Interview Questions / Amazon

Amazon Interview Questions & Process

Software Engineering · Product

Updated July 2026

Amazon's recruitment architecture is built on the principles of speed, efficiency, and empirical behavioral proof.4 The most prominent structural change in the 2025/2026 cycle lies in the introduction of the Repository-Style Bug Fixing coding challenge in the Online Assessment (OA).

Rather than solving isolated algorithm questions in a blank function, candidates are faced with a miniature, functional backend REST API codebase (typically written in Python or Java) containing several pre-existing system bugs. Guided by an in-built, interactive AI coding assistant, candidates must trace routes, clean up naming conventions, correct endpoints, and patch logic errors. Success is determined by passing a suite of automated integration tests, evaluating the candidate's codebase navigation and debugging efficiency.

In the live onsite loop, SDE-1 candidates must now clear a dedicated GenAI Fluency interview round. This round reflects Amazon's expansion of the new grad loop from 3 to 4 rounds to evaluate how candidates utilize generative AI in their daily workflows.

The evaluation probes deep conceptual and architectural understanding: LLM limitations, mitigating hallucinations, prompt engineering, validating model outputs, vector databases, MCP (Model Context Protocol), tokenization, and RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation). After the conceptual discussion, candidates must write code for a standard algorithmic problem (e.g., Next Permutation or a variant of the Celebrity Problem).

The cost of walking in unprepared

Amazon's process runs 3 to 5 weeks across 6 stages, often compressed into a single high-pressure loop. Most candidates only find out they weren't ready once the result lands.

Merra: run the Amazon interview before it counts

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The Amazon interview process

  1. 1Online Application. Submission of resume and general background info.
  2. 2Online Assessment (OA). Timed, self-paced tests covering coding, work style assessments, and repository-style debugging.
  3. 3Recruiter Phone Screen. Initial alignment check discussing candidate background, compensation, and team fit.
  4. 4Virtual/Onsite Loop. A series of 4 to 5 rounds (60 minutes each) combining technical evaluation (DSA, LLD, or HLD) with behavioral questioning. SDE-1 candidates must clear a dedicated GenAI Fluency round.
  5. 5Bar Raiser Review. An objective assessment by a certified, independent interviewer from outside the target org.
  6. 6Offer Discussion. Offers finalized rapidly and sent to successful candidates.

Real Amazon interview questions

As reported by recent candidates. The same styles Hope asks in a Amazon-style mock.

“Design an efficient algorithm to generate the lexicographically next permutation (Next Permutation) in-place from an array of integers.”
System Design
“Solve a variation of the classic Celebrity Problem to identify a dominant element in a social graph in linear time and minimal space.”
Graphs
“Given an array of poles of different heights, find the maximum height h at which a saw blade should be set to cut the poles and retrieve at least M total cut length.”
Arrays
“Design the Low-Level Design (LLD) for a Meeting and Room Reservation System, including class structures, UML interfaces, and modular design patterns.”
System Design
“Design a package storage locker system based on container size classifications (S, M, L, XL, XXL) that can allocate empty lockers in real-time and optimize physical space.”
System Design
“Design the High-Level Design (HLD) for a secure and scalable system that allows syncing of configuration data from an old device (phone, Alexa speaker, etc.) to a new device.”
System Design

Prepping alone vs with Merra

Without Merra

  • ✕Read questions, rehearse answers in your head
  • ✕First time answering out loud is the real interview
  • ✕No structured feedback on how you actually come across
  • ✕Find out you weren’t ready from a rejection email

With Merra

  • ✓Practise out loud before the real interview
  • ✓Structured evaluation and feedback after every session
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Pricing

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then £12.99/mo or £29/quarter · Pro from £29/mo
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Amazon interview FAQs

Does Amazon use HireVue?

No, Amazon does not use HireVue. Assessments and live loops are hosted on Amazon's proprietary virtual portals.

How many rounds is the Amazon interview?

Typically consists of an online assessment (OA) followed by an onsite loop of 4 to 5 interviews. The entire pipeline contains about 5 to 6 distinct rounds.

How hard is the Amazon interview?

Highly challenging due to intensive behavioral probing. Interviewers are trained to dig deep into the specifics to eliminate generic answers.

How long does the Amazon interview take?

Fast-paced, usually concluding in 3 to 5 weeks. Amazon enforces a strict 5-business-day turnaround SLA to deliver decisions post-loop.

Related interview guides

Apple interview questionsGoogle interview questionsMeta interview questionsMicrosoft interview questions

Merra is an independent interview practice platform and is not affiliated with Amazon. Interview formats vary by role, region, and year.

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