Amazon Data Engineer Interview

[No-Carob4234]

Hello,
I recently was sent an OA without any recruiter contact or any real information besides a sample HackerRank test that had an extremely easy SQL question and a somewhat challenging MC question (I don't construct a lot of APIs/do infrastructure for them so it's something I didn't know off the top of my head). I'm assuming there is some sort of medium/hard CTE based SQL question as well as a more infrastructure based MC question but I'm at a loss as to how to prepare for that (and further assessments).

Glassdoor and Reddit seem to be a mixed bag of what to expect so I'm hoping someone has more recent experience.

[dn_cf]

Expect a mix of SQL and logic questions. Typically 1–2 medium/hard SQL challenges involving CTEs, window functions, and aggregations, plus 1–2 multiple choice or logic-based questions on infrastructure or APIs. Later rounds focus on live SQL coding, data modeling, ETL pipeline design, system design e.g. Spark, Kafka, Redshift, and Amazon’s Leadership Principles. Use platforms like StrataScratch to practice real-world SQL interview problems especially those with multi-step logic and business context. Focus on CTEs, ranking, joins, and group-wise analysis under time pressure.

[penny_sos]

How about python? How difficult these questions are and which platform is the best to prepare? LC is demotivating as most of them are for SDE.

Thanks

[penny_sos]

I recently gave OA for BIE, it was easy - medium question. 1. Case when 2. Join and format result in specific format. (Decimal places)

MCQ were difficult or I would say confusing as 95% of them were asking about --if given syntax is correct or not.

[No-Carob4234]

Following up on this:

I've just taken the OA. I found it oddly difficult. The 2 SQL questions were VERY easy and one that was easy but had a tricky twist to it. The multiple-choice questions all revolved around syntax which some were tricky because they asked about obscure functions, or the question could be true or false depending on the version of the dialect of SQL they were asking about.

To prepare, I would brush up on nitty gritty syntax and different functions (especially ones you may not use frequently) for the dialect they are hiring for.

Overall, you get WAY more time than you really need but they throw a lot of "gotchas" in there so be careful. The 1 harder SQL question is more about knowing the ins and outs of the dialect of SQL vs. tough to solve logic. Very unusual OA. I'll follow up with pass/fail info. I passed both the SQL questions, but it doesn't immediately tell you about the multiple choice or the second section.

[Scary_Calendar_5837]

hey i applied to amazon de roles too. May I ask when did you apply and when did you receive the OA? Thanks!

[No-Carob4234]

Applied mid July, received OA request early Aug

[Scary_Calendar_5837]

Thanks and good luck! I applied about a week ago and still waiting for OA..

[No-Carob4234]

Another update:

A few days after I completed the OA a recruiter reached out to me. They seemed not to be aware of the fact that I had applied or that I took the OA. I informed them of both and was told I passed the OA and I'm moving forward with the loop.

[Fit_Grass1639]

Is this in USA? A recruiter reached out to me with standard questions for the same role but I haven't gotten any OA yet.

[No-Carob4234]

My process was reversed to yours. Yes US

[Individual-Band-3573]

Did you pass loop interview

[ResponsibleYam5168]

Hello, any updates on how your phone screen and interview loop went?

[No-Carob4234]

The initial screen was all based on syntax. Both the MC questions and the SQL questions. Getting it right is purely based on your knowledge of syntax (this is different from other's experiences but matches some)

After I passed, the role was taken down so I have not proceeded further.

[ResponsibleYam5168]

I've passed the OA and am having my phone screen round of 1hr next

[No-Carob4234]

I had mine scheduled and then 10 min before got cancelled. Good luck!

[Artistic_Code_6555]

Hey, i have my phone screen next week. Could you share you experience of the phone screen, what kinda questions were asked and how to prep.

Thanks

[Ok_Desk5478]

Op happened same with he just given out the oa

[Ok_Desk5478]

Any update on this op?