I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Amazon Web Services (Seattle, WA) in Jun 2023
Interview
I took a HackerRank for both the Software Development Engineer and Systems Development Engineer roles at AWS on May 31st and June 1st of 2023. The former had data structures & algorithms questions involving binary search and kadane's algorithm, the latter was an input validation problem and implementing rule-based logic as code. I cleared both, had a 30 minute Chime call with my full cycle recruiter, and was expected to have a split virtual onsite June 19th. I was supposed to also speak with the hiring manager on the system development team the week before, but this was cancelled. I circled back to my recruiter and was informed over Chime that both roles had been internally filled, as AWS is restructuring in an attempt to save its talent from layoffs.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Software Development Engineer - Data structures & algorithms questions: binary search and kadane's algorithm. Systems Development Engineer - Input validation problem and implementing rule-based logic as code.
The process consisted of one long homework assignment as the initial screening. Once passed, I was invited to a single interview day divided into two rounds:
Round 1: Conducted by two interviewers.
Round 2: Conducted by a Senior Developer.
Both rounds followed a similar format, each including 2 behavioral/personal questions followed by 1 coding/technical question.
I applied online. The process took 5 months. I interviewed at Amazon Web Services (Seattle, WA)
Interview
Stage 1 — Application
You apply through the Amazon Careers portal (AWS roles route through Amazon University Talent Acquisition for new grads). New grad postings tend to open in waves, with a lot of activity in fall and again in winter/spring.Stage 2 — Online Assessment (OA)
Within 1–2 weeks of applying, you'll typically get an OA link with a few days to complete it. It usually has two parts: two coding problems (often one easy + one medium, leetcode-style, focused on data structures and algorithms), followed by a work simulation / work-style assessment where you respond to email-style scenarios that probe how you'd handle real workplace situations against Amazon's Leadership Principles.Stage 3 — Phone screen (sometimes)
Some candidates report a single technical phone screen between the OA and the final loop, but many go directly from OA to the virtual onsite.Stage 4 — Virtual Onsite ("the Loop")
This is the main event: typically 2–3 back-to-back interviews, each 45–60 minutes. Each round generally follows the same pattern — roughly half behavioral, half technical:
Recruiter Screen: A 20-minute "vibe check" on your background and salary.
Technical Assessment: A timed coding challenge or a logic-based brainteaser.
The "Onsite" (Virtual or In-Person): 3–4 back-to-back rounds covering system design and behavioral "tell me about a time" questions.
Bar Raiser: A final interview with a neutral party to ensure you meet the company's high standards.