Are you interested in working for one of the world’s largest employers? With its 1.3 million employees, Amazon is ranked #5 on the Fortune 500, right after other global mega employers: Walmart (#1), China National Petroleum (#2), China Post Group (#3), and State Grid Corporation of China (#4). Amazon hires around 1’500 new employees every day and this didn’t change even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Do you want to be one of them?
To be the best prepared, continue the reading, check the most popular Amazon interview questions and practice the answers.
This time, we prepared for you the latest and the most popular Amazon interview questions and answers. Read this article to know more about Amazon and Amazon benefits, to get practical tips on how to prepare for an Amazon interview, and finally, to get an idea about the salary ranges for different job positions. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
About Amazon
Amazon was founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos. Based in Seattle, Washington (U.S.), Amazon is an American worldwide technology company, specializing in e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Together with Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook, Amazon is one of the American Big Tech Companies (also called “Big Five”).
“There are two kinds of companies, those that work to try to charge more and those that work to charge less. We will be the second.” Jeff Bezos about Amazon
Latest Amazon interview process
Depending on the position, which you apply for, the Amazon interview process consists usually of 3 or 4 steps:
- Screening interview (phone)
- Behavioral interview (face-to-face or video conference)
- Second face-to-face interview
- Assessment test (depending on the position, this test is mandatory or not).
What are the main Amazon benefits?
Any doubts about working at Amazon? Before we have a look at Amazon interview questions and answers, let us present you the main Amazon benefits and perks:
- Amazon is one of the largest companies in the world.
- Amazon is also “one of the most influential economic and cultural forces in the world” and one of the world’s most valuable brands (source: com).
- Great work culture and work environment.
- Learning program.
- Numerous opportunities to grow and develop (Amazon Career Choice Program).
- Time off (paid and unpaid).
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Saving plans and Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).
- Special Amazon.com Employee Discount.
How do I prepare for an Amazon interview?
Apart from checking and practicing the answers to the most popular Amazon interview questions, you can do much more to be the best prepared and increase your chances of getting the dream job. It is enough to follow our 6 steps instruction:
- Research the company.
- Choose an appropriate outfit.
- Plan the route and be sure to arrive on time.
- Prepare a short presentation about yourself.
- Practice your answers to the most common Amazon interview questions.
- Prepare your own list of questions. Show your interest in the job, enthusiasm, and motivation. If you are confused or unsure what questions to ask, check our article about the 50 unique questions to ask the interviewer.
You can also check our full guide on how to prepare for a first job interview FREE.
See also:
Complete guide to get an internship at Amazon
Amazon Interview Questions and Answers
Tell me about yourself.
This question is opening the majority of the job interviews and you should definitely expect to hear it also at your interview at Amazon. However, even though it is so popular, many candidates still don’t know what to answer. The key to success is to have your answer prepared in advance.
Prepare a short introduction about yourself and practice it, even in front of the mirror as many times as needed. The words must come out of your mouth naturally and without any hesitation. Remember to show yourself in the best light. Be confident. Don’t forget to include information about your education, job experience, and skills. If you need more help with this question, check the “Tell me about yourself” question in an interview.
Why do you want to work at Amazon?
This is also one of the most frequently asked Amazon interview questions. When it comes to this question, being honest may not always help you. It can even spoil your chances to get the job.
It is always beneficial to be aware of the motivation, so still, we encourage you to take a moment and think about it. You may feel attracted by the vision of work for a global brand and leaver in the market, by flexible working schedules, salary rates, development opportunities, etc. However, in your reply, try to change the perspective and focus more on the aspects that can be beneficial for both you and the company. If possible, refer to Amazon’s mission statement and vision statement, to different Amazon benefits, etc.
What are your biggest strengths?
This question is a little trickier than it looks. To gain the maximum points, it is not enough to list a couple of your best skills – you should choose the ones, which will be the most helpful for the position which you apply for.
What are your biggest weaknesses?
Firstly, never say that you don’t have weaknesses. Everyone has and it is normal. And even if one of the famous 14 Amazon Leadership Principles says to “Hire and develop the best”, trust us, no one is really looking to find a perfect employee. This question is all about the art of how to turn a negative into a positive. Think of some of your weak points which, depending on the perspective, can also have a positive aspect, for example being task-oriented, being always honest and straightforward, being very empathetic, etc.
What motivates you to do a good job?
This question you should also expect to get during the Amazon interview. Knowing that your motivation is in line with Amazon’s mission, vision, values, and objectives will definitely increase your chances to get the job.
The real question that hides behind a popular “What motivates you?” is “Why do you want this job and what can keep you in our company for years?”. It is to check your determination and resiliency and your ability to handle changing situations and challenges. Through this question, your future employer tries to see if you will keep your passion for work and efficiency at the same level during potential tough times or crises. Getting up and being motivated to work every day, regardless of the circumstances is not always the same easy.
How do you deal with criticism?
It is not always obvious how to handle criticism, especially at work. There are many ways to deal with criticism and negative comments. You can find some examples below:
- Control your emotions and never reply in anger or shock. Give yourself time to think about what you’ve heard and about how you feel about it.
- Identify the intention behind (hurting, increasing the self-esteem, expressing frustration, desperate looking for help, etc.).
- Try to distance yourself from what you’ve heard and think cool-blooded if the feedback was rather constructive or destructive. If destructive – forget it on the spot. If constructive – see it as a gift and be grateful for it. Constructive feedback can help you to improve yourself and to fight your weaknesses!
- Present your side of the story. No one has a full picture of a situation, neither you nor the person who criticized you. Explain how things look from your perspective and how do you feel.
- If needed, admit your mistake and
Who is the CEO of Amazon?
This is one of the legendary Amazon interview questions! CEO of Amazon is Jeff Bezos. Recently, Andy Jassy was appointed the CEO of Amazon Web Services and his name became very famous, however, Jeff Bezos is at the head of Amazon.
And do you know how to pronounce Jeff Bezos’ last name correctly? In 2019, even Bill Gates fell into this trap! American newspaper. The Washington Post (bought by Bezos in 2013) posted a quick video for all who have doubts about the correct pronunciation of this name. See how Jeff Bezos presents himself! “Hello, my name is Jeff Bezos…”.
For more on WashintonPost
What do you like most about Amazon?
Like in one of the above questions, be aware that honesty is not always helpful. Instead of referring to the famous Amazon benefits, take a while to understand Amazon’s mission statement, Amazon objectives, Amazon values – this company is already a legend and has a lot of unique opportunities and chances to offer. If it will make it easier for you, think of this question like if an interviewer wanted to ask why you want to work at Amazon and not, for example in eBay, Walmart, Target, BestBuy, or any other famous global brand.
Is there anything about Amazon which you don’t like?
Another great example of one of the most popular Amazon interview questions. Internet is full of articles like “Things you should never buy on Amazon”, “Alternatives to Amazon”, “Why I refuse to shop on Amazon” and anti-Amazon hashtags: #boycottamazon, #ihateamazon, etc. Be aware of these critical voices but don’t bring them up during your job interview. Don’t be harsh, don’t be too critical or judgmental but think of some improvement which you would like to introduce – maybe some changes in Amazon return policy?
Do you know Amazon Leadership principles?
This is also one of the top Amazon interview questions. There are 14 Amazon Leadership Principles:
- Customer obsession
- Ownership
- Invent and simplify
- Are right, a lot
- 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
For more, go to amazon.com.
Other Amazon Interview Questions
- What are your career goals?
- Which of Amazon Leadership Principles is the closest to you?
- What was the biggest challenge that you have faced in your life and how did you handle it?
- Tell me about the situation when you had a conflict with your colleague. Did you manage to solve it?
- Tell me about the situation when you had a difficult customer. How did you handle it?
- Tell me about the last time when you had to apologize to someone.
- What would you do if your manager asks you to do something that you disagree with?
- If you saw one of your close work colleagues stealing $1, what would you do?
- What would you do if you saw someone being unsafe at work?
- Do you have any questions for us?
- This was the last of our top 20 Amazon interview questions.
Amazon salaries
As everywhere, the salaries at Amazon depend mainly on your job position. The average base salary at Amazon, in the U.S., is estimated at $102k/year. The lowest salaries start from around $60k/year, while the highest can go up to around $154k/year (source: payscale.com).
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Thanks!
Think Big &
Dive Deep!
A winning combo!
Always try to be empathetic too!