Next, dive into our Leadership Principles. We use our Leadership Principles every day, whether we're discussing ideas for new projects or deciding on the best approach to solving a problem. It is just one of the things that makes Amazon peculiar. All candidates are evaluated based on our Leadership Principles. The best way to prepare for your interview is to consider how you’ve applied the Leadership Principles in your previous professional experience.

Amazon Leadership Principles

Our interviews are rooted in behavioral-based questions which ask about past situations or challenges you’ve faced and how you handled them, using Leadership Principles to guide the discussion. We avoid brain teasers (e.g., “How many windows are in Manhattan?”) as part of the interview process. We’ve researched this approach and have found that those types of questions are unreliable when it comes to predicting a candidate’s success at Amazon.

Here are some examples of behavioral-based questions:

• Tell me about a time when you were faced with a problem that had a number of possible solutions. What was the problem and how did you determine the course of action? What was the outcome of that choice?
• When did you take a risk, make a mistake, or fail? How did you respond, and how did you grow from that experience?
• Describe a time you took the lead on a project.
• What did you do when you needed to motivate a group of individuals or promote collaboration on a particular project?
• How have you leveraged data to develop a strategy?

Keep in mind, Amazon is a data-driven company. When you answer questions, your focus should be on the question asked, ensure your answer is well-structured and provide examples using metrics or data if applicable. Reference recent situations whenever possible.

• Interview preparation for tech roles (e.g. software development, machine learning) can be found here.
• Unsure if you're interviewing for a technical role? Reach out to your recruiting point of contact.

• Some teams at Amazon incorporate role-specific exercises or online assessments into the interview process. You will be notified if the role you’re interviewing for requires one of these.
• During your phone interview, be in a quiet and comfortable place with no distractions.
• Have a computer with a reliable connection and access to email.
• If you're using a mobile phone, ensure you are in a place with proper coverage.
• Have a copy of your resume on hand.
• Have paper and pen readily available.
• Come prepared with questions that you would like to explore in more detail (e.g. initiatives/projects, team culture, scope of role).
• If you need clarity on anything, or have any additional follow-up questions, reach out to your recruiting point of contact.
• If you need an accommodation, or have questions or concerns, please reach out, as we ensure reasonable accommodations for all individuals.
• Virtual interviews: If you've been asked to do a virtual interview, you will likely need to download Amazon Chime, our tool for video conferencing (step-by-step guide can be found here). If you're presenting, you will need to download Chime to your desktop. The meeting ID# will be emailed to you by your recruiting point of contact. For optimal sound quality, use a headset with a microphone.

Amazon supports pay equity. We will not consider a candidate’s current or historical compensation when determining whether to offer employment or in determining any aspect of offer compensation for any candidate or role located in the United States.

We strive to get back to you within two business days after your phone interview. If you haven't heard from us, feel free to give us a nudge.