In the interview process, you’ll meet individually with current employees in what is called the “interview loop.”

Each person will assess different aspects of your skills and experience, helping to get a well-rounded understanding of how you’d perform at Amazon.

HERE IS WHAT TO EXPECT AND HOW TO PREPARE.

BEHAVIOURAL-BASED INTERVIEWING.

Amazon interviews are rooted in behaviour-based questions. These questions ask about past situations or challenges you’ve faced and how you handled them, using Leadership Principles to guide the discussion.

Brain teasers are avoided (e.g., “How many windows are in Manhattan?”) because they researched this approach and have found that those types of questions are unreliable when it comes to predicting success at Amazon.

Here are some examples of behaviour-based questions:

Tell me about a time when you were faced with a problem that had a number of possible solutions. What was the problem, and how did you determine the course of action? What was the outcome?
When did you take a risk, make a mistake, or fail? How did you respond, and how did you grow?
Describe a time you took the lead on a project.
What did you do when you needed to motivate a group of people or promote collaboration on a project?
How have you used data to develop a strategy?

When you respond, be sure to focus on the question asked. Ensure your answer is well-structured and provide examples using metrics or data if applicable. Reference recent situations whenever possible.

THE STAR METHOD.

When you’re asked to describe something you’ve done in your past work, they are not just looking for a quick answer; they’re hoping to hear a complete story. A strong response gives us insight into how you think, act, and problem-solve.

It should include:

Context: What was going on, and what was your role?
Task: What were you trying to accomplish?
Actions: What did you specifically do to move things forward?
Outcome: How did it turn out? What did you learn?

They don’t expect perfect answers or rehearsed scripts. In fact, it’s the interviewer’s job to help guide the conversation and get the details they need. But if you come in with an understanding of the kind of information they are looking for, it can help the conversation flow more naturally.

One way to structure your responses is the STAR method, but it’s not the only way to share your experiences. It’s simply a tool to help you organize your thoughts and tell a story that brings your strengths to life.

Here’s what it looks like:

S = SITUATION

Start by setting the scene. What was going on?
Where were you working (or studying or volunteering), and what were you trying to tackle?
Give just enough background so we understand the big picture and what made the situation interesting or challenging.

T = TASK

What was your goal?
What were you responsible for?
This helps us understand your role and what you were trying to achieve.

A = ACTION

Walk us through what you did.
What steps did you take?
How did you approach the challenge?
Be sure to focus on your individual contributions even if you were working on a team.
It’s helpful to use “I” instead of “we.”

R = RESULT

How did things turn out?
What happened as a result of your actions?
Don’t be shy, share what you accomplished and what you learned.
If you have any numbers or specific outcomes to back it up, even better.

Frame your answers in relation to the Leadership Principles. And remember, not every story has to be a success. They know that failure is part of innovation. What matters is what you learned and how you grew.

TIPS FOR GREAT ANSWERS.

Think in stories.

Each answer should have a beginning, middle, and end.
What was the situation? What did you do? What happened next?

Be specific.

Use real examples from your past, not generalizations.
Give a detailed account of one situation for each question you answer.
Focus on what you did, and back it up with data or results if possible.

Balance detail with clarity.

We know it’s not always easy to tell how much is too much.
Try to be clear and concise, but include enough detail to tell a complete story.
A good tip: Pause after your answer and ask if your interviewer would like more context.

Show range.

Have a few examples ready that highlight different strengths, including times you’ve taken risks, succeeded, failed, and grown.

Ask for clarification if you need it

If you’re asked a question and don’t have enough context to give a strong answer, it’s totally okay to ask for more information.
If none is available, focus on how you’d approach the problem based on what you do know.

Keep it honest.

We’re not looking for perfection. They value authenticity, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW.

Accommodations and support.

If you need an accommodation or have any concerns, reach out anytime. They’re committed to making the interview process accessible for everyone.

Travel arrangements.

If you need to travel for your interview, they’ll help you book everything or connect you with their travel agency to coordinate the details.

Writing sample requests.

Some roles may ask for a writing sample. Why? At Amazon, we write narrative memos instead of making slide decks.
These memos are often read silently at the beginning of meetings and can range from one to six pages.
They’re a big part of how we share ideas and make decisions, so they value the ability to express thoughts clearly in writing.

Role-specific exercises.

Some roles include a short assessment or job-related exercise as part of the process.
If that applies to your role, we’ll let you know ahead of time.

Sharing your “why.”

“Why Amazon?” is a common question.
Your answer helps us get a better sense of who you are and what motivates you.
Think about what excites you about the role and the team (or teams) you’ll be meeting with.
They’re curious to hear what brought you to us.

Your questions matter.

They try to leave a few minutes at the end of each interview for you to ask questions.
If you run out of time, feel free to follow up with your recruiting contact; they’re happy to continue the conversation.

Location

Your interview may be remote or in person; Check your email for details.
Some of our offices are dog-friendly.
If you have allergies or need accommodations, let them know in advance so we can support you.

Check-in

If your interview is in person, plan to arrive 15 minutes early.
Bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.

Dress code

Comfortable and casual is fine.
If your role is in a fulfillment center, safety requirements like closed-toed shoes may apply.
Otherwise, wear what you feel good in; they care more about what you say than what you wear.

Interviewers

You’ll likely meet with two to seven people; this may include managers, teammates, stakeholders, and a Bar Raiser (someone from another team focused on hiring quality).
Treat each interviewer the same; it’s not necessary to tailor your answers based on their role.
And don’t be distracted if you see them typing; they’re taking detailed notes to share with the rest of the team.

Resume or CV

Interviewers will have a copy, but feel free to bring your own as well.

Duration

You’ll spend around 45 minutes to an hour with each interviewer.

Lunch

If you’re on-site and interviewing over lunch, we’ll provide a meal.
Let your recruiter or lunch buddy know if you have dietary preferences.

Remote interviews.

For remote interviews, you’ll use Zoom or Amazon Chime, our interview meeting platforms.
If you’re presenting, be sure to install the desktop version.
Use a headset with a microphone for the best sound quality, and watch for the meeting details in your email from your recruiting contact.

AFTER YOUR INTERVIEW.

Share your feedback

After your interview, you’ll receive a short survey by email.
They’d love your feedback, as it helps to improve the experience for future candidates.

What to expect next.

You can expect to hear from them within five business days.
If you haven’t heard anything by then, feel free to check in with your recruiter.

Submitting expenses.

If you travelled for your interview, you’ll receive instructions for submitting expenses.
Just make sure your form is filled out clearly and that any receipts you upload are easy to read.
That helps to process your reimbursement quickly.

NOTE:

Some teams incorporate role-specific exercises or online assessments into the interview process. If the role you’re interviewing for includes one of these, your recruiter will let you know in advance.

For your phone screening, plan to be in a quiet, comfortable place with minimal distractions. Make sure you have a computer with a reliable internet connection and access to email. If you’re joining from a mobile phone, ensure you’re in an area with strong network coverage. It can also be helpful to have a copy of your resume available, along with paper and a pen for notes.

You may be asked to meet using Zoom or Amazon Chime. Your recruiter will let you know which platform to use and share the meeting details ahead of time. Download links and setup guidance are available on our Interview Meeting Platforms page. For the best experience, we recommend using a headset with a microphone.

Come prepared with questions you’d like to explore in more detail, such as team initiatives, culture, or the scope of the role. If you need clarification at any point, have follow-up questions, or require an accommodation, reach out to your recruiting point of contact.