Amazon SDE Intern Interview Experience

Hey everyone, this blog post outlines my interview experience, highlighting the challenges I faced, the questions I encountered, and the valuable lessons I learned!

Round 1: Online Assessment (OA)

I received an email from Amazon WOW (Off-Campus) to fill out an interest form for SDE (2 months) intern position. Subsequently, I was provided with an Amazon Careers job link to apply for the position. After submitting my application through the portal, I received an Online Assessment (OA) link.

The OA round consisted of two coding questions — one easy and one medium-level data structure and algorithm problem. I successfully solved both questions, with all test cases passing well within the time limit. Following this technical assessment, a workstyle evaluation included behavioural and HR questions to assess my personality and work style.

After completing the OA, I received confirmation of qualification for the interview round.

Round 2: Interview

The interview was held on Amazon Chime. The interviewer clarified the expectations — I had to solve two coding questions in this round.

We dived straight into the first coding question. The problem was similar to the classic “rat in a maze” problem (link), a well-known backtracking problem. Initially, I struggled to come up with a solution. The interviewer provided a few hints along the way, which helped me regain my footing. With the guidance provided, I managed to complete the code successfully.

The second coding question felt comparatively easier — it involved detecting a cycle in a linked list (link). I tackled it confidently, explaining my approach step by step. I elaborated on the time complexity (TC) and space complexity (SC) of the code and every line of code I wrote.

Unfortunately, I was not offered to join Amazon as an SDE intern. It was a valuable learning experience, though.

Key Takeaways:

1. Effective Communication: Even if you cannot fully understand or code a problem, it’s essential to maintain a clear line of communication with the interviewer. Asking for hints or explaining your thought process can help you progress and demonstrate your problem-solving skills. However, remember not to ask the interviewer for too many hints. First, work out the problem yourself by thinking loud at every step.

2. Time Management: Time management is critical during technical interviews. Striking a balance between thorough problem-solving and efficient time management is a skill that can make a significant difference in the outcome of an interview.

Interviews are not just about getting the job; they are also about personal growth and learning. Each interview, whether successful or not, provides an opportunity to identify areas for improvement and enhance your skills for future endeavours!