Amazon interview process & guide 2026
Everything we know about interviewing at Amazon: the process stage by stage, what each round tests, compensation by level, and reports from candidates who interviewed.
- 1Application Review
- 2Recruiter Screen
- 3Online Assessment
- 4Technical Phone Screen
- 5Bar Raiser Interview
- 6Offer Discussion
Interviewing at Amazon
Amazon's interview process is known for its rigor and focus on both technical skills and alignment with the company's Leadership Principles. The process typically involves multiple stages, including online assessments, technical interviews, and behavioral interviews. A distinctive feature is the 'Bar Raiser' interview, where a senior interviewer from outside the hiring team evaluates your fit with Amazon's culture and standards.
The interview loop at Amazon tests a wide range of skills. Candidates can expect technical assessments that cover data structures, algorithms, and system design, with a strong emphasis on problem-solving and coding skills. Behavioral questions are also prominent, assessing your alignment with Amazon's Leadership Principles. Topics like SQL, machine learning, and dynamic programming are commonly tested.
The timeline for Amazon's interview process can vary, with some candidates experiencing delays between stages. After completing the interviews, you may wait for updates on your application status. The offer rate is relatively low at 16%, indicating a competitive process. If successful, compensation varies significantly by level, with median total compensation ranging from $162,275 for L4 roles to $883,500 for L8 roles.
Amazon places significant emphasis on its Leadership Principles during interviews, so be prepared to discuss how your experiences align with these values.
How hard is the Amazon interview?
Aggregated from 3,072 interview experiencesAbout 1 in 3 candidates with a known outcome convert.
The interview process, end to end
6 rounds · based on 3,072 candidate reports- 1Application Review
Your application and resume are reviewed to assess qualifications. Ensure your resume highlights relevant skills and experiences.
- 2Recruiter Screen
An initial conversation with a recruiter to discuss your background, role fit, and expectations. Be prepared to articulate your interest in the role and company.
- 3Online Assessment
Complete an online assessment that evaluates technical skills and may include behavioral questions. Practice coding and problem-solving to perform well.
- 4Technical Phone Screen
A focused technical interview assessing coding skills and problem-solving abilities. Be ready for live coding and algorithm challenges.
- 5Bar Raiser Interview
A final interview focusing on Leadership Principles and long-term impact. An experienced interviewer evaluates your fit with Amazon's culture.
- 6Offer Discussion
Discussion of the job offer, including compensation and role details. Be prepared to negotiate salary and benefits if necessary.
What Amazon actually tests for
How prominent each skill is across reported loopsFind the guide for your role
This is your next step: open the guide for the role you are interviewing for. Each one carries the questions Amazon interviewers actually ask that position, the loop structure, and pay by level.
Real interview experiences
What candidates said about the loop, difficulty, and outcomes, straight from recent reports for these roles.
What Amazon pays, by level
Estimated total compensation: base salary plus stock and annual cash bonus.
What separates offers from rejections
Patterns from candidates who got offers, and the mistakes that most often sink a loop.
Do this
- Prepare thoroughly for data structure and algorithm questions, as these are heavily emphasized in technical interviews.
- Familiarize yourself with Amazon's Leadership Principles and be ready to provide examples of how you've demonstrated these in your past experiences.
- Practice coding on platforms like LeetCode to improve your problem-solving speed and accuracy under time constraints.
- Review common system design patterns and be prepared to discuss your approach to designing scalable systems.
Avoid this
- Do not underestimate the importance of the behavioral interview. Failing to articulate your alignment with Amazon's Leadership Principles can hurt your chances.
- Avoid giving vague or generic answers to technical questions. Be specific and detail your thought process clearly.
- Do not ignore the online assessment. It is a critical step that sets the tone for the rest of the interview process.
- Avoid focusing solely on technical skills. Communication and problem-solving abilities are equally important.
Amazon interview FAQ
Answered from real candidate and workplace dataHow difficult are Amazon's interviews?
Amazon's interviews are generally considered challenging, with 32.2% of candidates rating them as hard and 1.5% as very hard. The focus is on both technical and behavioral aspects.
What should I prioritize in my preparation?
Prioritize mastering data structures and algorithms, and understanding Amazon's Leadership Principles. Both technical and behavioral skills are crucial for success.
How long does the interview process take?
The timeline can vary, with some candidates experiencing delays between stages. It is common to wait for updates after completing interviews.
Can I reapply if I don't get an offer?
Yes, you can reapply to Amazon. However, it is advisable to wait and improve your skills before reapplying to increase your chances of success.
What is the offer rate at Amazon?
The offer rate at Amazon is 16%, indicating a competitive selection process.
What people say about Amazon
Verbatim snippets from employee and candidate reviews“There is a prevailing fear among employees regarding potential layoffs, creating uncertainty in the workplace.”
“The team demonstrates strong ownership of their tasks, contributing to a culture of accountability and excellence.”
“The opportunity to learn and contribute to product development is significant.”
“Learning opportunities are abundant, but they come with considerable pressure and imbalance.”
“Candidates should be prepared for a demanding atmosphere that prioritizes results.”
“The work environment is marked by high pressure and a lack of work-life balance.”
Related company guides
Companies that hire for the same data roles
Ready for your Amazon interview?
Practice the exact questions from this guide with AI feedback, and walk into your loop knowing what to expect.