I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Amazon (Iaşi)
Interview
An initial technical phone-screening with an amazon SDE that, after a general introduction, comprised of a coding (in-browser) exercise, followed by basic troubleshooting,network and algorithm questions.
I was the contacted by the HR recruiter for the on-site interviews.
The on-site was comprised of 5 interviews, each 45 minutes long, with a food break in the middle, where a technical staff member takes you to eat out and during which you can ask questions about the general work-life environment at amazon. This part is off-the-track and the person you're eating will not be looped into the decision to hire you or not based on the eat-out discussions.
The on-site interviews were related to coding and algorithms, networking, linux, troubleshooting and a HR interview (half in romanian, half in english).
The people were very friendly and clarification questions were promptly answered.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Q: How would you sort two files that do not fit into memory?
- Had an assessment round with 2 DSA medium questions
- Had a debugging round based on the technical skills mentioned in the job description
- Had a DSA round which I was asked to explain my approach clearly
Initial call with recruiter, to talk about interest in role and background. Then technical interview with hiring manager to go over coding comeptancy and then technical depth in area. Finally, some time at the end for questions to the manager
Application & Recruiter Screen
After you apply (or are referred):
A recruiter phone call (20–30 min)
Covers:
Your background and experience
Role fit and location
Basic behavioral questions
Compensation expectations (sometimes)
✅ Tip: Be ready to explain your resume clearly and concisely.
2. Phone / Virtual Screen
This is usually 1–2 interviews:
45–60 minutes each
Mix of:
Behavioral (Leadership Principles)
Role-specific questions (technical, ops, analytics, etc.)
For tech roles, this may include:
Coding or system design
SQL / data questions
Case-style problems
✅ Tip: Use the STAR method and include metrics.
3. Onsite / Virtual Loop Interview
This is the main interview stage (often virtual now):
4–6 back-to-back interviews
Each interviewer focuses on:
1–2 Leadership Principles
Deep dives into your past experiences
Includes a Bar Raiser interviewer
Possible formats:
Behavioral interviews
Technical or case interviews
Written exercise (for some roles)
✅ Tip: Expect follow-up questions and challenges to your answers.
4. Bar Raiser Interview
Conducted by a trained interviewer outside the hiring team
Focuses on:
Long-term potential
Leadership Principles alignment
Hiring bar consistency
They may push harder and probe deeper than others.
5. Hiring Decision (Debrief)
Interviewers meet to discuss feedback
Decision is based on:
Leadership Principles
Role competency
Overall hire bar
You typically hear back within a few days to two we
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Ownership / Deliver Results
Tell me about a time you took ownership of a problem that wasn’t yours.
Tell me about a time you delivered results under a tight deadline.
Describe a time you had to make a decision without all the information.