Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Amazon Advertising, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I went through Amazon’s remote SDE process with a full “loop” and mostly moderate technical difficulty over about a month, but I didn’t end up getting the offer.
I went through a shorter, two-round interview focused on DSA plus a lighter behavioral/resume discussion, and I didn’t move forward.
The interview process typically follows a structured loop involving an online assessment followed by multiple technical and behavioral interviews, often taking several weeks to complete. Candidates should be prepared for scheduling variability and potential delays in communication.
Candidates can expect a mix of data structures and algorithms (DSA) questions, often at a medium to hard difficulty level, with some interviews focusing on specific topics like dynamic programming and trees. It's crucial to practice coding problems from platforms like LeetCode.
Leadership Principles are a central focus throughout the interview process, with candidates expected to provide STAR-based responses that demonstrate alignment with Amazon's values. Strong preparation for these behavioral questions is essential.
Interviews often include system design or low-level design questions that assess a candidate's ability to think through architectural decisions and maintainability. Candidates should be prepared to discuss design trade-offs and present their thought processes clearly.
Candidates report varying experiences with interviewers, with some noting a lack of preparedness or a negative tone that impacted their performance. It's important to stay adaptable and maintain composure, regardless of the interview dynamics.
Many candidates emphasize the importance of thorough preparation for both technical and behavioral aspects, particularly in aligning their stories with Leadership Principles. Practicing mock interviews and refining storytelling can significantly improve outcomes.
