle, analyzing common questions, practicing your answers, and remaining authentic, you'll increase your chances of being convincing in the interview. But remember that an interview is also an opportunity for you to find out if the company, the tasks and the values fit you.

Here are some examples of frequently asked questions that you can use to prepare yourself:

Tell me something about yourself. This is usually the opening question, where you should briefly introduce yourself and highlight your professional background and relevant experience. Don't retell your resume. Instead, point out a trait using an example from your current or past life and explain how it drives you.
Why do you want to work at this company? Be prepared to share your motivations for joining the company. Learn about the company's values, culture, and mission to tailor your answer. Also, frame the question in a way that is helpful to you: Use the job description and give examples of your experience that fit the job posting perfectly.
Describe a challenging situation you faced at work and how you overcame it. Amazon, as well as management consulting firms, values problem-solving skills and this question will help assess your ability to handle difficult scenarios. Imagine a real situation and use it as an example.
Explain a time when you had to work together as a team. Focus on your teamwork and communication skills, as teamwork is emphasized at Amazon and at many other companies. Pick a project you were involved in that was a success only because of teamwork.
How do you deal with failures? Prove your resilience and ability to learn from setbacks here. Remember that many inventions that are successful today have their origins in having failed many times before. Prepare with examples that demonstrate your expertise while describing how you have taken risks, succeeded, failed, and grown in the process.
Describe a situation in which you demonstrated leadership skills. Emphasize your leadership skills and how you influenced positive outcomes. Leadership skills are usually demonstrated in difficult situations that require risk taking and responsibility, especially when there is more than one opinion. Study the company's leadership principles and link your examples to them.
Tell me about a time when you had to meet a tight deadline. Meeting a deadline is about prioritizing tasks. Highlight your time management and organizational skills. Also use specific programs or techniques to help you do this.
How do you deal with ambiguity? Amazon is known for its fast-paced and dynamic environment. Emphasize your adaptability and flexibility. You may also face moral issues of ambiguity when asked to give examples of how you would act if you observed a* colleague stealing. Emphasize your integrity, which may mean finding help for the colleague's problem while keeping the law and company policies in the forefront.
How do you prioritize tasks when juggling multiple projects? Demonstrate how you manage your workload efficiently and effectively. This may mean working overtime when you can't do otherwise during busy times. It is also an opportunity to ask how overtime is relieved.
Give an example of a situation in which you have shown customer orientation. Amazon places a high value on customer orientation. Show your commitment to providing excellent customer experiences and your joy in not only meeting expectations but exceeding them.

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How to Answer Amazon Interview Questions

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How to Answer Amazon Interview Questions was originally published on Forage .

You’ve got an interview at Amazon and want to be prepared. So, you read up on common Amazon interview questions, practice your responses, and feel like you’re as ready as you’ll ever be. Or are you?

Answering Amazon interview questions requires more than your “standard” interview prep. You need to dig deep into what the company is looking for in applicants and frame your answers in a way that explains why you’re the person Amazon wants to hire.

Fortunately, Amazon offers advice on interviewing at the company on its website. With that information and this handy guide, you can feel confident that you’re prepped and ready for your Amazon interview.

What Amazon Wants in Interview Answers

The best way to prep for Amazon interview questions is to understand the types of questions they ask, the way you should format an answer, and what the interviewer wants to hear in your response.

Most of Amazon’s interview questions are behavioral interview questions . These questions help the interviewer understand how you use your skills in a real-life situation. Generally, a behavioral interview question starts with, “Tell me about a time when,” or “How would you handle?”

When answering these kind of questions, Amazon recommends using the STAR method . STAR stands for s ituation, t ask, a ction, r esult and the mnemonic can help you remember the critical elements your answer needs. In short, you describe a situation you faced, the task you needed to complete, the action you took, and the results .

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However, Amazon isn’t only looking for candidates that use the STAR method. Every answer should be framed around three critical items: Amazon’s leadership principles, data, and peculiarity.

Let’s start with the easy part first: data.

One reason people use the STAR method is that it’s a great way to include metrics and outcomes in the answer. This allows you to quantify how much you’ll positively impact the organization if they hire you.

And one of the tips from Amazon mentions including data in your answer: “ Use data or metrics to support your answer.”

Data is usually in the results section of the answer. So, you might say that you decreased late payments by 27% or sped up shipping rates by 36%. Depending on your background and the position you’re interviewing for, you could explain that you had an overall customer satisfaction rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Leadership Principles

Another key point Amazon stresses in its interview prep advice is to frame your answer around the company’s leadership principles . Those are:

Customer obsession
Invent and simplify
Are right, a lot
Learn and be curious
Hire and develop the best
Insist on the highest standards
Bias for action
Have backbone; disagree and commit
Deliver results
Strive to be Earth’s best employer
Success and scale bring broad responsibility

Each leadership principle also has a brief description. For example, for “Learn and be curious,” Amazon explains, “Leaders are never done learning and always seek to improve themselves. They are curious about new possibilities and act to explore them.”

So, frame your answer around at least one of these leadership principles. For example, you could talk about a time you wanted to learn a new skill and what steps you took to make that happen. The rest of your answer could discuss how you used your newly acquired skill on the job and how that benefited the company.

Peculiarity

One additional thing Amazon wants candidates to address in their answers is the company’s self-described peculiarity . And what is that, exactly?

Interestingly, this is never specifically addressed. However, according to Amazon, the company has several peculiarities, many of which are covered in the leadership principles and the annual letter to shareholders.

One clue the company gives is that every letter to shareholders ends with this point from the 1997 letter:

“Our core values and approach remain unchanged. We continue to aspire to be Earth’s most customer-centric company.”

It’s safe to say that your answers should include some indication of how you are a customer-centric person.

How to Answer Common Amazon Interview Questions

To answer any of Amazon’s interview questions, you’ll need to use the STAR method to frame your answer around one (or more) of their leadership principles and use data to support your answer while including something about the company’s peculiarities.

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What’s more, Amazon also says that your answers should be specific and detailed, as well as have a beginning, middle, and end. You should also be ready to answer follow-up questions in even greater detail and use examples that are unique to you.

Phew! That’s a lot, but with a little practice, you can do it!

Fortunately, Amazon posts several common interview questions it asks during in-person or phone interviews , so you can practice your answer and get a feel for what works. Head over to Amazon’s interview information page and click on “Behavioral-based interviewing” to see them. Let’s check out two of Amazon’s interview questions and possible answers.

Describe a time you took the lead on a project.

OK. Technically this is a request, but it’s still a behavioral interview question. The interviewer is asking you to tell a story that explains when you led a project and what the outcome was.

Don’t worry if you don’t have the word “manager,” “supervisor,” or any other leadership-type words in your current or past job titles. What the hiring manager is looking for is a time you stepped up and led something.

So, let’s say you’re going to talk about a group project from school. Using the STAR method, you could explain how everyone volunteered to take on parts of the project, but no one seemed to be getting their work done. You stepped up and collaborated with the entire team to ensure everyone did what they were supposed to.

>>MORE: 10 Common Leadership Interview Questions and Answers

But to make your answer more Amazon-ish, you need to frame it around a leadership principle (say, bias toward action), use data to back up your answer (the grade your group received), and how your actions were customer-centric.

That last part may be a bit tricky because, technically, there are no customers in this scenario. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use this example to illustrate how you are a customer-centric person.

Your answer could go something like this:

I was part of a group project for class. Things started off OK. Everyone volunteered to take on a specific portion of the project, and we agreed to a timeline for milestones. A few people missed the first milestone, which was fine, but from there, the entire team seemed to slip.

Worried we were going to either turn in something not great or miss the due date entirely, I stepped in. I met with each person on the team to see what was holding them back and brainstorm ideas on how to get their part of the project done — without doing the work for them!

In talking to my teammates, I learned that some of them needed information from others in order to make progress on their part. So, I organized a group chat and set up a shared Google doc where everyone could discuss how things were going and what they needed from other team members in a transparent, shared, and organized manner.

This helped improve communication among the team and had a noticeable impact on how quickly the project moved along. After we started communicating more openly, we didn’t miss milestones and got the project in on time, resulting in an A grade on the project.

This answer hits all the essential points. It talks about the situation (people missing milestones), task (meeting with each person), action (brainstorming, setting up the chat and shared document), and result (made the milestones, turned the project in on time, got an A).

What’s more, the answer also hits the key points Amazon looks for. It’s framed around a leadership principle (bias toward action) and includes data (the grade). And it explains how you’re customer-centric. By talking to teammates, you learned what challenges they were facing and devised a solution that met their needs.

When did you take a risk, make a mistake, or fail? How did you respond? How did you grow from it?

At first glance, this may seem like a trick question. Why would Amazon want you to talk about a time you failed? Should you say that you’ve never taken a risk or are always right?

One of Amazon’s leadership principles is “Leaders are right, a lot.” Interestingly, the explanation says that while a leader has strong judgment and good instincts, leaders also “seek diverse perspectives and work to disconfirm their beliefs.”

In other words, leaders know that while they’re right most of the time, they aren’t right all of the time. And sometimes, the best way to learn when you’re right is to occasionally be wrong.

The question is asking if you’re comfortable taking a risk even when there’s a chance you’ll be wrong. And that time you were wrong, what did you learn from it, and how did it change your thought process or methods?

When I was an intern, I was responsible for the email list. This included list hygiene, merging new entries onto the list, and segmenting the list for different campaigns. I had never worked with email management software before, so I was learning on the job. For the most part, that was fine. There were a lot of helpful tutorials online.

But one day, I was asked to segment an already segmented list, and I just could not find a tutorial anywhere. I googled and searched the software’s knowledge base but…nothing. Then I tried internal resources, like Slack and Notion, but there was nothing there.

I had already been at the internship for about three months and assumed that with that amount of time on the job, people figured I knew how to do my job, and if I asked a question, people would wonder if I should still be responsible for the list or even in the internship.

So… I guessed how to do it. And it was wrong. It wasn’t a huge deal in that it didn’t involve a coupon code or sale or anything, but it did give a group of people incorrect information about their order.

When my boss found out, he had me send out a corrected email with an apology note, then explained to me how to segment a segmented list. And, much to my relief, he wasn’t mad about what happened and told me that in the future, I should ask for help!

What I learned from this is that there really are no stupid questions. I knew this, of course, but actually living it is different. I also learned that no one expects anyone to know everything, so it’s OK to ask for help whenever you need it. Someone on the team probably has the answer, and the team is there to help and support each other.

This answer describes a situation (being responsible for the email list), task (segmenting a segmented list), action (not knowing what to do, so guessing), and the result (you messed up but learned it’s OK to ask questions).

And it’s also framed around a leadership principle: Leaders are right, a lot. In this instance, you took the lead and made a decision, but it didn’t work out. This is one of those times you were wrong but learned something.

It also includes data, even though it’s not a number. In this case, it’s what you did after the fact (sent out the corrected email with an apology) and what you learned about asking questions and teamwork.

And finally, this also explains how you’re customer-centric. You were trying to serve the customers by sending an email, and once you found out you were wrong, you did what was necessary to make it right.

How to Answer Common Amazon Technical Interview Questions

If you’re applying for a software development or software engineering role, you’ll also have a technical interview. This is slightly different from a behavioral interview in that the hiring manager will see you use your skills by whiteboarding or coding during the interview instead of asking you to talk about them.

>>MORE: 5 Technical Interview Questions for All Careers

Amazon offers candidates tips to prepare for the technical interview . You should be ready for topics like:

Programming languages
Data structures
Object-oriented design
Distributed computing
Operating systems
Internet topics
General machine learning and artificial intelligence

Unlike the behavioral questions, Amazon does not provide a list of common technical interview questions. Instead, the company briefly explains how to prepare for questions about each topic.

For example, under algorithms, Amazon says you don’t need to memorize a bunch of algorithms. Instead, you’ll need a “good understanding” of common algorithms (like traversals and divide and conquer), how to implement them, and the limitations of each algorithm. This will help you solve the problems the interviewer presents.

Answering Amazon Interview Questions: The Bottom Line

Ultimately, there’s really no “wrong” way to answer any of Amazon’s interview questions. But by using the STAR method to frame your answer and including elements of Amazon’s leadership principles and peculiarity, along with data to back your answer up, you’ll be a strong candidate that stands out.

Get prepped for other common interview questions you might encounter:

Analytical Skills Interview Questions (and Answers)
15 Entry-Level Interview Questions
Interview Questions, Answered: ‘What Are Your Salary Expectations?’
How to Answer: ‘Why Do You Think You Are Qualified for This Position?’
How to Answer: ‘What Motivates You?’ in a Job Interview
How to Answer: ‘Tell Me About Yourself’
What Is a ‘Good’ Weakness for a Job Interview?
Interview Questions, Answered: ‘What Is Your Greatest Strength?’
How to Answer: ‘Why Are You Applying for This Position?’

Image credit: NewAfrica/Depositphotos.com

The post How to Answer Amazon Interview Questions appeared first on Forage .

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Amazon PM Interview Cheat Sheet

Accounting for over 49% of US e-commerce, few companies can boast of having the utter brand recognition, customers and worldwide reach that a product role at Amazon can offer. Amazon hires approximately 800 to 1000 PMs across various offices, with most positions centered around Seattle, despite thousands upon thousands of applications each year.

Amazon has two separate product roles, Product Managers (PMs) and Product Managers-Technical (PMTs). As the name implies, PMTs work on more technical products like AWS and usually have computer science or engineering experience. On the other hand, PMs have a more diverse background and work across verticals.

Amazon's hiring process is similar for both of these roles, except the PMT interview has a few more technical questions.

If you get a technical question, it's likely not going to be a programming question. Rather it will be a technical explainer or architecture questions.
For PMT roles, Amazon prefers candidates with an engineering degree and for PM roles, Amazon prefers MBA graduates.
Amazon is famous for their 14 leadership Principles, which we talk about in the upcoming sections. Make sure to prepare stories for each of these, since it will definitely come up.

Interview Stages

Submit your resume and get referrals.

Initial phone screen with a recruiter.

Two phone interviews with different managers, focused on behavioral and case questions.

Usually, you’ll be asked to write a 1-2 page essay in response to questions like, “what is the most innovative project you’ve ever worked on?” or, “talk about an experience where you were able to simplify the lives of your customers.”

Six 40-50 minute interviews with PMs, engineers, and a VP. Each round will center around a particular topic, such as work history,a business case study, a break-even analysis, product specs, or cultural fit. Make sure you study Amazon’s 12 leadership principles!

Interview Types

Product Design

The product design interviews, which usually encompasses 2 interviews out of all the onsite PM interviews at Amazon, is designed to test how an applicant would actually build and ship a product at Amazon. These interviews firstly test the Amazon principle of “Think Big” . Amazon is a massive company and it’s important for PMs at the company to be able to make a relevant impact upon the business through scale just as it’s important that they continue to innovate creatively, which correlates to the principle “Invent and Simplify” . Finally, the product design interviews also consider the principle “Dive Deep” ; It’s important that Amazon PMs are excited about solving challenging problems within their vision and product, especially because they are working in complex spaces and markets.

Product Design Interview Questions will typically be in the form of one very deep hypothetical “what would you build for x” with a series of follow-up questions to understand your thought process.

Your Product Design Interviewer is looking to see:

Did you flow smoothly and logically from one step to the next without explicitly relying on a framework?
Did you think of creative user groups and user needs?
Did you tie your product back to the company’s and product’s goals and mission? Does your product help the bottom line in addition to helping users?
Could you identify tradeoffs, make judgment calls, and quickly choose the features/users that were the most important?
Did you think of interesting, unusual, and exciting features?

Example Amazon Product Design Questions:

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How would you use data to build a better Kindle reading experience?
What would you build to improve Twitch?
What’s your favorite non-technical product, and how would you improve it?
How would you improve Amazon's advertising features for businesses?
What is a product you set the vision for? How did you get adoption?
What is a new vertical Amazon should enter? How would you validate this market?

Collaboration

Amazon recognizes the importance of disagreements in a team fostering creativity and innovation through its principle “Disagree and Commit”. The company wants PMs to be able to recognize when to challenge thoughts in a team, when to escalate disagreements, and when to move forward as a team. Moving forward requires that PMs are able to “Earn Trust”, another Amazonian principle. PMs are expected to focus on remedying mistakes rather than accusing the people involved.

This interview usually is comprised of behavioral questions and is meant to help access if you can effectively lead and inspire a product team, deal with conflict, facilitate communication, etc.

Your Collaboration Interviewer is looking to see:

How will you be able to handle conflict? Will you respectfully challenge decisions or passively follow?
Can you create excitement and rally a team behind a shared vision? Are you willing to adapt your roadmap to changing market conditions?
Did you come across as a humble team player? Can you earn the trust of your team members?

Example Amazon Collaboration Interview Questions:

Amazon PM's "tell me about yourself."

Imagine an engineer on your team wasn't meeting expectations. How would you proceed?
Tell me about a time when you earned the trust of a person or group?
Tell me about a time you failed. How did you handle it?
Do you work well independently?
What is an example of a time when you had to take a short-term loss hoping to get a long-term gain? Did it work?

Customer Obsession

Amazon’s greatest strength is being customer obsessed and the company expects to be just as driven towards customer satisfaction, aptly naming a principle “Customer Obsession” . While the Collaboration focuses on your past experiences, the Customer Obsession is meant to assess whether you can truly understand a customer’s needs and pain points rather than merely demonstrating an effort to address these needs. This is the most important leadership principle at Amazon, and applicants should prepare for this interview appropriately.

Your Customer Obsession interviewer will be looking for:

Did you evaluate the product from the lens of a user, not just a PM?
Did you propose creative, interesting ideas? Is your plan feasible?
When explaining how to improve a product, did you talk about the company’s mission and goals and how the product fits in?
Did you have a plan to make sure that customer is satisfied? How will you measure this? Will this affect the roadmap?

Example Amazon Customer Obsession Questions:

Tell me about a time when you talked to a customer and learned an interesting insight. Did you change your roadmap? If yes, how?
Recall a product who's customer service experience stood out to you for being exceptional. What did they do right?
Recall a product who's customer service experience stood out to you for being terrible. What did they do wrong?
Is the customer always right? Do you have an example of when this isn't the case?
How do you develop customer empathy?

Amazon’s famous Bar Raiser interview is designed to make sure candidates are at the quality demanded by the company independent of team needs and demands (that may be short-term regardless). A Bar Raiser interviewer is not associated with the team candidates interview for and in fact has very little knowledge or context about the role, but can veto a candidate’s hiring decision if they feel the candidate’s quality is below average. This interview tests the principles of “Are Right, A Lot” and “Insists on the Highest Standards” and is more often than not the most difficult interview a candidate will undergo.

Your Bar Raiser interviewer will be looking for:

Are you a fast worker who iterates continuously or detail-oriented and focused on quality?
Are you a good fit as a PM in Amazon's culture?
How is your intuition when thinking strategically about a market? What about when thinking about tactical product decisions?
Do you always need data to make decisions?
Will you be good at managing a project and ensuring it gets delivered?
How will you ensure a high quality bar?
Do you have a growth mindset?

Example Amazon Bar Raiser Questions:

Tell me about a time you had to trust your gut when making a decision? Were you comfortable making that decision? How did it play out?
What do you do when you don't have enough data?
How do you stay organized?
Tell me about the best customer experience you've shipped.
Do you regret any product decisions you made? Is there a product you worked on that you still think about how you could have improved?
If you had to cut one of Amazon's products, what would it be?
Name a company Amazon should acquire.

Created with the help of 11 current and former Amazon PMs, including 5 L7 Principal PMs and 3 L8 Product Directors

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Amazon Company Level Strategic Overview & Monthly Updated Most Common PM Interview Questions

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In our Flagship Amazon PM Interview course, you will start off by learning Amazon’s Ten Year Strategy from insiders so you can begin to think from the perspective of an Amazon exec. We’ll go deep on hot product areas like Retail, Prime Studios, Advertising, AWS, Hardware, Alexa, and more! ‍ Then, we will give you a refresher on the art of interviewing covering everything from whiteboarding to body language. We’ll go over what types of strategy, product, technical, and behavioral questions you are most likely to get asked at Amazon and then walk you through the concrete things that Amazon interviewers are taught to look for in your response for each question type. We’ll also show you tons of mock interview examples of 10 out of 10 answers with expert interviewer commentary along the way. ‍ Finally, we will share a monthly updated list of interview questions that our team members and past customers have actually gotten during their recent Amazon PM interviews. With this course, you can take luck out of the equation for getting your dream PM job at Amazon!

The keys to understanding Amazon’s 10 year product roadmap

4 rules of thumb for acing Amazon’s Strategy PM interviews

The 14 biggest mistakes candidates make when talking about Amazon’s 14 Leadership Principles

Unlock a 22-minute video on how to perfectly answer the most common Amazon strategy questions for FREE!

More guides.

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Amazon Product Manager Interview (questions, process, prep)

Product manager interviews at Amazon differ from interviews at other FAANG companies.

Instead of the usual product sense and analytical questions, Amazon interviewers will focus almost exclusively on behavioral questions. They want to see that your way of working aligns with their 16 leadership principles, with a particular focus on ownership and customer obsession.

To help you prepare, we’ve put together this complete guide to the Amazon product manager interview, including 83 interview questions reported by real Amazon PM candidates, as well as an overview of the interview process.

Let’s get started.

Role and salary
Process and timeline
Behavioral (leadership principles)
Technical questions
How to answer
Preparation plan

Click here to practice with Amazon PM ex-interviewers

1. amazon product manager role and salary ↑.

Before we cover your PM interviews at Amazon, let's take a quick look at the role itself (alternatively, feel free to skip straight to the sections on the interview process or interview questions ).

1.1 What does an Amazon product manager do?

Amazon Product Managers (PMs) function at the critical intersection where state-of-the-art technology meets an unparalleled scale of business operations. This comes with some formidable challenges.

"A PM at Amazon is expected to advance ideas that will advance Amazon's strategic objectives. Amazon's global scale means that these initiatives often need approval from leadership, who themselves are in charge of billion-dollar business units. These leaders have their own strategic priorities, risk tolerance levels, and operational concerns to manage. Therefore, the role of an Amazon PM not only involves idea generation but also extends to include exceptional persuasive skills, internal lobbying, and relationship management to secure the necessary support." ( Nishant, ex-Amazon product manager).

Stakeholder management on a global scale might be new to you if you're coming from a small or medium company, but it's similar to what PMs might experience at Google, Meta, etc.

However, the product manager position at Amazon differs from PM roles at other FAANG companies in three key ways:

First, decision-making at the company is extremely data-driven, from product development to growth strategies and corporate culture. Amazon PMs are encouraged to use a scoring model as their guide to making good product decisions.

Second, unlike Google and Meta, Amazon uses a top-down decision-making structure, giving the executive team a relatively high degree of control. This more formalized approach to decision-making is exemplified in the way reading documents has become an ingrained part of Amazonian work culture . PMs author their ideas through a 'PRFAQ' document.

Thirdly, Nishant explains that customer obsession is hugely important at Amazon. "The most important job for a PM is to be the voice of the customer in all internal discussions and meetings. Potential PMs aspiring for a job at Amazon should be able to articulate a clear job history and career trajectory marked by initiatives centered around Customer Obsession".

For that reason, customer obsession is the leadership principle you'll want to most focus on when preparing for the interview, as you'll see in section 3 .

What does Amazon look for in product managers? Amazon looks for product managers with traits that align with the company’s culture and values, expressed in its leadership principles. Specifically, Amazon wants product managers who are knowledgeable about its products, data-driven, results-driven, highly user-centric, and adaptable.

1.2 Amazon product manager levels

These are the different Amazon Product Manager levels:

Associate Product Manager (L5) typically has 3-7 years of product management experience.
Senior Product Manager (L6) typically has 6-13 years of product management experience.
Principal Product Manager (L7) typically has 10-20 years of product management experience.

1.3 Salary and compensation

Amazon PMs make 34% more than other PMs in the US on average, according to Glassdoor.

Compensation mainly depends on two key factors: location and level.

Location: Salaries are adjusted for cost-of-living. For example, Amazon PMs in the US make 314% more than their counterparts in India.

Level: As you'd expect, both base salary and total compensation go up with each PM level.

Below is the average salary and compensation of the different product manager levels at Amazon. This is based on the reported data from Levels.fyi.

If you’re unsure what level you’re being considered for, ask your recruiter.

Ultimately, how you do in your interviews will determine what level you’re offered. That’s why hiring one of our Amazon PM interview coaches can provide such a significant return on investment.

And remember, compensation packages are always negotiable, even at Amazon. So, if you do get an offer, don’t be afraid to ask for more.

1.4 The Bar Raiser Interview

The Bar Raiser Interview is usually the last part of the interview stages. This is a unique and important aspect of the Amazon hiring process, serving as an additional layer of evaluation and focusing on Amazon's leadership principles. So, make sure to familiarize yourself with those principles.

The Bar Raiser will not be introduced to you explicitly as such during the interview but will normally ask behavioral and leadership questions.

Note that the Bar Raiser is an Amazon employee whose primary responsibility is to ensure that the company maintains a high standard for talent. This is a third-party interviewer who is not related to the team and normally comes from a different Amazon department.

Essentially, the Bar Raiser is brought into the hiring process to provide objective insights without having to consider the team’s needs. Their primary focus is to maintain the "Amazonian" culture.

For a closer look at the Bar Raiser, read our article: 5 Steps to Beat the Amazon Bar Raiser

2. Interview Process and Timeline ↑

What's the Amazon PM interview process and timeline? The good news is that Amazon works a bit quicker than the other FAANG companies. The process takes four to six weeks on average and follows these steps:

Job application
HR Recruiter email or call
Phone screening (1-2 interviews)

Writing assessment

Interview loop (~5 interviews)
Hiring committee review
You get an offer!

amazon product manager interview process timeline

Note that the process at AWS follows similar steps.

If you are interviewing for a product leadership position (VP, Director, Group PM), learn more about the process and how to prepare here .

Let's take a look at each step in more detail.

2.1 What to expect at each stage

Resume screening

First, recruiters will look at your resume and assess if your experience matches the open position. This is the most competitive step in the process—we’ve found that ~90% of candidates don’t make it past this stage.

You can use this free product manager resume guide to help tailor your resume to the position you’re targeting.

If you’re looking for expert feedback, you can also get input from our team of ex-Amazon recruiters , who will cover what achievements to focus on (or ignore), how to fine-tune your bullet points, and more.

HR Recruiter coordination

Next, the interview process starts with an HR recruiter call or email. They are looking to confirm that you've got a chance of getting the job at all, so you should be prepared to explain your background and why you’re a good fit at Amazon.

Phone screen(s)

Your phone screen will last 60 minutes. It will include behavioral questions that test whether you fit Amazon's leadership principles and more functional questions around your product manager experience and your motivation for the role.

The phone screen will typically be with senior members of the product team, including the hiring manager leading your recruitment.

Example phone screen questions:

Why do you want to work at Amazon?
How do you deal with ambiguity?
Can you give me an example of a time you failed to convince someone?
Tell me about an instance you had issues with meeting a deadline - how did you deal with it?

Some candidates will also face a case study interview in the phone screen stage. This could be where you present a case study of a project you worked on in the past, or you might be asked to study a business case in a spreadsheet and present your findings.

Don't worry, we'll help you prepare for these questions in section 3 .

If your phone screen goes well, you'll be given a writing exercise to complete in your own time. For example, a recent candidate was asked to create a PRD for a fictional Amazon product.

You'll usually be given the writing assessment 48 hours before your onsite/loop interviews. Interviewers at your onsite interviews should have read your writing assessment although it seems that this isn't always the case.

Click here if you want help with your writing assessment.

Onsite interviews / Loop

The next step is to spend a full day at one of Amazon’s offices and participate in ~5 interviews. These interviews will last ~55 minutes and be one-on-one with a mix of people from the team you’re applying to join, including peers, the hiring manager, and a senior executive. Each interviewer is usually assigned 2-3 leadership principles to focus on during the interview.

As mentioned in section 2, one of your last interviews will be with what Amazon calls a “ Bar Raiser ”. These interviewers are not associated with the team you’re applying for and focus more on overall candidate quality than specific team needs. They get special training to make sure Amazon’s hiring standards stay high and don’t degrade over time, so they are a big barrier between you and the job offer.

2.2 What happens behind the scenes

Your recruiter is leading the process and taking you from one stage to the next. Here's what happens at each of the stages described above:

After the phone screen, your hiring manager decides to move you to the on-site or not, depending on how well you've done up to that point
During the on-site, interviewers will test your culture fit using the Amazon Leadership Principles, and the Bar Raiser plays a critical role in the group’s final decision
Your recruiter should be in touch within 5 days of your on-site interviews, either with an offer or to break the bad news.

It's also important to note that recruiters and people who refer you have little influence on the overall process. They can help you get an interview at the beginning but that's about it.

2.3 How technical do you need to be?

Broadly speaking Amazon has two product roles: Product Managers (PMs) and Product Managers - Technical (PMTs).

PMs work for the e-commerce arm of the company and tend to come from a wide range of backgrounds. You don't need to have a technical background to be a PM at Amazon like you usually would at Google.

PMTs work on more technical products such as AWS and are required to have deeper technical knowledge. In most cases, they have a background in computer science or engineering.

" PMTs are deep technology experts and are required to understand architectural choices and defend them ." ( ex-Amazon PM )

As a result, PMTs tend to be paid 15 to 20% more than PMs.

Both roles run very similar hiring processes, and you can expect the same type of questions. The main difference is that if you are applying for a PMT role, you will be asked some technical questions such as, “What is virtualization?” or, “What’s the difference between a router and a switch?” These questions aren’t a test of your coding ability, as they focus on assessing how deeply you understand certain technical concepts — especially system architecture.

If you’re applying for a PM role but discuss technical projects in your behavioral interviews, then you may be offered a PMT role. Also, if offered a PM role, some teams might let you request to apply for a PMT role. In that case, the recruiter will typically arrange an additional interview which will be more focused on technical questions. Your original PM offer will not be rescinded even if you do not clear the technical round.

Note: for the rest of this article we will be loosely referring to PMs and PMTs as Product Managers or PMs given the recruiting process is very similar for both positions.

2.4 How many PMs does Amazon hire every year?

At this point, you might be wondering what your chances are. The good news is that Amazon is such a huge company, with over 1.5 million employees , that it has to hire a large number of PMs every year, even just to replace churn.

It's difficult to put an exact number on it, but let's do some back-of-the-envelope estimations:

At the time of writing, there were 362 Amazon product manager positions on LinkedIn (around 3x more positions than Google). 90% of these positions were labeled as having been posted in the last 2 weeks. Some of the positions would have been posted earlier but since been updated...let's be conservative and say that Amazon posts 360 PM positions per month.

We can therefore calculate that Amazon posts around 4,000 product manager job offers per year. That's a huge number! And probably number 1 among FAANG companies.

Of course, that doesn't mean that getting in is easy. In a 1998 letter to shareholders, CEO Jeff Bezos wrote, “Setting the bar high in our approach to hiring has been, and will continue to be, the single most important element of Amazon.com’s success.” This idea is likely why they have Bar Raisers to this day, and why they have a challenging interview process overall.

The good news is that cracking PM interviews is actually very manageable once you know how to prepare. So, let's take a look at the different ways Amazon will ask you questions during interviews.

3. Example questions ↑

As we mentioned at the start of this guide, Amazon interviews focus almost exclusively on behavioral or "STAR" questions. We know this because as well as talking to Amazon PM ex-interviewers, we've analyzed hundreds of questions reported by former PM candidates on Glassdoor.com since 2021.

3.1 Behavioral questions

Each behavioral question from your Amazon interviewer will test you on one or more of Amazon's 16 Leadership Principles .

PM interviews tend to primarily focus on the first four principles we have highlighted below, according to our analysis and the Amazon ex-interviewers on our coaching team. The other twelve topics also come up but less frequently.

Amazon's Leadership Principles:

Customer Obsession
Bias for Action
Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit
Invent and Simplify
Are Right, A Lot
Deliver Results
Hire and Develop the Best
Learn and Be Curious
Insist on the Highest Standards
Strive to be Earth's Best Employer
Success and Scale Bring Broad Responsibility

Below is a breakdown of each leadership principle and how you’ll be asked about them during your interview process with Amazon.

3.1.1 Customer obsession interview questions

“Customer Obsession — Leaders start with the customer and work backwards. They work vigorously to earn and keep customer trust. Although leaders pay attention to competitors, they obsess over customers.”

Customer obsession is about empathy. Interviewers want to see that you understand the consequences that every decision has on customer experience. You need to know who the customer is and their underlying needs, not just the tasks they want done.

This is by far the most important leadership principle used at Amazon. Therefore, it is the most important one to prepare for.

Example customer obsession questions asked by Amazon

Describe a customer feedback recommendation that you implemented
How have you measured customer satisfaction in the past?
Which company has the best customer service and why?
Tell me about a time you worked backwards from a customer problem — how did you solve it?
Tell me about a time you said no to a customer request and why

3.1.2 Ownership interview questions

“Ownership — Leaders are owners. They think long term and don’t sacrifice long-term value for short-term results. They act on behalf of the entire company, beyond just their own team. They never say “that’s not my job.”

Interviewers at Amazon want to avoid hiring people who think, “That’s not my job!” When answering ownership questions, you’ll want to prove that you take initiative, can make tough decisions, and take responsibility for your mistakes.

Example ownership questions asked by Amazon

Tell me about a time when you established a vision for a team, project, or initiative when there wasn’t one. How did you gain buy-in? What was the outcome?
Tell me about a time you had to face a situation where you saw a bigger opportunity than what your manager requested
When was the last time that you sacrificed a long term value to complete a short term task?
Tell me about a time you took ownership of a problem that was not the focus of your organization

3.1.3 Bias for action interview questions

“Bias for Action — Speed matters in business. Many decisions and actions are reversible and do not need extensive study. We value calculated risk taking.”

Since Amazon likes to ship quickly, they also prefer to learn from doing and measuring over performing user research and making projections. They want to see that you can take calculated risks and move things forward whenever possible.

Example bias for action questions asked by Amazon

Tell me about a time you broke a complex problem into simple sub-parts
Describe a time you struggled to meet a deadline
Tell me about a time you had to make a decision with incomplete information. How did you make it and what was the outcome?
Tell me about a time when you proactively identified a risk in a process and acted upon it?

3.1.4 Have backbone; disagree and commit interview questions

“Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit — Leaders are obligated to respectfully challenge decisions when they disagree, even when doing so is uncomfortable or exhausting. Leaders have conviction and are tenacious. They do not compromise for the sake of social cohesion. Once a decision is determined, they commit wholly.”

Any group of smart leaders will disagree at some point. Amazon wants to see that you know when to challenge ideas and escalate problems to senior leadership. At the same time, they want to know you can sense the right time to move forward regardless of your disagreement.

Example have backbone; disagree and commit questions asked by Amazon

Tell me about a time you disagreed with your team but decided to go ahead with their proposal
When was the last time you were challenged in public, and how did you handle it?
Describe a time when you disagreed with your manager
Tell me about a time you gave up on a short term benefit in favor of a long term benefit

3.1.5 Invent and simplify interview questions

“Invent and Simplify — Leaders expect and require innovation and invention from their teams and always find ways to simplify. They are externally aware, look for new ideas from everywhere, and are not limited by “not invented here." Because we do new things, we accept that we may be misunderstood for long periods of time.”

Amazon relies on a culture of innovation. Answering invent and simplify questions is an opportunity to show your ability to create solutions when there is no obvious answer. You’ll also want to show that you know how to execute big ideas as simply and cheaply as possible.

Example invent and simplify questions asked by Amazon

Tell me about a time you re-designed a process and why
What is the most innovative product you’ve ever built?
Tell me how you brought a product to market, give specific details
Tell me about a time when you resolved a complex problem with a simple solution

3.1.6 Dive deep interview questions

“Dive Deep — Leaders operate at all levels, stay connected to the details, audit frequently, and are skeptical when metrics and anecdotes differ. No task is beneath them.”

When something isn’t working, Product Managers need to quickly find a solution. Interviewers want to see that you are excited to dive deep when problems arise.

Example dive deep questions asked by Amazon

Tell me about a project in which you had to deep dive into analysis
Describe an instance when you used a lot of data in a short period of time
Tell me about the most complex analysis you have worked on
Tell me about a time you used customer data to develop a product or business insight

3.1.7 Are right, a lot interview questions

“Are Right, A Lot — Leaders are right a lot. They have strong judgment and good instincts. They seek diverse perspectives and work to disconfirm their beliefs.”

Organizations expect Product Managers to produce solutions as quickly as possible and make a lot of decisions with little information. You’ll want to demonstrate skill in taking calculated risks and comfort with disproving your own beliefs before moving ahead.

Example are right, a lot questions asked by Amazon

Tell me about a time you applied judgment to a decision when data was not available
When was a time that you failed at work?
Tell me about a time when you had to run a project that was heavily opposed

3.1.8 Deliver results interview questions

“Deliver Results — Leaders focus on the key inputs for their business and deliver them with the right quality and in a timely fashion. Despite setbacks, they rise to the occasion and never settle.”

Amazon values action over perfection. When answering questions related to delivering results, you’ll want to indicate that you dislike slipped deadlines and failed goals.

Example deliver results questions asked by Amazon

Tell me about a challenge on a project you faced, how you dealt with it, what was your role, and what was the outcome
Tell me about a time when you set a product roadmap and it got derailed
How do you prioritize in your current role?
What do you think are the most difficult parts of software product management?

3.1.9 Think big interview questions

“Think Big — Thinking small is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Leaders create and communicate a bold direction that inspires results. They think differently and look around corners for ways to serve customers.”

Amazon is huge and its PMs need to build products that reach significant scale to make a difference for the business. As a result, interviewers will want to see that you can develop and articulate a bold vision.

Example think big questions asked by Amazon

Describe a time you proposed a non-intuitive solution to a problem and how you identified that it required a different way of thinking
Give a specific example where you drove adoption for your vision and explain how you knew it had been adopted by others
What is your superpower?
Tell me about your most significant accomplishment. Why was it significant?

3.1.10 Hire and develop the best interview questions

“Hire and Develop the Best — Leaders raise the performance bar with every hire and promotion. They recognize exceptional talent, and willingly move them throughout the organization. Leaders develop leaders and take seriously their role in coaching others. We work on behalf of our people to invent mechanisms for development like Career Choice.”

As mentioned above, Amazon wants new hires to, “raise the bar.” Interviewers will want to see that you are not afraid of working with and hiring people smarter than you. You should also show you enjoy coaching younger colleagues and know how to get the most out of top performers. You’ll notice the examples listed here are general interview questions, but they provide a perfect opportunity for you to address this principle.

This leadership principle is typically discussed in interviews for very senior product positions that involve people management or building a team (e.g. Senior Manager for Product Management, Director, etc.).

Example hire and develop the best questions asked by Amazon

Tell me about a time you hired or worked with people smarter than you are
Tell me about a time when you brought different perspectives together to solve a problem
Demonstrate how you align with the Amazon leadership philosophy

3.1.11 Frugality interview questions

“Frugality — Accomplish more with less. Constraints breed resourcefulness, self-sufficiency, and invention. There are no extra points for growing headcount, budget size, or fixed expense.”

At every touchpoint, Amazon tries to provide customers with as much value for as little cost as possible. Interviewers will be looking for how you can support this idea while maintaining a constant drive for innovation.

Example frugality questions asked by Amazon

Tell me about a time you successfully delivered a project without a budget or resources
Describe the last time you figured out a way to save on expenses
When managing a budget, what are some ways you get more out of less?

3.1.12 Learn and be curious interview questions

“Learn and Be Curious — Leaders are never done learning and always seek to improve themselves. They are curious about new possibilities and act to explore them.”

Amazon demands constant improvement in every part of its business. You’ll want to show that you are interested in learning new things and exploring new ideas. Some examples listed here are general interview questions, but they provide a perfect opportunity for you to address this principle.

Example learn and be curious questions asked by Amazon

Explain something interesting you’ve learned recently
Tell me about a time you taught yourself a skill
Why Product Management?

3.1.13 Insist on the highest standards interview questions

“Insist on the Highest Standards — Leaders have relentlessly high standards — many people may think these standards are unreasonably high. Leaders are continually raising the bar and drive their teams to deliver high-quality products, services, and processes. Leaders ensure that defects do not get sent down the line and that problems are fixed so they stay fixed.”

Amazon takes the view that nothing is ever “good enough.” They’d like to see that you push for standards that are difficult to meet.

Example insist on the highest standards questions asked by Amazon

Describe a project that you wish you had done better and how you would do it differently today
Tell me about a time when you were unsatisfied with the status quo. What did you do to change it? Were you successful?
Tell me about the most successful project you've done
How do you ensure standards are met when delivering projects?

3.1.14 Earn trust interview questions

“Earn Trust — Leaders listen attentively, speak candidly, and treat others respectfully. They are vocally self-critical, even when doing so is awkward or embarrassing. Leaders do not believe their or their team’s body odour smells of perfume. They benchmark themselves and their teams against the best.”

The key part of that principle candidates often miss is the “vocally self-critical.” Amazon wants PMs who focus on fixing mistakes instead of figuring out who to blame. You’ll want to show that you take action when something is wrong and acknowledge your own faults before blaming other people and teams.

Example earn trust questions asked by Amazon

How do you earn trust with a team?
Tell me a piece of difficult feedback you received and how you handled it
A co-worker constantly arrives late to a recurring meeting. What would you do?

3.1.15 Strive to be Earth's best employer interview questions

“Strive to be Earth's best employer — Leaders work every day to create a safer, more productive, higher performing, more diverse, and more just work environment. They lead with empathy, have fun at work, and make it easy for others to have fun. Leaders ask themselves: Are my fellow employees growing? Are they empowered? Are they ready for what's next? Leaders have a vision for and commitment to their employees' personal success, whether that be at Amazon or elsewhere. ”

Similar to the principle “hire and develop the best,” this principle is more likely to come up in interviews for senior and/or managerial positions. In this case, you’ll want to show that you’ll not only boost your team, but also create a safe, diverse, and just work environment. Essentially, if “hire and develop the best” means picking and training a top team, being “Earth’s best employer” means keeping that team safe, enriched, and engaged once you’ve got them.

Example strive to be Earth's best employer questions asked by Amazon

Tell me about a time when you improved morale and productivity on your team. What were the problems, and what was the outcome?
Tell me about a time you saw an issue that would negatively impact your team. How did you deal with it?
How do you manage a low performer in the team? How do you identify a good performer in the team and help in their career growth?

3.1.16 Success and scale bring broad responsibility interview questions

“Success and scale bring broad responsibility — We started in a garage, but we're not there anymore. We are big, we impact the world, and we are far from perfect. We must be humble and thoughtful about even the secondary effects of our actions. Our local communities, planet, and future generations need us to be better every day. We must begin each day with a determination to make better, do better, and be better for our customers, our employees, our partners, and the world at large. And we must end every day knowing we can do even more tomorrow. Leaders create more than they consume and always leave things better than how they found them. ”

Amazon wants its employees to understand the responsibility of working for a vast, impactful company. Show how you measure the impact of your decisions, both in your workspace and in the world around you (e.g. sustainability, justice, etc.). You must always be willing to improve.

Example success and scale bring broad responsibility questions asked by Amazon

Tell me about a time when you advocated for someone with less power than you
Give me an example on when you made a decision which impacted the team or the company
Can you tell me a decision that you made about your work and you regret now?

3.2 Technical questions (for PMTs)

If you're applying for a Product Manager - Technical position, you'll face plenty of technical questions. In fact, some PMT interviews can be just as technical as a Software Development Manager interview.

As we already mentioned, you can expect to face at least one system design interview , however, you will not face any coding interviews.

You may also be asked to explain technical concepts relevant to the team you may be joining. For more information on how to answer these questions, check our articles on how to answer how to answer technical questions .

Example technical questions asked by Amazon

Explain ACID transactions
Describe how to implement a scalable web service architecture, like Amazon.com
For AWS roles: What is virtualization?

4. How to answer ↑

Now you have a sense of the type of questions you can expect in your interview, let's look at how you should answer them.

There are three main things you need to focus on when answering Amazon PM questions.

4.1 Use a framework

When answering behavioral questions, you should always use an answer framework. Amazon even shares this useful PDF with the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) framework laid out for you.

STAR is fine and easy to use. However, e xperience has shown us that it's not necessarily the optimal approach for behavioral questions.

Why not? Because c andidates often find it difficult to distinguish the difference between steps two and three, or task and action .

Plus, many also forget to include Lessons learned, which is often the most crucial part of the answer.

So we’ve developed the SPSIL method to correct some of the pitfalls we’ve observed when using the STAR method.

Let’s step through our suggested five-step approach:

Situation: Start by giving the necessary context of the situation you were in. Describe your role, the team, the organization, the market, etc. You should only give the minimum context needed to understand the problem and the solution in your story. Nothing more.
Problem: Outline the problem you and your team were facing.
Solution: Explain the solution you came up with to solve the problem. Step through how you went about implementing your solution, and focus on your contribution over what the team / larger organization did.
Impact: Summarize the positive results you achieved for your team, department, and organization. As much as possible, quantify the impact.
Lessons: Conclude with any lessons you might have learned in the process.

You’ll notice that this method covers very similar themes to the STAR method. We like it because a lot of the candidates we work with find this framework easier to use, as there’s no overlap between any of the steps in your story.

You should practice using whatever method you’re the most comfortable with.

4.2 Demonstrate product management skills

As well as testing you on the leadership principles, Amazon interviewers will want to see the following product manager competencies demonstrated in your answers:

Product Development Cycle : Show you understand the entire process of creating a product, from generating ideas to launching it and handling post-launch activities.
Methodologies : Talk about your involvement in each stage of product development and the methods you've used, such as Agile or Scrum.
Industry Insight : Show that you grasp what's happening in your industry, including competition and current market trends.
Vision Alignment : Clearly explain your vision for the product and how it fits with your company's overall objectives.
Communication Skills : Highlight your effective communication skills, especially when explaining complex concepts to different people involved.
Problem-Solving : Share stories of how you've solved problems in past roles and what you've learned from those experiences.
Prioritization Approach : Be prepared to discuss how you decide what problems to tackle first and how you go about solving them.
Cross-Functional Collaboration : Stress your ability to collaborate with different teams, like engineers, designers, marketers, and salespeople.
Successful Collaborations : Provide examples of times when you've successfully worked with others and helped them achieve their goals.
User-Centric Approach : Show that you prioritize the needs of users when managing products.
User Feedback : Explain how you collect feedback from users and use it to make decisions about the product's direction.
Data-Informed Decisions : Discuss your experience in using data to guide your decisions about products.
Tool Proficiency : Demonstrate your proficiency in using relevant tools and analyzing data.
Leadership Influence : Describe situations where you've taken charge and influenced decisions, even when you didn't have formal authority.
Team Motivation : Share how you've motivated teams and stakeholders to get behind your vision for a product.

4.3 Demonstrate stakeholder management skills

Amazon also highlights stakeholder management as a crucial part of what product managers have to do. As you prepare your stories, keep the following aspects in mind:

Partnership solutions : Talk about your experience in ensuring your product meets the needs of stakeholders in other areas of the business and aligns with overall business goals.

Stakeholder alignment : Show that you're capable of bringing together diverse stakeholders and how you increase buy-in and support.

Negotiation success : Show that you can negotiate and persuade on behalf of your team or your product vision. Amazon wants candidates who can have tough discussions the right way.

Influence without authority : Demonstrate that you're a leader in more than name. Talk about how you garner support for your ideas and initiatives.

Trusted peer network : The better relationships you have in a company, the easier it is to get things done. Show how you build a network of trusted peers to foster collaboration, navigate challenges, and drive project success.

Mutually beneficial outcomes. Amazon likes people with a lot of backbone, but don't come across as someone who bulldozes anyone in their way. Try to use examples where everyone benefitted from your actions.

4.4 Develop an effective interview technique

You might be a great product manager with excellent stakeholder management skills, but unfortunately, that’s not necessarily enough to ace your interviews at Amazon. Interviewing is a skill in itself, that you need to learn.

Let’s look at some key tips to make sure you approach your interviews in the right way.

#Ask clarifying questions

Some of the questions you will be asked may be ambiguous. In those cases, you’ll need to ask clarifying questions to get more information about what the interview is looking for.

#Make sure your answers are data-driven and facts-based

Use specific numbers and metrics in your answers, without breaking confidentiality laws. Amazon is a highly data-driven company so make sure your answers are too.

# Don’t get stuck in a framework

Using a framework offers a systematic and structured approach to answering questions. However, some of our successful candidates have mentioned that excessive reliance on frameworks may hinder your performance.

During the interview, trust your instinct, and don’t be afraid to deviate from the framework if needed. A framework is there to help you craft a better answer, not make you twist your answer to fit the framework.

# Think before speaking

Feel free to take a pause or request a few minutes to think before proceeding. This will help you organize your thoughts before answering so you can avoid making hasty conclusions.

# Treat the interview like a conversation

Remember that the interview is part of a mutual discovery process. The interviewer is there to determine if you’re a good fit for Amazon while you’re also evaluating if the company aligns with your aspirations and preferences.

#Focus on Ownership and Customer obsession

These are the two most important leadership principles for a PM, and many of your questions will be trying to test you on these. Also very important are "Bias for action and "Have backbone: disagree and commit".

Make sure you use our Amazon behavioral interview questions guide to prepare enough "stories" so that with some adaptation, you can cover all the LPs and you have numerous stories relevant to the all-important first four.

# Save questions for your interviewer

At the end of the interview rounds, you’ll have a few minutes to ask questions to your interviewer. Coming without any questions may suggest a lack of interest in the company or the role.

Think of thoughtful questions and avoid those that you could have easily searched online. For example, you can ask about opportunities for career progression or what methodologies the team uses.

5. Preparation Plan ↑

Now that you know what's required of you, let's focus on how you can get there.

Below, you’ll find links to free resources and four introductory steps to help you prepare for your Amazon PM interviews.

5.1 Deep dive into the product/organization

As you've probably figured out from the example questions listed above, you can't become a PM at Amazon without being familiar with the company's products and its organization. You'll therefore need to do some homework before your interviews.

Here are some resources to help you get started with this:

Amazon annual reports, proxies, and shareholder letters (by Amazon)
Amazon strategy teardown (by CB Insights)
Amazon vision and mission analysis (by Panmore Institute)
Amazon Overview (by trueup)

5.2 Learn a consistent method for answering PM interview questions

As mentioned previously, Amazon will ask you behavioral questions to test you on its leadership principles as well as to assess your product management and stakeholder management abilities.

Read our guide on Amazon behavioral interview questions to learn how to prepare your stories using the STAR or SPSIL framework.

You also need to be able to communicate your answers clearly, under the pressure of interview conditions. That’s where practice comes into play.

5.3 Practice by yourself or with peers

In our experience, practicing by yourself is a great way to prepare for PM interviews. You can start practicing alone, asking and answering questions out loud, to help you get a feel for how your answers will sound. And it also gives you time to correct your early mistakes.

You can find free practice questions on articles like this one or on YouTube .

If you have friends, family, or peers who can do mock interviews with you, that's a great option too. This can be especially helpful if your friend has experience with PM interviews, or is at least familiar with the process.

5.4 Practice with experienced PM interviewers

Finally, you should also try to practice product manager mock interviews with expert ex-interviewers, as they’ll be able to give you much more accurate feedback than friends and peers.

If you know a Product Manager who can help you, that's fantastic! But for most of us, it's tough to find the right connections to make this happen. And it might also be difficult to practice multiple hours with that person unless you know them really well

Here's the good news. We've already made the connections for you. We’ve created a coaching service where you can practice 1-on-1 with ex-interviewers from leading tech companies like Amazon . Learn more and start scheduling sessions today .

Keep reading:

Product manager interview tips
16 behavioral interview questions (and answers)
Amazon behavioral interview questions
Amazon interview process

Interview coach and candidate conduct a video call

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The hardest interview question this Amazon VP asks—and how to answer it

Amazon is one of the most sought-after companies people want to work for — but to nab a job at the online retailer, you'll have to pass its notoriously rigorous interview process.

Though you might come across some classic interview questions, such as "Tell me about yourself" and "Why do you want to work here?" Amazon recruiters will often throw in trickier prompts to better assess your work style and problem-solving skills.

One question always trips up job candidates, says Jay Shankar, the vice president of global talent acquisition at Amazon Web Services — but if you answer it well, you will make a lasting impression.

"What is the most innovative thing you have ever done?"

Shankar asks this question to assess how well a candidate fits one of Amazon's core leadership principles , "Invent and Simplify."

According to Amazon's website: "Leaders expect and require innovation and invention from their teams and always find ways to simplify. They are externally aware, look for new ideas from everywhere, and are not limited by 'not invented here.' As we do new things, we accept that we may be misunderstood for long periods of time."

If you're interested in working for Amazon, it's "super important" to study the company's leadership principles, says Shankar, as hiring managers use them to assess candidates throughout the interview process.

"We really want to see that the experience a candidate brings to the table really aligns with our leadership principles, like ownership, frugality and being curious, because those are really the foundation of who we are as a company," DJ Cabeen, a recruiting manager at Amazon, previously told CNBC Make It .

You don't have to be "inventing" things to prove you're innovative, Shankar clarifies. Making a process more efficient, leading a project at work outside of your usual responsibilities, coming up with a creative solution to a problem or taking a new approach to a familiar task are all powerful examples of innovation.

When Shankar asks a candidate to speak to this principle, she's looking for examples that show the candidate is curious and creative in thinking of solutions. Your response to this question should be clear, and succinct, explain the problem you solved and the positive impact it had on the business or customers you were serving.

"Amazon is always looking for builders, people who come in with interesting ideas and will try to improve things," says Shankar. "You should be able to talk about not just your most recent role and the specific responsibilities you had, but also how you're continually challenging yourself, and staying curious about the work you do."

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IMAGES

1.Amazon SQL Interview Question And Answer|SQL Practice Exercises
AMAZON JOB INTERVIEW l AMAZON INTERVIEW PROCESS|AMAZON INTERVIEW
Amazon Interview Questions: The Ultimate Preparation Guide (2023)
Top 100 Useful Amazon Interview Questions and Answers Guide
Amazon Interview Preparation
How to Answer the Top Amazon Interview Questions (With Sample Answers

VIDEO

My Amazon Interview Experience
Amazon Interview Preparation
Amazon Intern Interview Experience
AMAZON Coding Interview Question • Gas Station • Leetcode 134
How to Answer Amazon Interview Question: Tell me about a team project you worked on
Amazon Interview Experience

COMMENTS

Amazon Case Study Interview: Everything You Need to Know
In general, there are six steps to solve any Amazon case study interview. 1. Understand the case ... Answer qualitative questions Amazon case study interviews may also have qualitative aspects to them. You may be asked to brainstorm a list of potential ideas. You could also be asked to provide your opinion on a business issue or situation.
Helpful interview prep document that I put together : r/AmazonFC
Questions that I pulled from Glassdoor from previous AM and PA interviews including one of the case studies which from my understanding is asked fairly frequently. Example stories in the S.T.A.R. Format for each of the 14 LPs. Notes I took from watching various Amazon promotional videos on YouTube lol. Helpful links to YouTube videos I watched.
Amazon Business Analyst Interview Case Study Questions & Answers
The Amazon business analyst case study interview is one of the interviews you have to take if you are applying for one of Amazon's business roles, including Amazon Business Analyst, Business Development, Marketing, Product Manager, Corporate Strategy, and Product Marketing. The interview is meant to ascertain your leadership and problem ...
Amazon Interview Questions: The Ultimate Preparation Guide
Examples of Common Amazon Technical Interview Questions. Let's review some of the most frequent technical interview questions seen at Amazon, along with approaches for structuring your responses: Question: Design an LRU cache data structure. Approach: Clarify requirements like cache size, O (1) get, key types, etc.
Breaking Down the Amazon Interview Process: Every Stage Explained
Successfully Navigating Case Study Questions and On-the-job Scenario Tests. Successfully navigating case study questions and on-the-job scenario tests is a crucial part of the Amazon Interview Process. These assessments are designed to evaluate your problem-solving skills and ability to apply your knowledge in real-life situations.
Ace Your Amazon Interview (Questions + Guide)
Including the interview process, common questions, specific interviews, and what comes after the interview. Contents. The Interview Process at Amazon: Step 1 - Knowing Amazon. The Interview Process at Amazon: Step 2 - Amazonians and the Amazon Culture. The Interview Process at Amazon: Step 3 - What to Expect During Your Amazon Interview.
amazon case interview questions
The Amazon cases study question may involve qualitative questions. For example, you may be asked questions involving a business situation and asked to proffer a solution or provide your opinion on a critical business situation. Answering this question involves a structural and careful arrangement of your ideas.
Amazon Interview Question: Case Study 1: As an Area/OPS ...
Interview question for Area Manager.Case Study 1: As an Area/OPS Manager you are required to audit 2 employees on an established Standard Operating procedure for your line. During your audit this week you chose Becky, a stellar performer who consistently makes rate & has no quality errors and Mike, who has been having trouble making rate and has had 2 quality errors in the last month. During ...
Amazon Interview Questions: The Ultimate Preparation Guide (With
Step 1: Understand Amazon's Leadership Principles. Amazon's behavioral interviews look for behaviors corresponding to their core competencies - the 16 Amazon Leadership Principles. These Leadership Principles - or LPs - embody Amazon's business mantra and penetrate every aspect of Amazon's decision-making.
Amazon Interview Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide to Success
Master Amazon interview preparation with our guide: ace behavioral questions, technical challenges, and embody the 16 Leadership Principles! Preparing for an interview at Amazon can seem daunting, but it can become an exciting opportunity to showcase your skills with the right approach. Amazon, known for its rigorous selection process, seeks ...
Amazon Business Analyst Interview Guide with Questions
There will be case study questions, system design questions, and coding exercises (for some roles). The technical rounds in an Amazon Business Analyst interview typically assess the following areas: Database Concepts and SQL Skills: You will likely be asked SQL queries to test your knowledge of SQL, database concepts, and best practices. Expect ...
The Amazon Business Analyst Interview
The Amazon business analyst job is a mix of technical data interpretation and business acumen. A successful business analyst will move into a career path of product management, analytics management, or business intelligence, all of which require depth as well as width of knowledge. Responsibilities. Own the design, development, and maintenance ...
30 Amazon Business Analyst Interview Questions and Answers
These are all critical skills for a business analyst, especially in a data-driven environment like Amazon. Example: "Validating data quality involves several key steps. 1. Data Profiling: This step involves reviewing the existing data, understanding its structure and content. 2.
Amazon Interview Questions (15 Questions + Answers)
It's easy to answer Jeff Bezos but the correct answer is Andy Jassy. Amazon has had two CEOs in its history. Jeff Bezos was CEO from 1994 to 2021. Andy Jassy took over in 2021 and is the current CEO. Sample answer: "Yes, I'm familiar with the CEO of Amazon, Andy Jassy. His name is spelled A-N-D-Y J-A-S-S-Y.
Amazon Interview Process & Questions
Step 3: Pass the Amazon Online Assessments. Step 4: Pass the video interviews. Step 5: Pass the writing test. Step 6: Pass the "Loop" (on-site) interviews. Step 7: Pass the hiring committee reviews and get the offer. Table of Contents. 7 steps of the Amazon recruitment process. Three tips to ace Amazon interviews.
11 Amazon interview tips from recruiters and hiring managers
Focus on "I" not "we". Use "I," when describing actions in your interview answers. "Interviewing is not the time to minimize what you have done," said Michelle Jackson, a senior recruiting business manager at Amazon. "Of course, we understand that you've worked with a team in a collaborative environment, but interviewing is an opportunity for ...
Mastering the "Why Amazon" Interview Question: Strategies and Sample
question is multifaceted. Amazon recruiters, hiring managers, and Loop (panel) interviewers are looking to gauge a candidate's passion for the company, the team, and the role the candidate is applying for. This could include the candidate's love for technology and innovation and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Top 10 Amazon Interview Questions (Example Answers Included)
By Mike Simpson. Updated 8/30/2022. Today, one of every 153 American workers is an Amazon employee. With that, you may assume that getting hired is a breeze. However, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos once said: "I'd rather interview 50 people and not hire anyone than hire the wrong person." If you're about to face off against Amazon interview questions, that might legitimately be the most ...
The Amazon Interview Questions explained
The Amazon company is known for its thorough interviews, especially the so-called " Behavioral Interview Questions ." These questions aim to learn more about your past behaviors, experiences, and skills to determine how well you would fit into the company, the advertised position, and the team. Here are some tips and tricks on how to best ...
How to Answer Amazon Interview Questions
The best way to prep for Amazon interview questions is to understand the types of questions they ask, the way you should format an answer, and what the interviewer wants to hear in your response. ... In this case, it's what you did after the fact (sent out the corrected email with an apology) and what you learned about asking questions and ...
Amazon interview
Very important - they want you to answer with the following setup: 1. Situation, 2. Problem, 3. Solution, 4. Impact, 5. Lessons. Just write mock answers for all the questions down and you will be well prepared, i was actually praised for doing exceptionally well on my interview lol.
Amazon PM Interview Cheat Sheet
Each round will center around a particular topic, such as work history,a business case study, a break-even analysis, product specs, or cultural fit. Make sure you study Amazon's 12 leadership principles! ... Example Amazon Collaboration Interview Questions: 7:03. Amazon PM's "tell me about yourself." Imagine an engineer on your team wasn't ...
Amazon Product Manager Interview (questions, process, prep)
Describe a time when you disagreed with your manager. Tell me about a time you gave up on a short term benefit in favor of a long term benefit. 3.1.5 Invent and simplify interview questions. "Invent and Simplify — Leaders expect and require innovation and invention from their teams and always find ways to simplify.
The hardest interview question an Amazon VP asks—and how to ...
CEO shares the No. 1 question to 'never ever' ask at a job interview—'wait until you're called back' VIDEO 7:51 07:51 How a 26-year-old earning $27,000 in Seattle, Washington, spends her money
Are 'Forever Chemicals' a Forever Problem?
Featuring Kim Tingley. Produced by Clare Toeniskoetter , Shannon M. Lin , Summer Thomad , Stella Tan and Jessica Cheung. With Sydney Harper. Edited by Devon Taylor. Original music by Dan Powell ...

Hacking the Case Interview

What is an Amazon Case Study Interview?

Why does Amazon Use Case Study Interviews?

The 6 Steps to Solve Any Amazon Case Interview

Amazon Case Interview Tips

Recommended Amazon Case Study Interview Resources

Land Multiple Tech and Consulting Offers

How to Solve Amazon Case Study

Understand the Case Before You

Organize the Problem

Start Solving the Case

Attend to Quantitative Challenges

Attend to Qualitative Challenges

Summarize your Solution and Tender a Recommendation

Examples of Amazon Case Study Question and Solution

Amazon Case Interview Tips

Do you want to ace your SQL interview?

Do you want to Ace your SQL interview?

Amazon Interview Questions: The Ultimate Preparation Guide

Chapter 1 - Amazon's Interview Process Fully Explained

The Recruiter Phone Screen

The Technical Phone Screen

The All-Day Final Interviews

The Hiring Manager Review

Chapter 2 - How to Thoroughly Prepare for Amazon's Behavioral and Technical Interview Questions

Preparing for the Behavioral Interview

Understand Amazon's Leadership Principles Cold

Craft Stories That Showcase Leadership Principles

Prepare for Classic Behavioral and Situational Questions

Practice Mock Interviews Extensively

Preparing for the Technical Interview

Fluency in Key Data Structures and Algorithms

Practice LeetCode, HackerRank, Etc

Brush Up on Core Object Oriented and System Design Concepts

Do Regular Mock Technical Interviews

Mastering Amazon's Leadership Principles

Know Examples That Demonstrate Each Principle

Reference the Principles in Your Responses

Ask Good Questions About Culture and Principles

Do Your Research

Evaluate Your Own Alignment

Chapter 3 - Examples of Common Amazon Interview Questions (With Detailed Answers)

Examples of Common Amazon Behavioral Interview Questions

Examples of Common Amazon Technical Interview Questions

Chapter 4 - How to Stand Out: 5 Techniques to Impress Amazon Interviewers

1. Demonstrate Deep Passion for Customer Obsession

2. Display Leadership Maturity Beyond Your Years

3. Balance Smarts with Humility

4. Ask Insightful Questions

5. Demonstrate Alignment with Mission and Values

Chapter 5 - Amazon Interview Preparation Resources

Online Courses

Mock Interviews

Breaking Down the Amazon Interview Process: Every Stage Explained

Understanding Amazon's Unique Interview Structure

Tips to Effectively Prepare for Each Stage of the Amazon Interview Process

Overcoming Common Interview Challenges: Turning Weakness into Strength

Decoding Amazon's Leadership Principles and Their Role in Your Interview

Successfully Navigating Case Study Questions and On-the-job Scenario Tests

How to Stand Out in Amazon’s Culture Fit Assessment

Following up After Your Amazon Interview: Dos and Don’ts

Dealing with Rejection and Tips on Reapplying at Amazon

Interview .css-vykmad{color:var(--chakra-colors-brand-500);} .study

amazon case interview questions

Amazon Case Study

Amazon Case Study Interview: Everything You Need to Know

What is an Amazon Case Study Interview?

How to Answer Amazon Interview Questions

How to Solve Amazon Case Study

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Round 2: Technical Round