Amazon vs. Meta: What They Ask and How to Answer in Your Interview
When preparing for interviews at two of the biggest tech giants—Amazon and Meta—it’s important to know what kind of questions you’ll face. Both companies are known for their challenging, multi-layered interview processes that test everything from technical prowess to leadership skills. Here's what you can expect, and how to get ready!
Amazon Interview Questions
Amazon is all about leadership and customer obsession. Expect your answers to be rooted in Amazon's leadership principles, which are deeply ingrained in the company’s culture. You’ll be tested not only on your technical expertise but also on how well you fit with these principles.
Behavioral Questions (STAR Method Focus)
Amazon loves to dive deep into your past experiences, especially how you’ve solved problems or managed challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to give clear, concise answers. Some examples include:
Tell me about a time when you showed leadership.
Describe a situation where you had to make a decision with limited data.
Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned from it.
Customer Obsession and Problem-Solving
Given Amazon’s obsession with the customer experience, expect questions that explore how you prioritize customer needs and solve complex problems:
Describe a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.
How would you approach a situation where a team’s performance is lagging?
Technical Questions (for Tech Roles)
For engineering and technical roles, expect coding challenges and problem-solving questions:
How would you reverse a linked list in Python?
How would you design a scalable recommendation system?
Meta (formerly Facebook) Interview Questions
At Meta, the focus is on impact and ownership. You’ll need to demonstrate that you can work effectively, drive change, and influence others. Expect questions that delve into your ability to create impact, solve complex problems, and work with others across teams.
Behavioral Questions (Impact and Ownership Focus)
Meta values candidates who take initiative and drive results. Prepare to discuss times when you’ve made significant contributions or led projects:
Tell me about a time when you took ownership of a project.
Describe a time when you had to collaborate with a cross-functional team.
How do you prioritize work with competing deadlines?
Leadership and Communication Skills
Meta is looking for leaders who can communicate effectively and motivate teams. Some questions might include:
Tell me about a time when you persuaded others to adopt your idea.
How have you handled conflicts within a team?
Give an example of a time when you led a challenging project.
Technical and Product Design Questions
Meta is focused on technical excellence, so for tech roles, you can expect system design and coding challenges:
How would you design a scalable social media app for billions of users?
Explain how you would implement a real-time notification system.
Preparing for Amazon and Meta Interviews
Understand the Company Culture
Amazon: Be sure to study Amazon’s leadership principles and come prepared with examples that demonstrate how you’ve embraced them in your career.
Meta: Focus on Meta’s mission of building global community and driving impact. Understand how your work can contribute to these goals.
Brush Up on Technical Skills If you're applying for a technical role, practice coding and system design problems on platforms like LeetCode and HackerRank. You’ll also need to prepare for whiteboard coding challenges, which are common at both companies.
Practice Behavioral Interviews Use the STAR method to structure your responses to behavioral questions. Make sure you’re telling clear, detailed stories that highlight your contributions and the results you achieved.
Prepare for Leadership Questions Both Amazon and Meta are looking for candidates who can lead and inspire others. Reflect on past experiences where you took charge of a project, managed a team, or navigated difficult situations.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're preparing for Amazon or Meta, getting ready for the interview means mastering both technical and behavioral questions. By understanding the company’s values and preparing structured answers that highlight your leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and technical expertise, you’ll be in a strong position to land the job of your dreams.