Top 50 Amazon Interview Questions with Example Answers Included

Are you preparing for an Amazon interview? You’ve come to the right place! Amazon is known for its rigorous interview process, designed to identify the best candidates who align with the company’s leadership principles. In this article, we’ll explore the top 50 Amazon interview questions and provide sample answers to help you ace your interview.

Understanding Amazon’s Interview Process

Before we dive into the questions, it’s essential to understand Amazon’s approach to interviews. The company heavily relies on behavioral and situational questions, aimed at assessing a candidate’s past behavior, problem-solving skills, and alignment with Amazon’s core values.

Amazon’s leadership principles are the backbone of its corporate culture, and you can expect many questions to revolve around these principles. Some of the key principles include customer obsession, ownership, innovation, bias for action, and insistence on the highest standards.

How to Answer Amazon Interview Questions

When answering Amazon interview questions, it’s crucial to use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. This technique allows you to structure your responses effectively and demonstrate your problem-solving abilities through real-life examples.

Additionally, familiarize yourself with Amazon’s leadership principles and find opportunities to highlight how your experiences and values align with these principles.

Top 50 Amazon Interview Questions with Example Answers

1. Can you describe your most difficult customer and how you were able to handle their needs?

   Example Answer: “In my previous role, a customer was upset that a product they ordered was put on backorder unexpectedly after they made their purchase. They needed a functional version of the item as quickly as possible, and the possibility of a delay increased their stress levels. To resolve their issue, I began by listening to their concern, rephrasing what was being shared, and asking clarifying questions to ensure I fully understood. I then reassured them that I’d work with them to find a solution. Together, we discussed alternative products that were in stock that could meet their needs. As soon as a substitute was identified, we canceled the old order and initiated the new one. I applied a free shipping upgrade to expedite delivery, ensuring it would arrive before the customer’s deadline. In the end, they were fully satisfied with the solution.”

2. Can you tell me about a time when you were more than halfway through a project and had to pivot quickly due to an unexpected change? How did you handle it?

   Example Answer: “While developing a new system for an employer, a requirement came in late. Since the project was rapidly nearing completion, integrating the feature became a challenge. To address the new requirement, I first took a step back and reexamined all of the existing work. The goal was to minimize disruption to segments that were complete, and a bit of planning ensured I didn’t use a less-than-ideal approach simply because I was under pressure. After identifying a course of action, I implemented the changes methodically. I relied heavily on testing to ensure there were no unexpected ramifications or that issues could be addressed quickly. By using a strategic approach, I was able to limit the negative implications of a last-minute change, expediting the remainder of the process while ensuring the final result met every need.”

3. If one of your close work colleagues stole a $1 item, what would you do?

   Example Answer: “Theft, in any amount, is against policy and is illegal, so it needs to be addressed. If I witnessed a colleague stealing, I would report the activity per Amazon corporate procedures.”

4. Why Amazon?

   Example Answer: “My main reason for wanting to work for Amazon is the company’s dedication to innovation. Along with introducing new products and services, the frequent integration of cutting-edge technology is enticing. Plus, as a large company, I believe I’d have opportunities to advance as I grow and develop, allowing me to secure a rewarding, long-term career.”

5. Tell me about a time when you made a poor customer service decision. What steps did you take to remedy the situation?

   Example Answer: “In my last position, I was speaking with a customer about an order that was unexpectedly delayed. Along the way, I mistakenly said that the new delivery date was essentially guaranteed, as it seemed certain based on the available data. However, it was ultimately delayed again, which upset the customer based on what I told them previously. Fortunately, I was able to find a resolution by offering an immediate store credit refund for the original order and helping them explore our inventory to find a replacement that would arrive by the desired date. Additionally, after discussing the issue with my manager and accepting full responsibility, I was able to offer a small discount on the other item for the inconvenience, which ultimately left the customer satisfied.”

6. If a team member wasn’t pulling their weight, what would you do?

   Example Answer: “While I haven’t experienced this personally, I do have a strategy for addressing a colleague who wasn’t handling their responsibilities fully. First, I would speak with my coworker privately about the work, primarily to see if there was an obstacle causing a problem and if I could offer any assistance. If so, I’d do what I could to help. Second, if speaking with my colleague didn’t resolve the issue, I would arrange to speak privately with our manager. I’d use a fact-based approach to describe the problem, as well as steps I took to try and resolve it. At that point, I would follow my manager’s lead regarding what came next, offering support if I was able.”

7. How would you handle it if you discovered that your inventory levels were actually too high?

   Example Answer: “If I discovered that the inventory levels were too high, the first step I would take is to recount the inventory. That allows me to ensure I didn’t make a mistake when handling any needed calculations. Next, I would check the inventory as it’s reported in the system to make sure that I wasn’t working off of old data by mistake. If the inventory levels were still off, I would speak to a manager about the problem. Along with outlining my steps, I would provide my inventory figures to show the discrepancy. At that time, I’d work with the manager to complete any verification steps. For example, that could include checking with other departments that impact inventory – such as incoming deliveries or product returns – to see if any data was missing. Ultimately, I would continue exploring angles until the source of the issue was identified and corrected.”

8. How do you make sure that you fully understand a customer’s needs?

   Example Answer: “Generally, I find that active listening is a critical component of understanding a customer’s needs. As they explain a requirement or issue, I make sure to paraphrase what’s shared to ensure I fully understand, creating opportunities for them to correct me. Additionally, I ask clarifying questions as required, allowing me to get more insights into their needs to ensure complete customer satisfaction.”

9. What does frugality in the workplace mean to you, and how do you demonstrate a commitment to frugality?

   Example Answer: “To me, frugality in the workplace involves seizing opportunities to save money, time, and resources while achieving the desired result. I demonstrate a commitment to frugality regularly when I work. For example, in my last job, I discovered that an alternative software solution would not only cost less but also had additional features that would boost efficiency. As a result, I spoke with my manager about the option and arranged a demo at their request, which ultimately led to the company switching to the new system. In the end, the savings were fully realized, boosting productivity while also reducing a key expense.”

10. If a supervisor asked you to do something unsafe that went against policy, what would you do?

    Example Answer: “If a supervisor asked me to do something unsafe that went against policy, my first step would be to explain that company policy wouldn’t allow me to do so, outlining precisely why the request wasn’t compliant. Ideally, they’d simply agree, and we could discuss an alternative that was safe and that aligned with policy. If they tried to insist, I’d decline and present alternatives. If they still say I need to take an unsafe action, I would decline once more and follow company procedure regarding reporting that request to appropriate personnel, such as an upper-level manager, safety teams, or human resources.”

11. Which leadership principles of Amazon do you connect with most?

12. Do you know who the Amazon CEO is? How do you pronounce his name?

13. Tell me about a time you faced a crisis at work. How did you handle it?

14. Describe [Amazon product or service relevant to the role] as you would to a prospective customer.

15. Can you tell me about a time you had to make a fast customer service decision without any guidance? How did you decide what to do?

16. Tell me about a time that you dealt with a hostile customer.

17. When given an unfamiliar task, how do you ensure you handle it properly?

18. If you are given two conflicting priorities from two separate managers, how do you figure out how to proceed?

19. Give me an example of when you received criticism. How did you respond to the information?

20. What metrics do you use to drive positive change?

21. Tell me about a time when you were handling a project that went outside of your scope of work. How did you handle it?

22. Describe a situation where you had to deal with ambiguity when making a decision.

23. Can you tell me about a time when you had to make a decision when all of the data you needed was unavailable?

24. How do you keep yourself / your team / your colleagues motivated?

25. What steps do you take to form positive and functional relationships with your colleagues?

26. What do you do to ensure that the customer experience is always a priority?

27. Tell me about a time you disagreed with feedback you received. How did you address it?

28. How do you handle a missed deadline / productivity target?

29. What do you like most about Amazon? What do you like least?

30. Describe an instance where you were overwhelmed while on the job. How did you handle it?

31. Tell me about a time when you failed to meet expectations. What did you do to recover?

32. How do you ensure that workplace safety is always a priority for you when you work?

33. What steps do you take to make sure every customer you speak with is wowed?

34. Tell me about the last time you had to apologize to someone.

35. Are you able to handle the physical demands of a warehousing job?

36. What qualities do you possess that will help you succeed with Amazon?

37. How do you demonstrate your customer obsession?

38. Describe how you take ownership of your responsibilities and results.

39. Talk about a time you innovated on the job.

40. What steps do you take to simplify processes?

41. Describe a time when a problem had several solutions. How did you decide on an approach?

42. Tell me about two times when you had to take a calculated risk, one where you succeeded, and one where you failed.

43. How do you think working for Amazon will impact your life?

44. Describe a time when you had to step up as a leader even though you weren’t in a leadership role. What occurred?

45. Have you applied any of Amazon’s leadership principles in a previous role? If so, which ones and in what situations?

46. Tell me about a time when it was clear a colleague needed help but wouldn’t ask for it. What did you do?

47. How do you keep yourself motivated and engaged on the job, particularly when the tasks get repetitive?

48. Have you ever missed a key deadline for a project? What happened, and were you able to recover?

49. Describe a time when you had to apologize to a colleague after you discovered you were wrong.

50. Tell me about a time when you needed to ask for help on the job.

Remember, the key to acing Amazon interviews is preparation. Familiarize yourself with the company’s leadership principles, practice using the STAR method, and be ready to provide real-life examples that demonstrate your skills and alignment with Amazon’s values.

Good luck with your Amazon interview!