Amazon.com Interview Questions.

It's always hard to know what to expect when going in for that interview -- and preparation can make all the difference. What is the interview process like at Amazon.com?

Any advice on striking the right note?

The first two rounds of phone interviews are very technical. You will be asked to write *complete* functions and the interview will scrutinize you answer in detail, though, they don't actually compile the source. They will also ask you to describe algorithms to solve problems involving computational complexity, but, at a higher level than coding. Also, there were some algebra questions to assess your level of mathematical skill and some detailed design on server questions.

I have not had the 3rd round of onsite interviews yet.

Greg said: The first two rounds of phone interviews are very technical. You will be asked to write *complete* functions and the interview will scrutinize you answer in detail, though, they don't actually compile the source. They will also ask you to describe algorithms to solve problems involving computational complexity, but, at a higher level than coding. Also, there were some algebra questions to assess your level of mathematical skill and some detailed design on server questions.
I have not had the 3rd round of onsite interviews yet.

What position was this for?

Something vague, like software engineer.

I concur with Greg. The questions they asked me were around principles of OO, sorting algorithms, data structures, binary logic, fundamental db design. I was ask to solve a basic coding problem with the correct syntax.

My in-person interview is next week. Should I look professional or look like someone you could sit next to 5 days a week?

Have you worked overtime that was unpaid in past jobs?

Walter in Huntington Beach, California said: Have you worked overtime that was unpaid in past jobs?

I donate all unpaid overtime to the federal government to help keep the productivity figures healthy. I'm not interested in suing if thats what you on about.

I worked at Amazon for about two years as an Area Manager.

There will be an initial phone interview with mainly general (not difficult) questions. Many focusing on your leadership experience.

If you are brought in for a second interview, it will usually be a group interview (you and anywhere from 4-6 managers). One will usually take the lead and ask all of the questions, with the others asking follow-ups as they see fit.

Also, the very first part is an excel test and a pretty easy math test. Just make sure you know what TPH means (throughput, or volume processed per unit of time).

Being an AM at Amazon is not easy. Prepare to work nights, weekends, and all holidays. Just because it is a "paid" holiday does not mean you get a day off. And as a salaried manager, you will not be paid overtime.

Besides those negatives, working there can be extremely rewarding. You will gain some very valuable experience and learn from the best in the industry.

And for those looking at Software Developer positions in Seattle (corporate), I really can't speak to the culture or interviewing experiences there. It's a whole different world from the Operations side (Fulfillment Centers)

One note: Since I sat in on quite a few Area Manager interviews, I can tell you that Amazon is usually very selective. They turn down far more candidates then they make offers to. They are looking for potential, not just your current abilities or past experiences. There is a very heavy emphasis on you level of intelligence (along with your leadership skills).

Does anyone work in California and perhaps was not paid overtime? We enforce the California overtime laws at www.paymeovertime.com

Jason in Louisville, Kentucky said: I worked at Amazon for about two years as an Area Manager.

There will be an initial phone interview with mainly general (not difficult) questions. Many focusing on your leadership experience.

If you are brought in for a second interview, it will usually be a group interview (you and anywhere from 4-6 managers). One will usually take the lead and ask all of the questions, with the others asking follow-ups as they see fit.

Also, the very first part is an excel test and a pretty easy math test. Just make sure you know what TPH means (throughput, or volume processed per unit of time).

Being an AM at Amazon is not easy. Prepare to work nights, weekends, and all holidays. Just because it is a "paid" holiday does not mean you get a day off. And as a salaried manager, you will not be paid overtime.

Besides those negatives, working there can be extremely rewarding. You will gain some very valuable experience and learn from the best in the industry.

And for those looking at Software Developer positions in Seattle (corporate), I really can't speak to the culture or interviewing experiences there. It's a whole different world from the Operations side (Fulfillment Centers)

One note: Since I sat in on quite a few Area Manager interviews, I can tell you that Amazon is usually very selective. They turn down far more candidates then they make offers to. They are looking for potential, not just your current abilities or past experiences. There is a very heavy emphasis on you level of intelligence (along with your leadership skills).

Jason I have applied and am looking to become an Area Manager in Lexington, KY. I was wondering what former background you had in order to help you get this position, and if you remember if they do a credit check or not? I have no problem with any other form of background information, but I have had credit problems in the past and really don't want this to keep me from the job. T

I worked at Amazon for many years. There will always be a "trick" question that is there not to see if you get it correct, but rather to see how you think out the process. Leadership is something that every person is "graded" on for their performance review, so be ready to discuss. Do your research about the Company and know what systems or process they use, ie. Six Sigma, Lean, Agile, Scrum, etc.

Just blew an interview for a software position at IMDB. Asked to write a program over the phone, but in my haste made an error. Tried to correct it after-the-fact via email, but to no avail.

Anyone out there want to comment on how writing a program over the phone is a measure of technical expertise, communication skills, ability to think on the fly, etc? Would be great to hear opinions from both programmers and interviewers.

I came across a great guide on preparing for amazon interview. In particular, it offers insights into amazon culture, and what kind of characteristics they're looking for. Also, it has 150 practice interview questions. You can check out the guide at www.geekmba360.com/?p=795.

cheers,
PJ

matthew smith in Lexington, Kentucky said: Jason I have applied and am looking to become an Area Manager in Lexington, KY. I was wondering what former background you had in order to help you get this position, and if you remember if they do a credit check or not? I have no problem with any other form of background information, but I have had credit problems in the past and really don't want this to keep me from the job. T

I worked as an Area Manager at the Fulfillment Center (FC) in Phoenix for about 2 years so I could answer some of your questions. Amazon's Senior Ops team is looking for managers with diverse backgrounds, where retail experience is a plus. We've had a number of former military in roles of AMs and Ops. As far as your credit check goes, I don't think it will be a factor. I had a foreclosure on my credit report and I still got in. If you are the right candidate that fits their mold, they will pick you up.

John Doe123 in Collierville, Tennessee said: Any more advice for Amazon Area Manager (Distribution Center) interview? Also what is the salary range?

What would you like to know? I worked with them as an Area Manager so I know the inside scoop on what they are looking for, and what their culture is like.

In terms of the interview process, first you'll have a phone screen with a recruiter. Expect behavior questions about your strengths, weaknesses, how you fit into Amazon, etc. Google some examples of behavior type interview. If you pass, you will have a second phone interview with a Senior Operations Manager (Sr. Ops), where you will go more in-depth about your qualifications. Amazon is a data-driven company so quantify your answers as much as possible, i.e. ran a 6-sigma project that cut expenses for my company by 10%, or increased profit margins by x amount, etc. Be specific in your answers. If you pass, you will be invited to attend an on-site interview. You'll get a tour of your Fulfilment Center (FC), then sit in a conference room to work on a rate problem (review TPH = volume / units problems), then have a panel interview with 5-6 people (Ops, Sr. Ops and General Manager). During the panel interview they will go over your survey questions that were emailed to you the night before. This survey consists of leadership qualities. For example, how do you coach associate who is not performing? How do you motivate your associates? They will also go over your rate problem by throwing curveballs to see if you can think on your feet. Amazon prides themselves on "high bar" standard, which means they are notorious for having a difficult interview process. Personally, I don't buy into that hype. I think it was created by Amazon to raise their own status among other retailers, but the fact remains that you need to prepare if you want to do well.

As far as salary expectations go, you will be offered a base pay of $60K-$64K. Negotiate up!

mdm74 in Seattle, Washington said: I worked at Amazon for many years. There will always be a "trick" question that is there not to see if you get it correct, but rather to see how you think out the process. Leadership is something that every person is "graded" on for their performance review, so be ready to discuss. Do your research about the Company and know what systems or process they use, ie. Six Sigma, Lean, Agile, Scrum, etc.

To add to this comment, Amazon relies upon Kaizens (their lingo for 6-sigma) and Lean (5S projects) quite heavily. As an Area or Operations Manager, you will be expected to run at least one Kaizen project per month. While this is great in theory, keep in mind this project management work is added on TOP of your daily responsibilities as a manager. Needless to say, you'll have your hands full.

Again, make sure to stress your interest for continuous improvement projects (kaizens) on the production floor in your interview process.

Retail Guy,

I had some questions for you. I recently started my interviews at Amazon for the AM position and had a few questions that I wanted to e-mail you regarding the location and team I will be interviewing with. If you can send me an e-mail at gadgetzmo@hotmail.com, I can follow up with you. Thanks.

So gadgetzmo, did you get the job?

Math is my weak point. I really need to brush up on the type of math questions that will be asked. Can anyone provide some formulas or math scenarios that are used in the distribution center?

Also, are there any good books or online resourses that should be reviewed for DC operations that could help me prepare.

If I recall correctly, and the interview process varies somewhat within each DC, you'll be given a rate problem to solve (Units per hour = volume / time). Sort of like, if line 1 has 5 associates working at 100 UPH, and line 2 has 10 associates working at 50 UPH, and they converge at a bottleneck point, what's the impact to their operations, etc.. So, Google rate problems and solve a few of them to get some practice. Sr. Team usually gives you about 15-20 minutes to solve the problem by yourself, then come in as a panel to your room and throw variations to the scenario to see if you can think on your feet. As far as DC operations go, talk to somebody who's been there to understand what you're getting into! :) For better or worse, it's a ride. Ask them about PEAK ops, and how much they enjoy working 60+ hours during PEAK! ))

HI, Retail Guy, could you please expand on the problem you mentioned and what specifically you mean by 'throw variations to the scenario to see if you can think on your feet'?

Thanks,

Retail Guy in Phoenix, Arizona said: If I recall correctly, and the interview process varies somewhat within each DC, you'll be given a rate problem to solve (Units per hour = volume / time). Sort of like, if line 1 has 5 associates working at 100 UPH, and line 2 has 10 associates working at 50 UPH, and they converge at a bottleneck point, what's the impact to their operations, etc.. So, Google rate problems and solve a few of them to get some practice. Sr. Team usually gives you about 15-20 minutes to solve the problem by yourself, then come in as a panel to your room and throw variations to the scenario to see if you can think on your feet. As far as DC operations go, talk to somebody who's been there to understand what you're getting into! :) For better or worse, it's a ride. Ask them about PEAK ops, and how much they enjoy working 60+ hours during PEAK! ))

Log in Cambridge, United Kingdom said: HI, Retail Guy, could you please expand on the problem you mentioned and what specifically you mean by 'throw variations to the scenario to see if you can think on your feet'?

Thanks,

Unfortunately, I don't recall the specifics of the problem since it's been awhile ago, plus I'm sure the problem has changed since that time. As far as variations in the interview process go, what I mean is after giving you an initial problem to solve, the panel will give you variations of that problem, sort of like asking "instead of 2 lines converging at one bottleneck spot, you have added another line working at a certain rate. What impact does that have to your production?" Google "rate" problems, solve a few of them, and you'lll be fine. Amazon changes their standard questions used during the interviews, so it won't help you to memorize a certain formula I'm giving you here. Understand the general concept instead. They're looking to see if you are analytical person who can think on your feet, that's all.

John Doe123 in Collierville, Tennessee said: Just finished Amazon interview for fulfillment center, not easy at all...

Why was it not easy???I have interview in Chattanooga, TN, what can I expect??

Thanx

Matthew, your explanation about the journey in amazon is stunning. I am excited to ask you few more questions. I am planning to attend an interview for a process named "TRMS". Can I get more details about the process, job profile, etc? I have tried to dig out some details on the web, but it was no luck.

Hi,

Please share the questionnaire to me.

I am appearing for interview for Project Manager software development.

Thanks
Rao

gadgetzmo in Columbia, South Carolina said: Retail Guy,

I had some questions for you. I recently started my interviews at Amazon for the AM position and had a few questions that I wanted to e-mail you regarding the location and team I will be interviewing with. If you can send me an e-mail at gadgetzmo@hotmail.com, I can follow up with you. Thanks.

I have an interview coming up as a Director level in Photo studio management. ANy pointers for interviews, I've had two phone interviews and a screener and I have been contacted about setting up an interview in Seattle although the job is not located there.