Top Amazon Interview Questions and Tips

 


"Tell us about one of the biggest challenges that Amazon is facing currently?" 


This is only an example of the type of questions that you will be facing in the HR interview round of the Amazon recruitment process.


But, in order to get there you need to get through one of the toughest technical interview rounds organised annually by Amazon popularly known as, the Amazon Online Assessments.


So, are you interested in checking out some of the top interview questions asked in the Amazon Online Assessment? 


For your convenience, we have also added insightful answer keys to the problem statement so that you can develop a general idea of the Amazon interview experience. 


With that said, let's start off the blog by having a brief company overview of Amazon.




Amazon Interview Questions With Their Answer Keys And Tips



Feeling overwhelmed for your Amazon Coding Interview? Here are some of the most common and highly anticipated questions from the Amazon technical interview. Find the answer keys to the questions as well.



Finding the missing number in a given array


This coding problem requires you to find the missing number from a given array.


Problem Statement:


You have been given an array consisting of only positive numbers starting from 1 and heading upto n. All the numbers in the given array from 1 to n are present except for the number x. 


Find x. Also note that the given array is unsorted. Here's the unsorted array:


3 7 1 2 8 4 5


Answer Key:


You can apply a linear approach using the formula for arithmetic series sum using the following steps to find the missing number in the array:


  • Figure out the sum of all the different elements within the array, for this you only need to perform a linear scan with complexity- O(n). Afterwards, you are required to figure out the expected sum of numbers within the first n set of numbers using the formula for arithmetic series sum.


  • Finally, the difference between the expected sum and the sum of all elements would be your missing number in the given array!




Copying a linked list with an arbitrary pointer


In this problem you will be given a linked list with an arbitrary pointer. This problem only requires you to create a deep copy of the linked list.


Problem Statement:


You have a linked list where the nodes of the list have two different pointers. The first pointer of the list is a regular next pointer while on the other hand the second pointer is an arbitrary pointer which can point to any possible node in the linked list. 


You are required to create a deep copy of the provided linked list but, with a condition that the original list should not be affected during the copying process.


Answer Key:


For this you will have to create a copy of the given linked list in two separate phases. Follow the instructions mentioned below:


  • Firstly, you can start with creating a copy of the originally provided linked list. Since this is an original copy keep in mind to use similar values and include an arbitrary pointer within this list. 


  • When you have successfully created a new linked list which is an exact copy of the original, you may update the arbitrary pointers connected to the new addresses for the nodes using the mapping technique.




Determining if a given Binary Tree is actually a Binary Search Tree 



As the name suggests quite clearly, in this problem statement you will have to determine whether the given Binary Tree is actually a Binary Search Tree.


Problem Statement:


You have a Binary Tree, your task is to figure out whether it is a Binary Search Tree or not. As we know, the key value of the left node in a Binary Tree is always smaller than the value of its right node. Meaning that the value of the right subtree is always greater than the value of the left subtree.


Answer Key:


Here are two approaches for solving a problem based on Binary Trees:


  • You can apply the basic algorithm that would determine the value of each of the nodes. 


  • Every node of the tree where the maximum value of the left part of the tree should be lesser than the data of its nodes and vice-versa. 



Now for the important tips, we have compiled a few strategies on how you can tackle coding questions.



Tips for answering Amazon Coding Questions Effectively



Gear up for some of the best hacks for answering the coding based questions in Amazon Interviews.



  • Practice Regularly and Thoroughly


When we say to be thorough we mean that absolutely no concept should be left behind especially when you are practicing the concepts of DSA. Data Structures and Algorithms are always the main target in the Amazon Interviews.


  • Participate in Mock Tests


Practice some of the frequently asked Amazon Interview Questions using free-to-use coding web portals such as HackerRank.


You can also check out Leetcode for preparing important strategies for important Amazon Coding Questions.


  • Use The STAR Method For Answering The Questions


Your answers should focus on the Situation, Task, Action and the Result obtained while you are explaining any specific concept either a coding question or a circumstantial question.


  • Discuss Your Answers With The Interviewer


Especially in the coding round, it is advisable to discuss all your answers with the interviewer so that they can perform a full assessment on what was your mindset behind answering each question.


  • Describe Your Strengths


Finally, your motive throughout the course of your interview should be to make sure to impress the interview panel with relevant skills based on the job profile that you have applied for.


Do not hesitate to list every pointer and answer all questions with full honesty.



 

Wrapping Up



"The strategy to success lies in dedication and hardwork."


High-tech global companies like Amazon, Microsoft or Google analyze the dedication of their employees and their problem solving skills by determining their technical problem solving strategies. 


And what better way to test those strategies than conducting technical interviews right? 


If you have previously participated in technical interviews of other companies as well such as Google or Microsoft, then do not forget to share your Google or Microsoft interview experience with us! 



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