Amazon Software Engineer Interview Questions (2026)
Landing a Software Engineer role at Amazon requires targeted preparation. Amazon uses a structured interview process called the Bar Raiser loop. Each interviewer is assigned specific Leadership Principles to evaluate. Expect deep behavioral questions using the STAR method, combined with technical assessments relevant to the role. The Bar Raiser interviewer ensures hiring standards remain high across the company. This guide covers the most frequently asked questions and insider tips to help you succeed in your Amazon Software Engineer interview.
About the Amazon Interview Process
Amazon evaluates candidates heavily against their 16 Leadership Principles, making behavioral questions a critical part of every interview loop.
Amazon uses a structured interview process called the Bar Raiser loop. Each interviewer is assigned specific Leadership Principles to evaluate. Expect deep behavioral questions using the STAR method, combined with technical assessments relevant to the role. The Bar Raiser interviewer ensures hiring standards remain high across the company.
Why Amazon Software Engineer Interviews Are Different
Amazon Software Engineer interviews differ from standard Software Engineer interviews in several key ways. The company has a unique interview culture, specific evaluation criteria, and expects candidates to demonstrate alignment with their values and mission. Understanding these differences gives you a significant advantage over other candidates.
Top 10 Software Engineer Interview Questions at Amazon
- Expect this at Amazon: Explain the difference between a stack and a queue. When would you use each?
- Amazon interviewers often ask: How would you design a URL shortening service like bit.ly?
- Expect this at Amazon: What is the difference between SQL and NoSQL databases?
- A common Amazon interview question: Describe a time you had to debug a complex production issue.
- Amazon interviewers often ask: How do you approach code reviews?
- Expect this at Amazon: Explain RESTful API design principles.
- Amazon candidates should prepare for: What is the difference between concurrency and parallelism?
- Amazon interviewers often ask: How would you optimize a slow database query?
- Amazon candidates should prepare for: Describe your experience with version control and Git workflows.
- Amazon candidates should prepare for: How do you ensure code quality in your projects?
Amazon-Specific Preparation Tips for Software Engineer Candidates
- Memorize and prepare stories for all 16 Amazon Leadership Principles
- Use the STAR method rigorously with specific metrics and outcomes
- Prepare multiple stories for Customer Obsession and Ownership principles
- Practice system design for scalable distributed services
- Be ready to discuss trade-offs and how you handle ambiguity and conflict
General Software Engineer Interview Tips
- Practice coding problems and mock interviews with HireFlow to sharpen your skills
- Study system design fundamentals for senior-level interviews
- Prepare STAR-method stories for behavioral questions
- Review the company's tech stack before the interview
Preparation Timeline for Amazon Software Engineer Interviews
- 4 weeks before: Research Amazon culture, recent news, and the specific team you are applying to.
- 2-3 weeks before: Practice technical questions daily and prepare behavioral stories using the STAR method.
- 1 week before: Do full mock interviews with HireFlow AI simulating Amazon interview style.
- Day before: Review your notes, prepare questions for the interviewer, and get a good night of rest.
Practice Amazon Software Engineer Interview with HireFlow AI — our AI adapts to Amazon's interview style and gives real-time feedback.