If you’re hoping to land a job at Amazon, you’ll need to be prepared for the interview process.
In addition to the standard questions you may be asked, you should also be prepared to answer questions specific to Amazon.
To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Amazon interview questions you may be asked.
1. What is Amazon’s Leadership Principle that you connect with the most?
Most job seekers have heard of Amazon’s Leadership Principles, and many have even done their research in preparation for an interview. But when it comes time to answer the question, “Which Leadership Principle do you connect with the most?”, they blank out. If you find yourself in this position, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
When preparing for this question, it’s important to keep in mind that Amazon is looking for leaders who embody all 14 of its Leadership Principles. So, while it’s fine to have a favorite Principle, be sure to mention how you try to live up to all of them in your day-to-day work.
Be sure to have a principle prepared and relay it back to an example of how you’ve demonstrated that principle.
2. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or co-worker?
When Amazon interviewers ask this question, they want to know how you handle difficult situations. They’re looking for qualities like patience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
To answer this question, think of a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or co-worker. Describe the situation and what you did to resolve it. Be sure to talk about how you handled yourself in the situation and what you learned from it.
This question is an opportunity to show that you can handle difficult situations with grace and composure. So take your time in answering and be sure to give a detailed response.
3. Describe a time when you went above and beyond your job duties?
When preparing for the Amazon interview, it is important to be able to answer questions about times when you have gone above and beyond your job duties.
There are a few things that you should keep in mind when answering this question. First, you should think of a specific example from your past work experience. Second, you should be able to explain what made you go above and beyond your normal job duties. Finally, you should explain what the results of your actions were.
Answering this question correctly can help show Amazon that you are a motivated and reliable employee. It is important to practice your answer before the interview so that you can confidently speak about your experience.
4. Tell me about a time when you had to make an important decision quickly?
Answering the question, “Tell me about a time when you had to make an important decision quickly” in an Amazon interview can be difficult. However, there are a few key things you can do to make sure you give a great answer.
First, it’s important to remember that this question is designed to assess your ability to make decisions under pressure. As such, you’ll want to avoid giving an example of a time when you had all the time in the world to make a decision. Instead, focus on an instance where you had to act fast.
When preparing your answer, try to think of a specific example of a time when you had to make a quick decision. Once you have your story ready, take some time to walk through what happened step-by-step. This will help ensure that your example is clear and concise.
5. What would you do if you found out that one of your team members was stealing from Amazon?
When interviewers ask this question, they’re trying to assess your ability to handle a difficult situation.
The best way to answer is to first take a step back and think about what the goal is. In this case, it’s to catch the thief and stop them from stealing. From there, you can develop a plan of action that includes talking to the team member in question, gathering evidence, and then taking appropriate disciplinary action.
6. What would you do if Amazon was losing money?
This is a tough question, but there are a few things you can do to prepare for it.
Firstly, you need to understand that this question assesses your ability to problem-solve under pressure. There are a few things you can do to stand out:
- Ask clarifying questions
- Create an issue tree
- Use a profitability framework
- Apply role-specific knowledge to answer
Ultimately, showing a logical way to come to a solution is important for this answer.
7. What do you know about Amazon?
This question can be difficult to answer if you are not familiar with the company.
Carrying out some basic research can be important to get an understanding of Amazon and its culture. You could go a step further and do some role-specific research so you can talk about things that interest you specifically around the role.
8. Why do you want to work for Amazon?
If you’re interviewing for a job at Amazon, you’re likely to be asked the question, “Why do you want to work for Amazon?” Here’s how to answer it.
First, do your research. Learn about Amazon’s culture, mission, and values. Then, think about how your skills and experience align with what Amazon is looking for.
When you’re ready to answer the question, keep it concise and focused. Explain what you can bring to the table and why you believe Amazon is the right place for you. Be sure to back up your answer with specific examples.
With a little preparation, you can confidently answer this common interview question and make a strong case for why you’d be a great fit at Amazon.
9. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
One of the most common interview questions is “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” It can be difficult to answer this question without sounding arrogant or self-deprecating. However, there is a way to answer this question that will impress your interviewer.
First, you should take a moment to think about what your strengths are. What qualities do you have that would make you successful in this role? Once you have identified your strengths, try to give specific examples of times when you have used these strengths to achieve success.
Next, you should turn your attention to your weaknesses. Again, try to avoid sounding negative or like you are making excuses. Instead, focus on qualities that could be seen as weaknesses but that you are actively working to improve.
10. Tell me about a time when you faced a difficult challenge and how you coped with it?
In today’s job market, candidates are expected to be able to demonstrate their ability to cope with difficult challenges. This is especially true for positions that require teamwork.
When interviewers ask this question, they are looking to see if you have the ability to stay calm under pressure and think on your feet. They want to know if you are able to find creative solutions to problems and if you are able to handle difficult customer service situations.
The best way to answer this question is to give a specific example of a time when you faced a difficult challenge at work and how you coped with it. Try to avoid generalities and vague statements. Be as clear and concise as possible in your response.
Conclusion
Amazon is a great place to work, but it’s important to be prepared for the interview process. Amazon is known for its tough interview questions, so practicing questions such as these can improve your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.
Also, check out Amazon’s SDE online coding assessment and Amazon’s Maintenance Technician Ramsay Test for more Amazon hiring resources.