No matter what stage you are in your career, nailing the Amazon phone interview always needs preparation. Especially when it’s with one of the most prestigious companies in the world, like Amazon.
Well, if you’re looking for a new job, Amazon is a great place to start. They are always hiring, and they offer great benefits and salaries. But, the interview process can be tough. So, how can you make sure you ace your Amazon phone interview?
So keep reading if you need to know about Amazon’s phone interview process in 2024, from the initial screening to questions you can expect from the hiring manager.
In this post, we will cover what to expect during the interview process and some of the most common questions asked.
But before that, let’s talk about the Amazon interview process first to give you some context.
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Table of Contents
What is the Amazon Interview Process?
In short, it’s a filtering system to find the best of the best to hire and we all probably agree that Amazon succeeds in every aspect because of its unique interview and hiring process. Also, read our specific article for the details of the Amazon Interview Process.
So, if we look at it in a general scope, the Amazon interview process can be divided into four main stages: the resume screening, the Amazon phone interview, the video screening, and the on-site interviews.
The initial screening is conducted by a recruiter and is usually just to ensure you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. If your resume is clear and you have the necessary skills then you’re good to go.
The next stage is the Amazon phone interview, which is conducted by a hiring manager. This is where they will start to ask questions about your experience and skills. They will also ask you behavioral questions to get a better sense of who you are as a person. (Recommended reading: 15 Tips for Motivation Before an Interview)
The third step is a video interview and during this online meeting, you’ll be asked in-depth questions which will be behavioral or technical. If they think you are a good fit for the company, you’ll be selected for the loop interviews (final on-site interviews).
And lastly, the on-site interviews which is usually the final stage of the process. You will be interviewed by a panel of people in a back-to-back setting and they will ask you leadership questions about your experience, skills, and behavior.
What to Expect During an Amazon Phone Interview
Interview Format
The Amazon phone interview is typically conducted by a recruiter or hiring manager and usually lasts 30-45 minutes. The interview will start with introductions and a brief overview of the position. Be prepared to answer questions about your qualifications and experience, as well as your interest in Amazon as a company.
Technical Aspects
Depending on the role you’re interviewing for, the phone interview might involve basic technical questions relevant to the position. For example, a software engineer candidate might be asked about their experience with specific programming languages, data structures, or development methodologies.
These questions are designed to measure your technical knowledge and see if you possess the skills required for the role.
Behavioral Questions
A significant portion of the phone interview will likely focus on behavioral interview questions. These questions aim to assess your problem-solving skills, teamwork abilities, and approach to challenges by asking you to describe past experiences. See the sections below for a shortlist of commonly asked phone interview questions.
Tips for Preparing The Amazon Phone Interview
Now that we know what to expect from the Amazon interview process, let’s move on and talk about how you can prepare for your phone interview.
Here are some tips for you to prepare well and impress the interviewer:
Do your research
It’s important that you learn as much as you can about Amazon before your interview. Read their phone interview guideline, and their mission statement, and also study Amazon’s leadership principles. Don’t forget to look at the Amazon Interview Cheat Sheet before your interviews as well.
This will give you a better understanding of the company and will help you answer questions during the interview. Also if you search about the people who work/worked at a similar position, you’ll find great details about the job.
Practice, practice, practice
Many people get nervous when they have to do an Amazon phone interview. The best way to combat this is by practicing ahead of time. Have a friend or family member ask you interview questions.
This will help you get used to the format and will allow you to practice your answers. We’ll discuss some of the common phone interview questions below but if you like to read a detailed version then check out our Amazon interview preparation guide article.
Make sure you have a quiet place
It’s important that you find a quiet place to do your phone interview. You want to make sure that the interviewer can hear you clearly and that there is no background noise.
This tip might seem a no-brainer but we’ve heard many stories from our clients doing their phone interviews in a crowded place and it didn’t go well. So, make sure you find a quiet room with no distractions.
Be ready to answer questions about your resume. The interviewer will most likely ask you questions about your experience and skills.
Have your resume handy
During the phone interview, the interviewer will likely ask you questions about your experience and skills. Having your resume handy will help you answer these questions easily and accurately.
It will also help you keep track of the conversation. If the interviewer asks you a question that you can’t answer, you can always refer back to your resume.
Also, the interviewer will want to know more about your experience and why you’re interested in working at Amazon.
That’s a common question so you need to know how to answer the “Why do you want to work at Amazon” question. We have a detailed post about this question, which you can find in Why Amazon? post.
Take time to prepare for behavioral questions
So, you’ll expect to have 4 to 6 questions during a 45-minute phone interview. Some of them will be about you and the rest of them will be behavioral questions.
Many phone interviews will include behavioral questions. These are designed to test how you would react in certain situations. It’s important that you take the time to prepare for these types of questions.
As always, we have a guide for you to study, so you’ll find everything you need here about Amazon behavioral questions.
Be ready to ask questions
At the end of the Amazon phone interview, the interviewer will likely ask if you have any questions. This is your chance to show that you’re interested in the position and the company.
Prepare a few questions ahead of time so that you’re not caught off guard. This will also help you seem more prepared and professional.
Some good questions to ask are:
- What does a typical day look like for someone in this position?
- What are the most important skills for this role?
- What are the next steps in the interview process?
By asking these questions, you’ll be able to get a better understanding of the position and the company.
Technology Tips for a Smooth Amazon Phone Interview
Location and Environment
Choose a quiet, private location with good phone reception to minimize distractions. Avoid public places like coffee shops or noisy restaurants. If possible, use a landline phone for a more stable connection. If using a mobile phone, ensure it’s fully charged and on silent mode to avoid interruptions.
Double-check Your Tech Infrastructure
Before the interview, test your phone’s audio and internet connection (if using video conferencing). Make sure your microphone and speakers are functioning properly. Consider using a headset for clearer audio and hands-free conversation. If using video conferencing, for video calls ensure your camera provides a clear image with a neutral background and adhere to the Amazon Interview Dress Code.
Professional Demeanor
Maintain a professional tone throughout the call, even if it’s conducted remotely. This includes avoiding background noise (like loud music or TV), speaking clearly and articulately, and projecting enthusiasm for the opportunity. Smile and make eye contact with the camera if using video conferencing.
Remember, your nonverbal communication can also make an impression. It is normal to feel stressed before the first call, so make sure you work on managing your stress.
Common Amazon Phone Interview Questions
Now that we’ve gone over some tips for preparing for your phone interview, let’s take a look at some of the most common questions that are asked.
–Tell me about yourself
This is one of the most common interview questions and it can be tricky to answer. You want to give a brief overview of your experience and skills but you don’t want to ramble.
– Why are you interested in working at Amazon?
This is another common question that you should be prepared to answer. You’ll want to highlight the skills and experience that make you a good fit for the position.
– What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This is a question that is designed to test your self-awareness. You want to be honest in your answer but you also want to focus on your strengths.
– Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer/situation
This is a behavioral question that is meant to test your customer service skills. You’ll want to give a detailed answer that highlights your ability to handle difficult situations.
– Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond for a customer/project
This is another behavioral question that is designed to test your work ethic. You’ll want to give an example of a time when you went above and beyond the call of duty.
By preparing for these questions, you’ll be able to ace your phone interview and move on to the next round of the interview process.
Questions that will be asked during the phone interviews will be questions that are categorized as “Common Interview Questions”. These questions are not role-specific and are generally asked to find out if your previous experience and personality will fit the team.
If you need a complete common questions prep guide, we recommend you take a look at our popular Common Interview Questions and Answers Guide, which will definitely help you ace your Amazon phone Interview:
Have the questions and answers handy in one place.
Our 150 Common Interview Questions and Answers Guide provides expert answers to all the common questions, as well as useful tips that make a difference, all in one easily accessible guide.
Following Up After the Amazon Phone Interview
Thank You Note
Sending a thank-you email to the interviewer within 24 hours of the Amazon phone interview is important and will help you stand out.
Express your appreciation for their time and reiterate your interest in the position. Briefly mention something specific you discussed during the interview to personalize the message. This could be a point of common interest, a specific detail about the role, or a question you forgot to ask.
Here’s an example of a thank-you email structure:
Subject: Thank You – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Interviewer Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Job Title] position at Amazon. I enjoyed learning more about the role and [Company/Department Name].
I am particularly interested in [mention something specifically discussed during the interview]. I think my experience in [mention relevant experience] aligns well with the skills you mentioned are needed for this role.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Suggested reading: Following up after an interview.
Next Steps
After the Amazon phone interview, the company will typically inform you of the next steps within a few days. This could involve scheduling an on-site interview if they are interested in learning more about you.
They might also inform you about not moving forward in the process. Regardless of the outcome, be patient and professional in your communication.
If you are invited for the next round, yay! Give yourself a pat in the back and don’t forget to study the Amazon Interview STAR format, Amazon Behavioral Interview Questions and Top 25 Amazon Interview Questions as well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Amazon Phone Interview
While having a phone interview sounds very straightforward, there are some common mistakes you should avoid:
Not Being Prepared
Make your due diligence – Research the specific role, have your resume readily available, and anticipate potential questions.
Lack of Enthusiasm
Expressing genuine enthusiasm for the position and Amazon as a company goes a long way. Speak with a positive tone and show your interest in the opportunity.
Poor Communication Skills
Maintain clear and concise communication throughout the call. Avoid rambling or using unprofessional language. Actively listen to the interviewer’s questions and respond thoughtfully.
Technical Difficulties
While technical glitches can sometimes happen unexpectedly, actively take steps to minimize them. Test your equipment beforehand and have a backup plan in case of technical issues.
Negativity or Disrespect
Sometimes the recruiter or the hiring manager will be tired and you might think this is personal – don’t. This happens frequently due to an overload of interviews and make sure you always maintain a professional and positive attitude throughout the interview.
Also, avoid speaking negatively about previous employers or colleagues. Be respectful of the interviewer’s time and questions.
Why is an Amazon Phone Interview Important?
While phone interviews may not be as exciting as in-person interviews, they’re still an important part of Amazon’s interview process.
Phone interviews give recruiters a chance to screen candidates and get a better sense of their qualifications which are behavioral and technical skills.
They also allow candidates to ask questions and get more information about the position and the company. It’s a great way to learn more about the job and the company before making a decision.
If you do well during your Amazon phone interview, you’ll be given a callback for the next stage of the interview process which is the video screening phase.
By preparing for your phone interview and knowing what to expect, you’ll be able to impress the interviewer and move on to the next round of the interview process.
Final Tips for the Amazon Phone Interview
Practice Makes Perfect
We can’t stress this enough. Practice your interview responses beforehand – this is important and can help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual call.
Even better, record yourself answering common interview questions and review the recording to identify areas for improvement.
Positive Body Language (Even Over the Phone)
While body language might not be directly visible during a phone interview, maintaining good posture and projecting confidence can still make a difference. Sit up straight, smile, and speak with energy.
End the Interview Strong
Reiterate your interest in the position and thank the interviewer for their time. Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to move forward in the interview process.
Amazon Phone Interview: Closing Words
The phone interview is an important part of the Amazon interview process. By preparing for common questions, you’ll be able to make a great impression and move on to the next round of the interview process.
At InterviewJoy, we make sure you’re as prepared as possible for your phone interview. We have an Amazon Interview Guide that covers everything from the most recent interview questions & answers to tips about Amazon LPs and more..
We hope you found this article helpful if you want to learn more about Amazon, then take a look at our career blog.
Best of luck!
