The Amazon interview process typically begins with an Online Assessment (OA).

This OA includes 2–3 coding questions focused on data structures and algorithms. Sometimes, it's accompanied by debugging tasks and a work simulation based on Amazon’s workplace scenarios.

After clearing the OA, candidates are invited to a technical interview, usually held via video call. Here, they are assessed on their problem-solving skills through DSA questions and sometimes asked about past projects.

This is followed by the final “Loop” round, which includes multiple interviews in one day. These interviews cover data structures, system design (for experienced roles like SDE-2), and behavioral questions based on Amazon’s Leadership Principles.

One of these rounds is conducted by a Bar Raiser, a senior Amazonian responsible for maintaining hiring standards.

The entire process emphasizes coding efficiency, clarity of thought, and cultural fit.

Results are typically shared within a week or two. Offers include base pay, bonuses, stock units (RSUs), and relocation benefits if applicable.

In the technical interview round, one of the main questions asked was based on the concept of a Priority Queue. This was a medium-level LeetCode-style problem.

The question involved handling a set of string data where I had to prioritize elements based on certain criteria, such as frequency or lexicographical order.

I was expected to use a priority queue (min-heap or max-heap, depending on the requirement) to efficiently manage the order of elements.

The interviewer closely observed how I structured my solution, whether I chose the appropriate data structures, and how I explained my logic while coding. They also asked me to analyze and explain the time and space complexity of my solution.

The focus was not just on getting the right answer but also on clean, readable code and my ability to think through edge cases and constraints.