Amazon is one of the most sought-after employers in the UK, known for its fast-paced culture, innovation, and high hiring standards. Whether you’re applying for a role in operations, corporate, tech, or Amazon Web Services (AWS), understanding the Amazon interview process in the UK is essential for success.

This guide explains each stage of the recruitment process — from your initial application to the final “Loop” interviews — with preparation strategies, question types, and insider tips.

Key Stages of the Amazon Interview Process

Amazon’s hiring process is structured and consistent globally, but there are slight differences in the UK recruitment framework, particularly in assessment style and timelines.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Application & Resume Screen

Submit Your Application:
You can apply through the Amazon Jobs UK portal or LinkedIn. Ensure your CV highlights quantifiable achievements and alignment with Amazon’s Leadership Principles — they’re the foundation of every hiring decision.

Tip:
Use bullet points to show measurable outcomes, such as:

“Increased warehouse efficiency by 15% through process automation.”

Amazon’s HR systems often use ATS (Applicant Tracking Software), so include relevant keywords such as “logistics operations,” “software development,” or “supply chain optimisation,” depending on your role.

2. Recruiter Call

Once shortlisted, you’ll have an initial phone call (15–30 minutes) with a recruiter.
This conversation verifies your background, role expectations, and salary range. You may also be asked about:

• Your motivation for joining Amazon
• Key achievements
• Familiarity with the company’s culture

Preparation Tip:
Be ready to discuss Amazon’s Leadership Principles (like Customer Obsession, Bias for Action, and Ownership) — even at this early stage.

3. Online Assessment / Technical Phone Screen(s)

Depending on the role, you may be invited to complete:

• Online assessments (for business, graduate, and operations roles)
• Technical coding challenges (for tech positions)
• Work-style or work-simulation tests

For tech roles, assessments often include:

• Data structures and algorithms
• Problem-solving logic
• Amazon-style coding platforms like Codility or HackerRank

Tip: Practise on LeetCode, HackerRank, or InterviewBit using questions tagged “Amazon.”

For non-technical candidates, expect situational judgment tests aligned with leadership principles, evaluating how you handle workplace challenges.

4. Technical Phone Screen(s)

This stage focuses on deeper role-specific discussions.
For tech positions (software engineers, data scientists, etc.), you’ll likely face:

• Live coding via shared editors
• System design questions
• Behavioural questions using the STAR method

Example:

“Describe a time you had to deal with an ambiguous problem and how you resolved it.”

These screens are conducted by Amazon employees (often hiring managers or engineers).

5. The Interview Loop (Final Stage)

The Loop is Amazon’s signature multi-round interview process. It’s typically the final step before the hiring decision and can be virtual or on-site.

Structure

The Loop usually includes 4–5 interviews, each lasting around 45–60 minutes, covering:

• Behavioural interviews (2–3 rounds)
• Technical or role-specific interviews (1–2 rounds)

You may also meet a Bar Raiser — a trained Amazon interviewer responsible for ensuring hiring consistency and culture fit across all teams.

Behavioural Interviews

Expect deep questions about how you’ve demonstrated Amazon’s 16 Leadership Principles, such as:

• “Tell me about a time you took ownership of a difficult project.”
• “Describe a situation where you disagreed with a superior. What did you do?”

Use the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure answers clearly and focus on measurable outcomes.

Technical Interviews

For technical roles, these may cover:

• Coding problems in Java, Python, or C++
• System design (for mid-senior engineers)
• Debugging and optimisation
• Architecture discussions (for AWS and cloud roles)

Tip: Be clear in your reasoning — Amazon values logical problem-solving as much as code accuracy.

6. Hiring Committee & Debrief

After the Loop, interviewers compile feedback and rate you against each Leadership Principle. The Hiring Committee reviews all data — including recruiter notes, assessments, and interviewer evaluations — before making a final decision.

This stage can take 1–2 weeks, depending on role and volume of candidates.

7. Offer Stage

If successful, your recruiter will contact you with a verbal offer, followed by a written offer via email. Amazon offers are usually performance-based, including:

• Base salary
• Sign-on bonus (for some roles)
• Restricted stock units (RSUs)

You may negotiate your compensation, but do so professionally and with research on UK market ranges.

What to Expect in Amazon Interviews

The Amazon interview process is behaviourally driven but also data-oriented. Interviewers assess not just what you’ve done, but how you think.

Behavioural Question

You’ll be assessed on ownership, problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation.

Example:

“Give an example of a time you exceeded expectations for a customer.”

Always tie your response back to one of the Leadership Principles.

Technical Interviews

Technical assessments test your ability to:

• Write clean, efficient code
• Explain design decisions
• Collaborate on problem-solving under pressure

Example (Software Role):

“Design an API for a delivery service.”

Role-Specific Scenarios

Depending on your position, expect tailored questions:

• Operations Managers: Efficiency improvements, logistics bottlenecks.
• Product Managers: Prioritisation frameworks, stakeholder management.
• Analysts: Data interpretation, SQL queries, or dashboards.

Essential Preparation Tips

To succeed in the Amazon interview process preparation is everything. Follow these proven steps:

1. Understand the Leadership Principles

Amazon’s 16 Leadership Principles (e.g., Customer Obsession, Dive Deep, Invent and Simplify) are at the heart of every question.
Study them — and link your experiences directly to these behaviours.

2. Use the STAR Method

Always answer with Situation, Task, Action, Result.
It provides structure, clarity, and confidence — exactly what Amazon interviewers expect.

3. Practise Coding and Technical Skill

For technical roles:

• Solve algorithm problems daily (LeetCode or HackerRank).
• Practise explaining your code aloud.
• Revise system design fundamentals.

4. Prepare for Case Studies

Some business and management roles include case scenarios (e.g., “How would you improve delivery speed by 10%?”).
Use data-driven reasoning and tie your proposal to Customer Obsession.

5. Ask Thoughtful Questions

Show curiosity about Amazon’s team culture and direction:

• “How does your team embody Amazon’s Leadership Principles in daily work?”
• “What challenges is your team currently focusing on solving?”

Avoid salary questions until the offer stage.

6. Bring a Notebook

Amazon interviewers appreciate candidates who take notes — it shows attentiveness and professionalism. Write down key details or clarifications as you go.

FAQs

How many rounds of interviews are there at Amazon?

Typically, there are 4–6 rounds, depending on the role:

• Recruiter call
• 1–2 technical or online assessments
• 4–5 interviews during the Loop
  Each stage focuses on both behavioural and technical competencies.

How to pass an interview at Amazon?

• Learn the Leadership Principles inside out.
• Use the STAR method for behavioural questions.
• Back up answers with quantifiable results.
• Stay calm, structured, and customer-focused in every response.

How long does the Amazon interview process take?

The full process in the UK usually takes 3–6 weeks, depending on the role, assessments, and hiring committee schedules. Technical and senior positions may take longer.

What is the Amazon interview method

Amazon uses a competency-based, behavioural interview method, rooted in its Leadership Principles.
The STAR technique is central to this — candidates must demonstrate how they’ve applied specific skills and behaviours in real situations.

Final Thoughts

The Amazon interview process in the UK is challenging but fair — designed to identify candidates who embody the company’s principles and thrive in its customer-centric culture.

With structured preparation, familiarity with Amazon’s behavioural framework, and confidence in your problem-solving abilities, you can navigate each stage successfully.

For 1-to-1 interview coaching, mock Amazon sessions, and UK-specific feedback, visit JobInterviewology.com.
Our experts specialise in helping candidates master Amazon’s recruitment process and secure offers across corporate, operations, and tech roles.