Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Software Engineer at Amazon DSP, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I started with an online assessment that turned out to be the hardest gate for me. I’d submitted my application earlier in the summer, and near the start of August I was moved forward to the OA. The coding questions completely threw me off—not because I felt the problems were impossible, but because I struggled enough to score around the mid‑60s overall, and that was the end of it for me.
My interview journey stretched across a lot of distinct people, and it felt like it was designed to test different angles of the same skill set. Before the main loop, I had a screening call with a recruiter and then a pre-interview check with the hiring manager. After that, I went through a sequence of technical and product-adjacent conversations that included an engineering director, a senior product owner, and then additional engineering interviews with senior engineers.
The interview process begins with an online assessment that typically includes coding questions focused on data structures and algorithms, often with a mix of behavioral components. Candidates report that this stage can be quite challenging, with some experiencing high time pressure and difficulty in scoring well.
Following the OA, candidates engage in a structured technical interview loop that combines coding and behavioral questions. The technical portion often includes live coding sessions where candidates must explain their thought process and problem-solving approach, with a focus on clarity and communication.
Behavioral questions are integrated throughout the interview process, with a strong emphasis on Amazon's Leadership Principles. Candidates are expected to provide concrete examples from their past experiences that align with these principles, making it essential to prepare specific stories.
Candidates generally find the overall difficulty of the interviews to be high, with many reporting a demanding pace and pressure during both coding and behavioral assessments. The expectation to perform under time constraints adds to the challenge.
The interview process is described as organized and predictable, with a clear flow from the OA to multiple interview rounds. This structure helps candidates understand what to expect, although the intensity and depth of questioning can vary.
Candidates often reflect on their experiences and express a desire to better prepare for the specific styles of questions asked, particularly in balancing technical skills with behavioral expectations. Many suggest focusing on clear communication and structured storytelling.