Amazon Interview (Tips + Common Questions)

Amazon is one of the world’s largest companies and a leader in e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. As such, it is no surprise that the company has high standards when it comes to hiring new employees. 

In this article, we will explore the Amazon interview process, including how hard it is, the Amazon principles, and common questions. Additionally, we will provide tips on how to practice for the Amazon interview, including the use of Yoodli.

FAQs: What to Know About the Amazon Interview

If you have an upcoming interview with Amazon, you probably have some questions. We’ll go over some of the most frequently asked questions about Amazon’s interview process and what you can expect.

What are the Amazon Leadership Principles?

The Amazon Leadership Principles are a set of 16 leadership principles that guide the company’s culture and decision-making processes. These principles are integral to the Amazon interview process and are used to evaluate candidates’ compatibility with the company’s culture. 

Some of the key principles include customer obsession, ownership, bias for action, and frugality. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these principles before your interview and be prepared to demonstrate how you embody them. These principles include:

• Customer Obsession: Start with the customer and maintain their trust
• Ownership: Take ownership by not sacrificing value and think beyond themselves
• Invent and Simplify: Be innovative and always be on the lookout for new ideas
• Are Right, A Lot: Have good instincts and strong judgment 
• Learn and Be Curious: Be a lifelong learner with a curious streak
• Hire and Develop the Best: Extraordinary talent at Amazon isn’t uncommon
• Insist on the Highest Standards: Keep raising the bar and have high standards
• Think Big: Don’t limit yourself; instead make bold decisions
• Bias for Action: Calculated risk-taking is expected
• Frugality: Get more done with less
• Earn Trust: Be respectful and self-critical
• Dive Deep: Work on all levels (no job is beneath you)
• Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit: Don’t be afraid to challenge someone (respectively), but stick to your decision
• Deliver Results: Rise to the occasion to ensure you’re achieving the goals you’ve set
• Strive to be Earth’s Best Employer: Make sure you have a vision of success and growth
• Success and Scale Bring Broad Responsibility: Be humble and commit to doing better

How many interview rounds at Amazon?

The number of interview rounds at Amazon can vary depending on the position and level of experience. However, it is common for candidates to go through at least two rounds of interviews. In some cases, candidates may have to participate in additional rounds, such as a technical interview or a presentation.

Does Amazon drug test?

Yes, Amazon does drug test usually. New hires will usually have to participate in and complete a pre-employment drug test screening. Amazon employees sometimes have to consent to random drug tests, too. 

However, in more recent years, Amazon has appeared to ease back on this stance a bit. 

How hard is the Amazon interview?

The Amazon interview process is notoriously difficult, with an emphasis on behavioral questions and a focus on the company’s leadership principles. However, the difficulty level varies depending on the position you are applying for. For example, an entry-level position may have a less rigorous interview process than a more senior role.

What percentage of Amazon applicants get interviews?

According to recent statistics, about 6% of applicants are invited to participate in the Amazon interview process. However, this number can vary depending on the position and level of experience.

How to Practice for the Amazon Interview

Practicing for the Amazon interview is crucial to your success in the process. One tool that can be helpful in improving your interviewing skills is Yoodli. Yoodli is an AI-powered interview speech coach app that provides feedback on your Amazon points, filler words, rambling, body language, and more. During the interview, Yoodli can give you gentle nudges to help you hit your main talking points and make eye contact. Best of all, you can use Yoodli for free at www.yoodli.ai.

Another way to prepare is by researching the company’s leadership principles and thinking about how they apply to your past experiences. Make a list of specific examples that demonstrate how you have exhibited these principles in your previous roles.

Additionally, practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This method allows you to structure your answers in a way that demonstrates your skills and experiences.

Amazon Interview Tips

Now that you understand the importance of preparation and the types of questions you may encounter in an Amazon interview, it’s time to discuss how to practice for it. Here are some tips to help you ace your Amazon interview:

1. Research Amazon Principles and Culture: Amazon has a unique set of 16 leadership principles that guides its decision-making and work culture. Research these principles and familiarize yourself with them. You can find them on Amazon’s website. Understanding Amazon’s culture and values will help you tailor your responses to the interview questions.

2. Practice Behavioral Questions: As mentioned earlier, Amazon heavily relies on behavioral questions. Prepare responses to common behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and capabilities.

3. Use Yoodli: As mentioned above, Yoodli is an AI-powered interview coach that provides feedback on your interview skills, including body language, tone of voice, filler words, and more. Yoodli can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and provide personalized coaching to improve your interviewing skills. You can use Yoodli to practice for your Amazon interview in a judgment-free environment.

4. Mock Interviews: Practice your interview skills with friends, family, or career advisors. Conduct mock interviews to simulate the real interview environment. Ask your interviewers to provide feedback on your responses, body language, and overall performance. Incorporate their feedback and continue to practice until you feel confident. You can even use Yoodli’s interview simulation function to do mock interviews. 

Common Amazon Interview Questions

While the interview questions at Amazon can vary depending on the role and level of experience, there are several common questions that you can prepare for. Here are a few examples of the most common Amazon interview questions:

• Tell me about a time when you had to solve a complex problem.
• If given the opportunity, how would you improve Amazon’s website and why?
• Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision with limited information.
• How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple competing priorities?
• Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult coworker or customer.
• How do you handle failure or setbacks?

The Key Takeaway

Preparing for an Amazon interview requires a significant amount of time and effort, but it’s worth it. Understanding Amazon’s culture and values, practicing behavioral questions, and using tools like Yoodli can help you stand out from other candidates and land your dream job at Amazon. 

Remember to stay calm, confident, and authentic during the interview, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or clarify any doubts. With the right mindset and preparation, you can ace your Amazon interview and take your career to new heights.