Amazon Interview Questions & Answers (2025 Guide)

Introduction

Amazon is one of the world's largest tech and retail companies. Its interview process is known for assessing candidates against the Leadership Principles. Preparing for your Amazon interview can help you demonstrate both technical skills and alignment with these principles. This guide covers common questions, example answers using the STAR method, and practical tips.

Table of Contents

About Amazon

Amazon operates e-commerce, AWS, Prime, and many other businesses. The company is guided by Leadership Principles such as Customer Obsession, Ownership, Bias for Action, and Deliver Results. Amazon looks for candidates who demonstrate these principles through concrete examples. Technical roles also assess coding and system design. The interview process is structured and principle-based.

What to Expect in the Interview Process

Typical steps include:

  1. Online assessment – Coding or work style assessment, depending on role.
  2. Phone screen – Technical or behavioural, often 45–60 minutes.
  3. Virtual or on-site "loop" – Multiple rounds (4–6) with different interviewers. Each assesses technical skills and Leadership Principles.
  4. Bar raiser – One interviewer ensures hiring standards; they may challenge your answers.
  5. Offer – Can take 1–2 weeks after the loop.

Each round usually lasts 45–60 minutes. Prepare multiple STAR stories for each Leadership Principle.

Most Common Interview Questions and Example Answers

Tell me about a time you demonstrated Customer Obsession

Example answer (STAR): A customer reported a bug that affected their workflow. I prioritised the fix, investigated the root cause, and deployed a patch within 24 hours. I followed up to confirm the issue was resolved and documented the fix to prevent recurrence. The customer thanked us and renewed their subscription. I learned that acting quickly on feedback builds trust.

Tell me about a time you took Ownership

Example answer (STAR): Our deployment process was manual and error-prone. I took ownership of improving it. I researched automation tools, proposed a solution, and implemented a CI/CD pipeline. I trained the team and documented the process. Deployments became faster and more reliable. I didn't wait for permission—I saw a problem and fixed it.

Tell me about a time you had to make a decision with incomplete information (Bias for Action)

Example answer (STAR): We had a production issue and needed to decide whether to roll back or push a fix. We didn't have full data yet. I gathered what we could, consulted with the team, and decided to roll back to stabilise, then fix and redeploy. The decision was reversible and prioritised customer impact. We learned from the incident and improved our monitoring.

What are your strengths?

Example answer: I'm customer-focused and take ownership of outcomes. I'm strong in problem-solving and can work with incomplete information. I deliver results and hold myself accountable. I'm also collaborative and learn from feedback. I aim to raise the bar in everything I do.

Tell me about a time you disagreed with a manager

Example answer (STAR): My manager wanted to ship a feature I thought had quality risks. I shared my concerns with data and proposed a phased rollout with monitoring. We agreed on a smaller initial release. The approach worked—we caught issues early and scaled safely. I learned that disagreeing respectfully and proposing alternatives leads to better outcomes.

Assessment Test Tips

Amazon uses online assessments (coding, work style). Practise algorithms and data structures. Use Assessment-Training.com for numerical reasoning and abstract reasoning practice. For behavioural interview questions, prepare STAR stories for each Leadership Principle. Use the STAR method.

Salary and Job Expectations

Compensation is competitive and varies by role and level. Typical US ranges: SDE I $120k–$180k (base + bonus + RSUs), SDE II $160k–$250k, Senior $200k–$350k+. Benefits include health insurance, 401(k), and RSUs. Levels and bands vary by location.

FAQ

How long does an Amazon interview take?

The full process can take several weeks. Each round is typically 45–60 minutes. The "loop" usually has 4–6 rounds.

What does Amazon look for in candidates?

Alignment with Leadership Principles, technical skills (for tech roles), and the ability to provide concrete examples. The bar raiser ensures high standards.

What should I wear to an Amazon interview?

Business casual is appropriate. Neat and professional works well.

What are common Amazon interview questions?

Questions are tied to Leadership Principles. Prepare STAR stories for each. Technical roles include coding and system design. Know the principles well.

Conclusion

Prepare STAR stories for each Leadership Principle, practise technical skills, and use the STAR method for behavioural answers. Practise assessments to build confidence.

About the Author

Ingmar van Maurik is a career and assessment preparation expert who helps candidates improve their interview and test performance.

References

  • Amazon Leadership Principles
  • Amazon Careers
  • Levels.fyi