Amazon Job Assessment 2024, Interviews, Assessment Centre. The Practice Guide.

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SUMMARY

Are you applying for the Amazon 2024 internship or graduate programs or exploring professional opportunities? Look no further than this comprehensive guide.

The text below provides a full candidate recruitment, assessment, and preparation guide and practice for those applying to jobs, internships, apprenticeships, and other graduate programs at Amazon across the globe, including the UK and US.

Our website provides scientifically validated practice assessment tests, interviews, and assessment center exercises that can be used to practice and prepare for the recruitment and assessment process.

Not sure if you should practice preparing for the Amazon Assessments? According to research, 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude test results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.

IN A NUTSHELL

1. Fill out Your Amazon Online Job Application

• Complete your Amazon registration online.
• Respond to the four competency queries.
• Match your responses to Amazon’s core values
• In your CV and application, use the wording and keywords from the job post.

2. Prepare for Amazon Online Assessment Tests

Amazon uses a variety of aptitude assessment tests. These may include:

• Numerical Reasoning tests
• Verbal Reasoning tests
• Logical Reasoning tests
• Personality tests
• Coding tests
• Versant tests

3. Prepare for the Amazon Virtual Interview 

Prepare for your Amazon online video/phone interview by running mock interviews and answering typical interview questions. For your Amazon interview practice, use the following:

• A smartphone to record yourself
• Zoom or
• Our reliable video interview platform

Use the STAR+R method for your answers and practice each answer several times.

4. Ace the Amazon Assessment Center Exercises

Amazon makes use of a variety of competitive exercises during the assessment center to find the right candidates. Ensure that you practice a variety of exercises including

• Group exercises
• Written exercises
• Final Interview

Brush up your writing and speaking skills. Look up examples online, get ready, and practice sharing different business case studies. 

As you progress to the final interview, engage in one-on-one discussions with a senior manager. Anticipate and practice responses to behavioral and competency-based questions. 

Continue reading to find out answers to the following critical questions:

1. What is the selection process of Amazon?
2. What is Amazon online assessment test?
3. How to pass the Amazon online assessment test?
4. What are the early career programs offered by Amazon?

For your Amazon assessment practice, click on the links below to get started now with our practice assessments!

Let’s take a look at what’s to come in this in-depth guide:

Contents

1. Who are Amazon?
2. Amazon Online Job Application
3. Amazon Online Aptitude Tests
4. Amazon Virtual interview
5. Amazon Assessment Center

Good to know Bonuses:

6. Amazon Early Career Roles/Graduates Programs
7. Amazon Recruitment FAQs

Before we dive in, let’s take a closer look at Amazon and explore its wide range of career options.

Who are Amazon?

Amazon is a global technology and e-commerce giant founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos. Over the years, it has expanded its operations into various sectors, becoming one of the world’s largest and most diverse companies with over 1,541,000 full-time and part-time employees.

 Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Amazon is known for its e-commerce platform, cloud computing services (Amazon Web Services or AWS), digital streaming, artificial intelligence, and more. 

What career opportunities does Amazon offer?

For career opportunities, Amazon offers a wide range of roles, from entry-level positions to senior management positions. These roles include:

Let’s dive in and explore Amazon’s unique approach to leadership and success.

Amazon Values/Leadership Principles

What are the fundamental principles shaping Amazon’s culture?

Check out the core principles that guide Amazon’s culture and drive success below: 

1. Customer Obsession: Amazon prioritizes the customer in every decision, ensuring that their needs and satisfaction drive all business initiatives.

2. Ownership: Employees at Amazon are encouraged to take ownership of their projects, fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment to achieving goals.

3. Deliver Results: The emphasis is on delivering tangible outcomes, and Amazonians are driven to meet high-performance standards to achieve impactful results.

4. Ability to Work to the Highest Standards: Amazon maintains a commitment to excellence, fostering a culture where working to the highest standards is the norm.

5. Dive Deep: Employees are encouraged to delve into details, fostering a culture of thorough analysis and understanding to make informed decisions.

6. Earn Trust: Trust is foundational, and Amazonians prioritize actions that build and maintain trust with customers, colleagues, and stakeholders.

7. Bias for Action: Amazon values a proactive mindset, where individuals are empowered to take swift and decisive action to drive innovation and progress.

8. Frugality: Efficiency is key, and Amazonians are mindful of resource usage, promoting a culture of doing more with less.

9. Learn and be Curious: A commitment to continuous learning and curiosity is encouraged, fostering an environment where employees seek to expand their knowledge and skills.

10. Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit: Amazon values constructive dissent, encouraging employees to voice opinions and, once a decision is made, commit fully to its execution.

11. Invest and Simplify: Amazonians are encouraged to invest in initiatives that matter and simplify processes, contributing to innovation and operational efficiency.

12. Think Big: Employees are inspired to think beyond conventional boundaries, fostering a culture of innovation and ambitious, forward-thinking strategies.

Now that we know more about Amazon, let’s dive into the recruitment process with the first step: the Amazon online application!

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Amazon Online Application

How to get a job at Amazon?

For your Amazon job application, you must create an Amazon.jobs account in order to submit an application for a position. Once you have found a role that interests you, you can apply by filling out your:

• Personal information
• Work experience
• Education
• Skills

You will also be required to upload documents such as your resume and a cover letter at this stage.

What do I need to apply to Amazon?

• Educational Qualifications: Requirements range from high school diplomas for entry-level roles to bachelor’s or advanced degrees for technical positions.

• Work Experience: Experience levels vary, with management roles typically requiring more years of expertise.

• Skills and Competencies: Amazon values specific job-related skills, including technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities.

• Other Requirements: Some roles may have specific demands, such as physical abilities for operations roles or certifications for technical positions.

As well as the job description, you’ll need to do your research on Amazon to get ahead. Check out our video below to get started on crucial research tips you can use to boost your Amazon application:

Now let’s move on to the next step – the Amazon online assessment, a crucial step in the recruitment process.

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Amazon Online Aptitude Test

What are the Amazon online aptitude tests?

Congratulations on passing the first screening process at Amazon! If your initial online application has been successful, you can expect to receive an invitation to the Amazon online aptitude tests. 

The Amazon online aptitude test is designed by SHL, and it is a multiple-choice 60 to 90 minute online test that can consist of the following sections:

1. Amazon Numerical Reasoning Test
2. Amazon Verbal Reasoning Test
3. Amazon Logical Reasoning Test
4. Amazon Work Style Assessment
5. Amazon Work Sample Simulation Assessment
6. Amazon SDE Online/Coding Assessment
7. Amazon Versant test

We’ve got you covered for all things assessment in this section! Keep reading to discover the best tricks and tips to ace your Amazon online aptitude tests.

1. Amazon Numerical Reasoning Test

What is the Amazon numerical reasoning test?

The Amazon numerical reasoning test measures your ability to make correct decisions from the numerical or statistical data given. You will be expected to use the information presented in tables, graphs, and charts to select one of the 5 responses provided.

Discover more about numerical reasoning test questions and how Amazon uses these to hire with this short video: 

Top 5 Tips to Prepare for Your Amazon Numerical Reasoning Test

1. Revise the fundamental maths. Many of the fundamental skills required in the assessments you will have covered at the GCSE level, so it pays to re-familiarise yourself with these materials.

2. Practice! Using the GF platform to practice numerical reasoning tests is proven to help you improve your technique and improve your score.

3. Understand the Question Formats. Familiarize yourself with the different formats of numerical reasoning questions. These could include percentages, ratios, and data interpretation. 

4. Develop a balance between speed and accuracy. When practicing, aim to develop your speed as well as your accuracy.

5. Read the questions carefully. When answering Amazon test questions, ensure to read the questions and numerical data carefully to ensure you answer correctly.

Amazon-Style Numerical Reasoning Test Example

Think you nailed it? Check the bottom of the page for the answer!

The numerical test is just the start of your application process, let’s now discover more about how to ace your Amazon verbal reasoning test.

2. Amazon Verbal Reasoning Test

What is the Amazon verbal reasoning test?

The Amazon verbal reasoning test evaluates your ability to understand and respond to questions about information provided in a text. You will be asked to read a given passage before considering statements corresponding to the passage.

What does the Amazon verbal reasoning test involve?

Your task for the Amazon verbal reasoning test will be to decide whether each statement is true, false, or unspecified as either true or false in the text.

Don’t miss our short video below for an overview of verbal reasoning tests used by employers such as Amazon:

Top 6 Tips to Ace the Amazon Verbal Reasoning Test

1. Boost vocabulary with puzzles: Improve your vocabulary and linguistic abilities through word puzzles and games. These activities help you better comprehend and interpret verbal reasoning passages.

2. Rest for alertness: Ensure you are well-rested before taking the test. A refreshed mind is more adept at processing information, enhancing your ability to tackle verbal reasoning questions effectively.

3. Understand the answer options: Ensure you are aware of what ‘True’, ‘False’, and ‘Cannot say’ means. To make accurate choices, it is critical to have a clear understanding of the answer options.

4. Focus on the passage details: Prioritize identifying and highlighting essential details within the passage before attempting the questions. This ensures you have a solid foundation for your answers.

5. Allocate time to read: Dedicate ample time to reading the passage carefully. Avoid rushing through it, as a thorough understanding of the context is crucial for answering correctly.

6. Use only the information provided: Avoid using any external knowledge or information for these tests. Instead, base your answers solely on the information provided in the passage.

Amazon-Style Verbal Reasoning Question Example

Got the answer? Check the bottom of the page to see if you got it right!

After completing this Amazon online test, the following assessment you will likely be headed for is the Amazon logical reasoning test.

3. Amazon Logical Reasoning Test

What is the Amazon logical reasoning test?

The Amazon logical reasoning test assesses your ability to analyze patterns in sequences of diagrams. Analyze the shapes, identify rules, and choose the correct diagram from options to complete the sequence.

Check out this short video below which covers the basics you’ll need to know about the Amazon logical reasoning tests:

Top 5 Tips to Prepare for Your Amazon Logical Reasoning Test

1. Practice Consistently: Take various inductive reasoning tests to get familiar with the format and different questions such as matrices, sequences, and figures.

2. Search for patterns and connections: Finding common patterns or connections between various ideas or information is frequently required.

3. Focus on building your speed: Develop confidence in your ability to solve inductive reasoning questions first, and then practice under timed conditions.

4. Utilize feedback and score reports: to pinpoint areas for improvement and check your answers to ensure you didn’t make any mistakes.

5. Check one rule at a time: When attempting a logical reasoning test question, focus on one shared rule in the sequence at a time and eliminate the options that don’t follow these rules.

Amazon-Style Logical Reasoning Question Example

For this test example question, you will be required to observe the diagrams in the sequence carefully to uncover a shared pattern to determine which of the options would be the next diagram in the sequence.

In the pattern above, you will only have around 45 seconds to notice that:

• The arrow rotates clockwise around the diagram
• The sequence of shapes is triangle-circle-square
• The long line alternates between horizontal and vertical
• …and to identify the correct answer!

Think you’ve cracked it? Check the bottom of the page for the answer!

Amazon also administers a work style/simulation test to assess your personality skills in a work context. Discover how this assessment works in the upcoming section.

4. Amazon Work Style Assessment

What is the Amazon Work Style Assessment?

The Amazon Work Style assessment is a personality test that will present you with various statements concerning the way you work, your preferences, what makes you successful in the workplace, and your work values.

You will be required to rate your agreement with each statement on a scale of 1-5. No answers are inherently right or wrong; instead, your responses help Amazon evaluate your alignment with the desired employee profile.

4 Top Tips to Ace Your Amazon Work Style Assessment 

1. Research the specific job for which you are applying. Each time you answer a Work Style Assessment question, consider:
   • Your previous experiences
   • How your work style and abilities apply

2. Consider Amazon’s culture. Understand the job and Amazon’s culture. Consider how well their values align with your own.

3. Be honest. Answer based on your gut feel to reflect your true preferences. Don’t answer based on what you think Amazon is looking for.

4. Be consistent in your responses. Maintain consistency across responses to showcase a reliable picture of your work preferences.

Now let us move on to the next test – The Amazon work sample simulation assessment.

5. Amazon Work Sample Simulation Assessment

What is the Amazon work sample simulation assessment?

The Amazon work sample simulation assessment usually takes 20 minutes to an hour to complete and asks you to do virtual activities applicable to a certain position. They could ask you to make conclusions based on Amazon’s leadership principles.

What happens in the Amazon work sample simulation test?

The work sample simulation test may require you to:

• Evaluate data from a chart
• Respond to a customer’s inquiry
• Decide how to solve a problem
• Multitask
• Locate relevant information from a variety of sources

Top 4 tips to ace the Amazon work sample simulation assessment

1. Understand Amazon’s Leadership Principles: Understand Amazon’s Leadership Principles to align your approach with the company’s values.

2. Practice Multitasking Scenarios: Hone your multitasking skills through practicing similar exercises to develop efficient management skills.

3. Pay attention to the details: Read through the instructions carefully to ensure you understand the information and requirements for the tasks at hand.

4. Demonstrate effective communication: Ensure your written and spoken communication is clear, with concise and professional language throughout.

After completing the Amazon work sample simulation assessment, based on the requirements of your job role, you will be invited to complete the next stage of the assessments: the Amazon coding assessment.

6. Amazon Coding Assessment

What is the Amazon online coding assessment?

If you’ve applied for software engineering roles at Amazon, the Amazon Coding Assessment and Software Development Engineer (SDE) test are pivotal stages crafted to assess your:

• Coding skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency in algorithmic thinking. 

This is a timed test and has two coding tasks that must be solved in 90 minutes. It is administered via SHL‘s AMCAT platform or on HackerRank. 

3 Top Tips to Excel Your Amazon Coding Assessment

1. Master Core Concepts: Strengthen your understanding of fundamental data structures and algorithms. Focus on topics like arrays, linked lists, trees, sorting, searching, and dynamic programming, as these are frequently tested in coding assessments.

2. Simulate Test Conditions: Mimic the test environment during your practice sessions. Set a timer and solve problems within the allotted time to improve your speed and efficiency. This will prepare you for the time constraints of the actual assessment.

3. Review and Optimize Code: After solving a problem, review and optimize your code. Consider factors like time complexity and code readability. Amazon values clean and efficient code, so refining your solutions is crucial.

For some roles, you may also be required to complete the Amazon Versant test. Find out more about this test below. 

7. Amazon Versant Test

What is the Amazon Versant test?

The Amazon Versant Test evaluates your ability to communicate efficiently in the English language. It also tests your use of correct grammar and advanced vocabulary.

The Versant Test is divided into 5 separate parts:

1. Typing: You will be given a passage of text and asked to type as many words as possible within a 60-second time allowance. At the end, both accuracy and speed are evaluated.

2. Complete the Sentence: You will be given 25 seconds to read a short sentence and insert one word only in order to correct the sentence grammatically while matching the context.

3. Dictation: You will listen to a series of sentences and will then be given 25 seconds to type what you have heard.

4. Reconstruct the Paragraph: You will have 30 seconds to read an unknown paragraph, after which the passage is removed and you have 90 seconds to reconstruct and type the paragraph’s meaning.

5. Email Writing: For the last exercise of the Versant Test, you must write a short email of about 100 words according to the specific purpose given.

Top tips to Ace the Amazon Versant Test

• You can practice typing assessments by opening news articles and typing as much of the text as possible within a 60-second timeframe, checking your accuracy afterward.

• For the Email writing test, organize your email in such a way that you directly address the brief’s purpose or question.

• Take extra care with your spelling as sometimes a small mistake can be costly.

• While taking the email writing test, read the brief at least twice to make sure you understand the task. Remember, 100 words is not that many so plan efficiently.

Now, we’re onto the main event of the Amazon interview process, so be sure to continue moving toward success with us in this article! 

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Amazon Virtual Interview

What is the Amazon virtual interview?

The Amazon virtual interviews delve into technical expertise, behavioral alignment with Amazon’s Leadership Principles, and the ability to communicate effectively. 

How long is the Amazon virtual interview?

The Amazon interview may be over the phone or a video interview using their virtual platform Amazon Chime. For some roles, you may be required to attend multiple rounds at this stage, each lasting 45 to 60 minutes, scheduled on different days.

Once you’ve aced your phone/video interview, you will shortly be invited to the next stage of your application journey: the Amazon assessment center.

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Amazon Assessment Center

What happens at the Amazon assessment center? 

The Amazon assessment center is often the final step for many roles at Amazon. At this stage, Amazon will aim to assess your ability to work with customers, co-workers and supervisors, as well as your communication and prioritisation skills.

What exercises are used in the Amazon assessment centre?

The Amazon assessment centre typically consists of 3 parts:

1. Amazon Group Exercise
2. Amazon Written Exercise
3. Amazon Final Interview

Depending on your position and line of business, you might be asked to complete tasks from the list below in this final stage of the Amazon assessment test process.

Keep on reading below to discover more about each of the final stages of the Amazon assessment test process.

1. Amazon Group Exercise

What is the Amazon group exercise? 

The Amazon group exercise assesses your teamwork skills, and problem-solving under time pressure. It’s an opportunity to showcase your ideas confidently and demonstrate your ability to appreciate and incorporate others’ input effectively.

Pause for a moment and check out our expert video for more details on how to ace your Amazon group exercise below:

4 Tips to Ace the Amazon Group Exercise

1. Speak with clarity: You must maintain a calm tone to convey confidence. This also helps you stand out from the rest of the group.

2. Contribute ideas: share and argue your ideas, but don’t speak over others. Develop existing points to build on others’ ideas.

3. Show active listening: Be open to other people’s thoughts and suggestions. Ask questions and engage with your fellow team members.

4. Keep an eye on the time: As with other exercises, this task will be timed. Ensure to monitor the time to ensure the team completes the project on time.

2. Amazon Written Exercise

What is the Amazon written exercise?

The Amazon written exercise provides you with a previously unseen case study in the form of a candidate brief and then asks you to prepare a response. This test is designed to evaluate various skills, including:

• Analytical thinking
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• The capacity to articulate and present a structured response.

4 Top tips to excel in the Amazon written exercise

1. Thoroughly Understand the Brief: Grasp the case study and brief thoroughly, identifying key issues and instructions for an informed response.

2. Structure Your Response Clearly: Organize your thoughts logically, using headings or bullet points for a well-structured and readable response.

3. Align with Amazon’s Leadership Principles: Showcase how your response aligns with Amazon’s Leadership Principles, emphasizing your commitment to the Amazon core values.

4. Balance Detail and Conciseness: Provide enough detail to support your points without unnecessary complexity. Be concise, focused, and impactful in your written expression.

You’ve made it to the final step! Follow us through to the finish line with the final Amazon interview. 

3. Amazon Final Interview

What is the Amazon final interview? 

Your one-on-one Amazon final interview will be conducted by either an experienced senior member of staff at Amazon or an HR specialist. You may also proceed through a series of interviews with different Amazon employees to evaluate if you are a good fit for the position.

What will the Amazon final interview involve?

Amazon interviews might involve a mixture of competency-based as well as technical questions.

If you reach this stage of the recruitment process, you should already be aware of the industry in which Amazon operates, its competitors, the company structure and corporate culture, and any recent developments that could be affecting the business.

Top 6 Tips to pass the Amazon final interview

1. Keep a copy of your CV in front of you so that you can explain your past experiences and achievements without missing out on any key points.

2. Prepare a couple of projects/initiatives in which you did exceptionally that you can refer to in your answers.

3. Use the STAR+R method to structure your answers to competency-based questions.

4. Show confidence while responding by speaking clearly and with a calm tone of voice. Use subtle hand gestures and keep an upright posture.

5. Demonstrate listening skills by taking notes and nodding along when the interviewer speaks. This is also effective to help put more thought into your answers. 

6. Stay up-to-date with the e-commerce industry’s news and trends to help you build your answers to use in the interview.

Check out the video below for even more tips and tricks you can use in your Amazon competency-based interview:

Check out our example questions and how to answer these below!

EXAMPLE AMAZON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question 1: Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult client/customer.

Good Answer:

• Situation: In my role as a customer service representative at XYZ Company, I encountered a challenging situation with a dissatisfied client due to a product manufacturing defect.

• Task: My task was to address the client’s concerns, resolve the issue promptly, and ensure customer satisfaction.

• Action: I empathized with the customer, actively listened to their grievances, and promptly communicated the problem to our technical support team. Simultaneously, I provided the client with a temporary solution while the defective product was being replaced. During this phase, I maintained transparency by keeping the client informed at every step.

• Result: The client appreciated our transparent communication and proactive measures. By offering a temporary solution and keeping the client in the loop, we not only resolved the issue to their satisfaction but also strengthened our customer relationship. 

• Reflection: This experience underscored the importance of swift action, transparency, and proactive problem-solving in customer service.

Question 2: Tell me about a time you took on a task beyond what you were asked.

Good Answer:

• Situation: In my previous role as a project coordinator, we were working on a tight deadline for a client presentation. While my primary responsibility was to coordinate tasks and ensure timely completion, I noticed a potential for improvement in our presentation’s visual appeal.

• Task: Even though it wasn’t specifically given to me, I chose to improve the visuals of the presentation to make it more interesting and polished.

• Action: I researched current design trends and applied my graphic design skills to create visually appealing slides. I collaborated with the design team for feedback, ensuring the new elements aligned with our brand identity. This initiative involved extra hours and effort beyond my standard responsibilities.

• Result: The enhanced presentation received positive feedback from both the client and internal stakeholders. The visual improvements not only made the information more accessible but also contributed to the overall success of the project.

• Reflection: This experience taught me the value of proactively identifying opportunities for improvement and going beyond assigned tasks to deliver exceptional results.

And with this, your Amazon application comes to a close! Once you’ve impressed in your final interview, you will shortly receive an offer from Amazon.

But wait, before you go!

Keep reading below to discover the range of Amazon career opportunities currently offered for freshers and students.

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Amazon Early Career Roles/Graduates Programs

What are the Amazon early career opportunities?

The Amazon Early Career programs welcome students and recent graduates to a diverse range of opportunities. For those eager to embark on a journey in the fast-growing e-commerce and technology, Amazon opens the door to a world of possibilities.

Here are the key opportunity areas you can apply for at Amazon:

Amazon also provides various apprenticeship and internship opportunities for students and graduates. Let’s check out these below!

Amazon Apprenticeship Programs

What are the Amazon Apprenticeship Programs? 

The Amazon Apprenticeship Program not only contributes to the development of a skilled workforce but also creates a pathway for individuals to build successful careers within the company. These programs align with Amazon’s commitment to innovation, growth, and providing opportunities for a diverse talent pool. 

Amazon Apprenticeship Areas

• Reliability Maintenance Engineering (RME)
• Information Technology (IT)
• Operations
• Workplace Health & Safety
• Human Resources
• Software Development
• Fashion and Marketing

Eligibility Criteria for Amazon Apprenticeship Program

• Candidates should be 18 years or over before the start date.
• 5 GCSEs C grade (grade 4) or above including Maths and English plus any of the following:
  1. 2 A Level passes (A-E) in 1 or more STEM subjects.
  2. BTEC extended diploma in a similar subject or STEM T-Level Grades in a similar subject.
  3. Level 3 Apprenticeship at Pass in an appropriate discipline.

Amazon Apprenticeship Application Deadlines

• USA: Applications open in February and Successful applicants for our programs will start with us in between May and September, depending on the program

• UK: Applications open in February. Programs start between May and October.

• France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia: Roles open in February or March. Programs start between August and October.

• Germany: Roles open all year round. Programs start in August or September.

Amazon Internship Programs

What are the Amazon Internships programs?

The Amazon Internships provide students and recent graduates with hands-on experience, helping them develop practical skills in a professional setting. Participants gain exposure to real-world challenges and industry practices.

Eligibility Criteria for Amazon Internship Programs

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with a graduation date between June 2024 and September 2026.

• Must be able to complete a full-time internship.

• Fluent in written and verbal communication in English.

• Availability to work 40 hours/week.

Deadlines for Amazon Internship programs

There are no application deadlines for internships or full-time jobs, but to increase your chances of securing an interview, submit your applications in late summer or early fall.

Check out more answers to some of the most commonly asked questions below about the Amazon recruitment process! 

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Amazon Job Assessment FAQs