Onsite Competencies Definition

While assessment of technical skills will happen throughout the entire interview
loop, this part is focused on making sure we receive a large enough chunk of code to
Coding (logical and
assess that you can do the following: writes code that is syntactically correct and
maintainable)
does what it is intended to do; builds maintainable and readable code; writes
idiomatic code
This interview will utilize the technical problems used to evaluate coding and also
Insists on the Highest ensure that you can do the following: drive high standards and quality; exceed the
Standards bar on technical skills; works constructively under stress and pressure; strives for
continuous improvement – never assuming that anything is perfect.
This interview will focus on your general CS fundamentals and ability to work
effectively through data structures and algorithms sometimes, sometimes starting
Coding: Data Structures with intentionally vague scenarios designed to observe your ability to work through
and Algorithms a problem. This interview will ensure that you know how to: apply various data
structures & algorithms; make good trade-offs; and can combine data structures to
solve complex use cases (that scale with level).
You will need to demonstrate your ability to: handle intentionally vague
Deals with Ambiguity requirements; change strategies quickly when approach doesn’t work; work through
open ended questions; and show ability to adapt & learn quickly.
The interviewer will probe for the ability to build a solid design for a substantial
System Design (scalability
system; quickly identify key tradeoffs in the design; and balance operational
and operational
performance with customer needs. You should be able to deliver a design in
performance) & Customer
production with considerations of deployments, scaling, failures, availability, and
Obsession
performance.
You should be able to show the following: quickly identify if more information is
Bias for Action needed before taking action; analyze facts quickly; able to evaluate data and
information effectively; and use your own initiative to drive forward.
During this interview you need to show the following: can respectfully challenge
decisions when he or she disagrees; has conviction and is tenacious, not
Have Backbone, Disagree
compromising for the sake of social cohesion; once a decision is determined, they
& Commit
commit wholly; challenges "the way it has always been done"; demonstrates the
courage to do what is right for the business.
During this interview you need to show an ability to grasp what is business critical
and best for the business and our customers. You demonstrate strong commitment
Ownership to long-term success; work to obtain optimal return on investment from available
resources; accept responsibility for actions and outcomes; and take initiative and be
persistent.
Earning trust of others is a critical component to getting work done at Amazon. You
should be able to: garner respect and drive consensus and influence others by being
right a lot; clearly, directly, promptly and appropriately communicate; and be open
Earns Trust (teamwork,
and listen to new ideas and ways of getting things done. You must also deal
communication, vocally
constructively with own/others failures and mistakes; seek feedback to enhance
self-critical)
performance; adapts behavior in response to feedback and experience; take
ownership for issues and seeks resolution; pursue opportunities to develop oneself;
and have high self-awareness.
Leaders are never done learning and always seek to improve themselves. They are
curious about new possibilities and act to explore them. You should be able to show
your desire to stretch and grow in your development. We are looking for a track
Learn and Be Curious
record of soliciting feedback from peers, managers, and customers on ways you can
improve your performance. You should be able to illustrate your ability to develop
new skills outside of work that can also positively impact your job.
Onsite Competencies Definition
Your ability to take a high level coding/technical question/problems, thinking
Coding: Problem Solving through problems, identify alternatives, and weigh different options; you should
also be able to see potential roadblocks and challenges with your solutions.
We are looking for: strong clarity of thought and good instincts that inform your
software development decisions; smart about working on the right stuff and
Delivers Results & Are
working through applicable tradeoffs; you get things done with speed and accuracy;
Right A Lot
doesn’t pretend to know everything, but can verify what you do know; has strong
judgment.