3 Amazon Interview Questions for A Job - With Answers

10 mins

Amazon is one of the top-notch e-commerce companies in the world. To keep this efficient system going, Amazon hires a large number of people every year. No matter the skill set, everyone can find a job that matches their profile on Amazon.

Even though you might get shortlisted for the job interview, very few make it past the Amazon interview process. The behavioral interview round is one of the key sorts of interviews you'll need to crack if you're interviewing for a tech career at Amazon (AWS).

Although the questions may appear simple in comparison to their technical counterparts, it would be a mistake to dismiss them. This article will focus on the most important interview questions and how you should answer them.


What is a Behavioral Interview at Amazon?

The behavioral interview is used by Amazon to evaluate prospective candidates based on their previous experiences.



These questions usually begin with ‘Tell me about a time when…" and emphasize soft skills like leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. In Amazon's case, the 16 leadership principles will be highlighted, which we'll go over in more detail later.


Preparing for Amazon Behavioral Questions

It's crucial to understand that bragging about your skills is only one half of the story. Therefore, be prepared for Amazon behavioral interview questions.

Behavioral interview questions are a favorite of Amazon's. It's usually due to the idea that past performance predicts future success. It also gives them information on a candidate's personality and behavioral characteristics, as well as how well they align with the company's key leadership ideals.

Behavioral interview questions might be hard at times, but when handled correctly, they can also be opportunities to shine. Start by adopting the STAR Method.

With this, you can take a dull reaction and turn it into a compelling response. When you combine this with the Tailoring Method, you've got a strategy that focuses on customization, tailoring your responses to the role and company.

Combining these strategies makes it simple to illustrate your worth. You'll also find it easier to communicate with the hiring manager, potentially increasing your chances of landing the job.


What qualities does Amazon seek in a candidate?

Learning and demonstrating your adherence to their leadership values is critical to securing your dream job at Amazon. Amazon develops interview questions based on its key leadership values. Every round, the interviewer is typically assigned one or more leadership principles to focus on, so you'll see them at every level.

Amazon interviewers have even been known to ask candidates to recite each concept from memory. The goal is to ensure that everyone who works for Amazon shares the same values and is committed to the company's mission.

As a result, you must have at least one practical example from your own experience to explain each idea. We'd also recommend creating a few 'flex' tales that you may apply to multiple principles. As you may be asked more than one question by the interviewer on a certain principle. The following are some of the Amazon leadership principles:

  • Customer Obsession
  • Ownership
  • Invent and Simplify
  • Leaders Are Right, A Lot
  • Hire and Develop the Best
  • Insist on the Highest Standards
  • Think Big
  • Bias for Action
  • Frugality
  • Earn Trust
  • Dive Deep
  • Learn and Be Curious
  • Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit
  • Deliver Results
  • Strive to be Earth's Best Employer
  • Success and Scale Bring Broad Responsibility



It's safe to anticipate that some of the interview questions you'll be asked will touch on these principles, regardless of the role you're applying for. Employees at all levels, for example, may be asked the following common interview questions:

  • How do you show that you care about your customers?
  • Describe how you take responsibility for your actions and outcomes.
  • Tell me about a time when you innovated at work.
  • What steps do you take to make processes more simple?
  • What does frugality in the workplace mean to you, and how do you show that you value it?


3 Amazon Interview Questions and their Answers

Apart from the general requirements, Amazon focuses on how you perform in the interview round. Here are the most important Amazon interview questions that you need to know about:


Describe your most difficult customer and how you were able to cater to their needs?

Amazon pays keen attention to their customers and how they can cater to their needs as efficiently as possible. If the job you applied for is even partially focused on customer care, you should be prepared for this question. Amazon interviewers want to know how efficient and effective you are when it comes to dealing with customers.

Sample Answer:
In my previous job, a customer was not happy with their recent purchase. Their product was put on backorder after payment and was causing stress to them. They wanted a functional version of the product as soon as possible.

To support them and resolve the issue, I started by investigating the issue and gaining crucial information. Then to resolve the issue, I had an in-depth talk to figure out a good solution. Then we found an alternate product that suffices all of their needs, canceled the previous order, and reimbursed their payment.

I also moved their order to a premium delivery service to meet up their deadline. The customer was glad and satisfied with the solution in the end.


Describe a time when you were halfway done and had to change everything due to an unexpected change of events? How did you handle the situation?

This interview question is mostly asked for everyone, no matter the position they asked in. Although if you have filled for a technical position, then you should answer this carefully. This Amazon interview question is mainly focused on the technical employees and how they perform under pressure.

Sample Answer:

While making a new system for employees, the administration provided me with a last-minute requirement. Incorporating this requirement became a challenge as the project was almost complete. To see how I should incorporate this requirement, I analyzed how much work has been done.

Analyzing the situation decreased the stress and pressure I was under and helped me develop an effective action plan. In a step-by-step process, I started implementing the changes. I ensured that no error occurred while making all the necessary changes. By following this method, I minimized the number of complications and delivered effective results.


If a close work employee stole a 1$ item, what would be your course of action?

It is a pretty common question that will focus on your behavior and morals. This Amazon interview question is asked by the interviewer to several candidates who applied to work in retail or the warehouse. Usually, a small amount of money is asked to trick the candidate and see how they respond.

Sample Answer:

No matter how much money is taken, theft is theft. It is illegal and against the policy to steal any product, let it be for 1$ or 100$. My course of action would be to address this issue to the respective authorities according to the Amazon corporate procedures.


Different Rounds of Amazon Interview

Generally, the Amazon interview process occurs in five steps. We will get an in-depth review of these steps and what you should expect while going through them. Keep in mind the process might differ for various jobs. For example, a technical staff employee might have to take a skill and assessment test as well. Another thing that you should keep in mind is that Amazon barely opens up vacancies on their official websites. They will reach out to you on professional sites like LinkedIn, etc. So try and stay alert to get an opportunity to work with Amazon.


5 Steps for the Amazon Interview Process

  • Apply or get contacted by Amazon- The first step is pretty simple. All you need to do is contact the company. You can contact the company using their official site, and sometimes even the recruiter will contact you. They usually reach out to potential employees using sites such as LinkedIn, etc. Be ready with a resume or CV and send it to them when the opportunity arrives.
  • Telephonic interview- The next step is usually a telephonic or phone interview. The recruiter will reach out to you and list the available vacancy. In this process, you can even make sure whether or not you want the offered job. The recruiter will then crosscheck the information and check if you are eligible for the role. Just tell them your salary expectations, and if everything sounds good, you will be done with this part of the process.
  • Video call- If you make it past the last two parts, you will be scheduled for a video call with the recruiter. This part will involve meeting other people from the team and talking in-depth about your experiences and skills. You should try and research the job you applied for, which will prepare you for all the questions asked.
  • In-person interview- In this round, recruiters will call you to the Amazon headquarters. These interviews generally involve people who are interested in corporate jobs. Someone who has applied to work in a warehouse or delivery services will not be called for this process. In this process, Amazon interview questions by the interviewer will focus on your personality and work ethic. It will also involve answering your past experiences and how you would be a benefactor to the company.



Question That You Can Ask at the End of an Amazon Interview

Leaving a good impression does not only depend upon how you answered the various Amazon interview questions. It partially depends on how you come across your interview. Generally, when the interviewer is done asking you a series of questions and with the overall interview. They ask if you have any questions that you would like to ask them. At this point, you should not act shy as this might come off as you do not possess any leadership skills.

Here are some of the questions that you should ask when the interview has ended:

  • What qualities should your employees possess?
  • What would be a day like in this role?
  • What would be defined as success in this role?
  • What is the biggest issue the company is facing? How are we planning to resolve it?
  • What is the one thing you have liked since you started working for Amazon?


Tips for Amazon Interview Questions

To have a great interview and leave a great impression on the recruiter, you must do well in your interview round. Amazon interview questions are designed to know about your personality, work ethic, and general nature. Here are a bunch of tips that you should keep in mind while giving your interview:

  • Research about the company- Try to research the company's goals and motifs. Researching about the company will help you understand what Amazon is looking for in its employees. It will also help you answer various questions that test your knowledge about the company.
  • Be yourself- Do not try and fake or lie about anything, as it will only leave a bad impression on the recruiter. Try to stay authentic and show the unique traits and quirks that you possess. Doing this will attract the recruiter and will leave a great impression.
  • Practice behavior questions- If you have aced your resume game and have many knowledge and experience. Then all you need to focus on is practicing the behavior questions. Behavioral questions are the section where the recruiter tries to analyze and observe your responses. In this way, they get to know you and perform with the other team members. Try to practice and answer some common questions asked by the recruiters.



FAQs


What are some of the Amazon interview questions for freshers?

There are a bunch of questions asked to fresher candidates. They usually depend on the role they applied for and the skill sets they must possess. But some of the most common questions are:

  • Why do you wish to work at Amazon?
  • Who is the CEO of Amazon?
  • Do you believe in constructive criticism?
  • What are the key factors for growth?
  • How do you deal with a tough customer?
  • Do you prioritize customer experience?


How difficult is the Amazon interview?

The Amazon interview process is very difficult. It not only focuses on your qualifications and experience but also puts a keen focus on your personality. You should have an excellent resume and be able to impress the recruiters to stand a chance. And if you apply for a technical or clerical job, you must give a skill assessment test.


How long is the Amazon interview process?

Generally, the Amazon interview goes on for 45 minutes or an hour. If it goes on for even longer, then there is nothing to worry about, as the recruiters are interested in you. They usually will provide you with lunch if your interview is scheduled near lunch hours.

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