Landing an interview with a tech company like Amazon is a big deal, it is one of the largest companies out there – so naturally, it’s competitive and the recruiting is rigorous. So that’s why we created this Amazon Interview Tips article – to help you uncover the secrets of acing your Amazon interview.
Most don’t make it, so if you have a slot for an interview, congratulations! But, the last thing you want to do is stumble during your interview and ruin your chances of getting hired.
It’s important to prepare for your Amazon interview by going over frequently asked questions and knowing what to expect from the hiring process.
The good news is that you aren’t alone when it comes to prepping – there are lots of resources online, including this article!
In this article, we will walk you through some important Amazon Interview Tips that will increase your odds of landing a job at Amazon.
We will discuss some important elements like the star method, star format, info about the Amazon interview process, the different interview styles, and much more!
If you find this article helpful, then you will surely find benefit in checking out our Amazon Interview Guide to answer any question you might have beyond the best Amazon interview tips because they are just the tip of the iceberg! (Also recommended reading: Amazon Interview Cheat Sheet)
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Table of Contents
Prepare for Your Interview with These Amazon Interview Tips
Getting to know what is needed of you from the job description is not all there is to do your homework for this, and we know that preparing for an Amazon interview can be intimidating, but if you implement what you read in this article into your preparations, then it doesn’t have to be.
With the right preparation and knowledge of what to expect, you can increase your chances of success. So, if you truly want to ace your interview, here are some Amazon interview tips to help you prepare:
Research the Company
Before your interview, make sure you know as much as possible about Amazon and its products and services. This will give you a better understanding of the company and help you answer questions more confidently.
You can look into things such as the company culture, values, what they stand for and promote, etc.
Practice the STAR Method
The STAR method is a great way to answer questions during your Amazon interview. This method stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It helps you structure your answers in a way that is easy to understand and follow.
When using this method, start by describing the situation or context of the question. Then explain what task you were given and how you went about completing it.
After that, explain the action you took and the result of your actions. The Star method will help you provide clear and concise STAR-formatted answers that will make a great impression on the interviewer.
Practice Behavioral Interview Questions
Amazon interviews are known to be challenging, so it’s important to practice common interview questions beforehand. This will help you feel more prepared and confident when answering questions during the actual interview.
You can practice for this either through mock interviews or with your friends and family!
Behavioral interview questions are often used to assess how you handle different situations and how you would approach a problem.
Also Read; Top 33 Amazon Behavioral Interview Questions and Answers
Dress Professionally
It’s important to dress professionally for your Amazon interview – this shows that you take the interview seriously and are prepared to make a good impression.
Amazon has a casual dress code, but it’s still important to look neat and presentable. Wear something that is comfortable yet professional, such as a blazer or suit.
If you like to learn more about Amazon’s dress code you can also read our guidelines here: Amazon Dress Code
Be Confident and Positive
Finally, it’s important to be confident and positive during your Amazon interview. Show the interviewer that you are passionate about the company and its products.
During the hiring process you’ll be interviewed by multiple people, so make sure to be friendly and professional with everyone you meet.
This will help you stand out from the other candidates and show that you are a great fit for the company.
Be sure to smile, make eye contact, and answer questions clearly and concisely. This will help you make a great impression on the interviewer!
Show Your Passion
Amazon is looking for passionate candidates who are excited about the company and its mission. Show your enthusiasm for the company and be prepared to explain why you want to work there.
As you know Amazon is a fast-paced and innovative company, so be sure to demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions.
Ask Questions
One of the most important Amazon interview tips we share with the candidates is the importance of asking questions. Asking questions during an interview shows that you are engaged and interested in the position. Prepare a few questions beforehand so that you can ask them during the interview.
Many candidates are afraid to ask questions, but it’s important to remember that the interviewer wants to get to know you and your skills. Asking questions will help you stand out from the other candidates and show that you are serious about the job.
By following these tips, you can make a great impression on the interviewer and increase your chances of getting hired at Amazon in 2023!
Amazon Interview Tips: Be Prepared To Answer Behavioral Questions
Amazon interviews often include behavioral questions, so it’s important to be prepared to answer them. Think about how you have handled certain situations in the past and be ready to explain your thought process and actions.
Behavioral questions (like “Tell me about a time..“) are very telling and can set you apart from the many candidates probably trying to impress for the same position.
It is important to be prepared with examples to show that you have the right skills and experiences for the position.
To answer the behavioral interview questions, make sure your answers follow the STAR format: provide a Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
This way you can make sure your answer is clear and concise while still conveying how you used a certain skill to reach a successful outcome in a previous job or project.
In addition to that, you should practice answering common questions ahead of time so none of them catch you off guard during your interview.
Behavioral questions are an important part of the Amazon interview process because they allow the interviewer to gain insight into how you think and approach problems.
By asking these types of questions, the interviewer can assess your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and ability to work in a team.
Behavioral questions also help the hiring manager get a better understanding of your past experiences and how they might relate to one another.
Also Read; Top 25 Updated Amazon Interview Questions & Sample Answers
Amazon Interview Tips: What Behaviors Are Expected of You in an Amazon Interview?
When interviewing for a position at Amazon, it is important to demonstrate behaviors that align with the company’s 16 Leadership Principles.
You might be asking what those are.
Well, these principles are the foundation of Amazon’s culture and management style, and they serve as a guide for how employees should interact with each other and approach their work.
The 16 Leadership Principles
Well, the 16 Leadership Principles are:
- Customer obsession
- Ownership
- Invent and simplify
- Learn and be curious
- Hire and develop the best
- Insist on the highest standards
- Think big
- Bias for action
- Frugality
- Earn trust
- Dive deep
- Have backbone; disagree and commit
- Deliver results
- Are right a lot
- Strive to be Earth’s Best Employer
- Success and Scale Bring Broad Responsibility
Showing that you possess these leadership skills in an Amazon interview will show that you understand the company’s values and are committed to upholding them.
For example, demonstrating customer obsession by showing that you understand what customers want from your product or service can help set you apart from other candidates.
In addition to that, you should demonstrate ownership by taking responsibility for your actions can show that you are willing to take initiative when needed. Even if taking responsibility means admitting to failures, that will be highly appreciated by your hiring manager! The star method could also come in handy here.
Another thing you should be doing is displaying a bias for action by providing concrete examples of how you have taken initiative in past roles can demonstrate your ability to get things done.
You can easily stand out by demonstrating a commitment to learning and being curious by showing that you are open to new ideas and willing to take risks.
This can be done by providing examples of how you have taken on new challenges or learned something new in the past.
Overall, demonstrating these behaviors in an Amazon interview will show that you understand the company’s values and are committed to upholding them.
Amazon Interview Tips: Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills and Communication Abilities
In an Amazon interview, it is important to showcase your problem-solving skills and communication abilities.
The good news is that this can easily be done by providing concrete examples of how you have solved problems in the past and how you have communicated with colleagues and customers.
When discussing your problem-solving skills, provide specific examples of how you have identified a problem, come up with a solution, and implemented that solution. Once again, you should follow the structure of the star method when answering this.
Our goal here is to allow you to see the importance of it while answering Amazon interview questions.
Amazon Interview Tips: Embrace Your Failures
This was briefly mentioned earlier but this point is quite important and so needed to be highlighted because it makes such a big difference.
When you tell stories from your past to the interviewer, the key to standing out is not to shy away from discussing your failures.
Showcasing moments where things didn’t go well or projects that weren’t successful can help the interviewer see how you view failure and how you recover from it.
Celebrate your resilience and share lessons learned in situations like this. Doing so will demonstrate to them both your ability to learn and also that you are self-aware enough to recognize mistakes and take ownership of them.
It is also important to remember that Amazon interviews are not only about showcasing your skills and abilities but also about demonstrating your values and how comfortable you are with taking responsibility even when it does not serve you the best.
Always remember that the company values its employees and looks for those who are willing to take responsibility even when it does not serve them the best.
A company like Amazon looks for candidates who demonstrate a commitment to excellence, integrity, customer obsession, innovation, and ownership.
Amazon Interview Tips: Provide Factual Data To Back up Your Words
Can you imagine a world where one has no burden to provide evidence for their claims? In reality, people require proof if they are expected to believe anything.
Data and facts are the tools that give us the necessary clarity and insight into the claim being made.
Without data, arguments can fall into disarray as they lack sufficient evidence to support any decision-making process. But providing relevant data is key in order to allow people to make informed decisions that are backed up by facts.
Amazon is a perfect example of a company that values data-driven decisions and quantitative evidence to back up claims.
This is especially true when it comes to discussing one’s career experience. For instance, if you are talking about an event you organized, it would be beneficial to provide data that supports your success.
You could mention the status before and after your involvement, or the percentage increase in certain situations due to your efforts. This type of evidence shows that you have tangible results from your work and can demonstrate the impact of your actions.
In addition to that, providing data can also help illustrate how you overcame challenges or achieved goals.
For example, if you faced a difficult problem at work & were able to solve it, citing the specific steps taken and the resulting outcome will show that you are capable of finding solutions even in difficult situations.
Do note that data-driven examples like these will help employers understand how your skills can be applied in their organization and why they should hire you for the job.
Amazon Interview Tips: Tailor your Approach for the Role
There are many different roles at Amazon, and the interview process might have slight variations depending on the specific role you’re targeting. Here are some ways you can tailor your approach:
Technical vs. Non-Technical Roles: For technical roles, emphasize your technical skills and experience. Prepare for coding challenges, system design questions, and demonstrate your understanding of relevant technologies.
Leadership Focus: For leadership positions, highlight situations where you displayed initiative, decision-making skills, and the ability to motivate and guide others. Showcase your experience in team settings and how you fostered collaboration.
Customer Service Focus: For customer service roles, emphasize your ability to handle pressure, communicate effectively with diverse customers, and deliver exceptional service. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you’ve de-escalated challenging situations.
Amazon Interview Tips: Beyond the Interview
While acing the interview is crucial, the process doesn’t end there. Below are some valuable tips for following up effectively and increasing your chances of landing the job offer:
The Thank-You Note: This is one of the important Amazon interview tips. Express your gratitude for the interview opportunity and reiterate your enthusiasm for the position by sending a follow-up email. Briefly mention a specific point discussed in the interview to personalize your note.
Stay Connected: If you haven’t heard back within a reasonable timeframe, politely follow up with the recruiter or hiring manager.
Prepare for Potential Second Interviews: Be prepared for the possibility of a second interview. This might involve meeting with different team members or discussing the role in more detail. Utilize the tips from this blog post to ensure continued success.
Amazon Interview Tips: Final Thoughts
As we conclude our Amazon Interview Tips article, one thing should be clear: preparing for a job interview with Amazon can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that the goal is to stand out from the competition and to demonstrate why you are uniquely qualified for the position.
With the right approach and attitude, your performance can shine, regardless of how many tough questions you need to answer.
You should arm yourself with knowledge of the Amazon interview tips and techniques outlined in this article, focus on what makes you special and unique, practice using examples that show how you’ve used certain skills in the past, and always project confidence—you’ll be sure to make a great impression at your Amazon job interview!
We hope you enjoyed getting through this Amazon Interview Tips article, if this piece was of any help to you, then you most likely enjoy our other posts, so be sure to check out our best selling guides for more valuable info.
