I applied through a recruiter. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Amazon (Coffeyville, KS) in Jul 2013
Interview
First step was a phone screen. Next was in person interviews at a Fulfillment Center site with GM, 2 Senior Operations Managers and HR manager. Received tour of facility followed by math flow problem test. Interviewed with each person for 30 mins and asked series of behavioral based questions.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Behavioral based questions were easy to prepare for. Amazon prefers the STAR (situation, task, action, result) method to answer. Would suggestion preparing for the math flow question. I was asked the following: You have 30 associates who all work an 8 hour day, 5 days a week. 2 need to be in indirect (non-volume producing) roles. Your direct (production) rate is 150 units per hour, but you have two 15-minute breaks during the day. How many units can your department produce in a 40 hour week?
I applied online. I interviewed at Amazon (Columbia, SC) in Jul 2013
Interview
Applied Online. Within 3 days, HR did initial phone conversation asking about background, salary. Next round with Sr. Ops Manager over phone. This was about my experience and background and especially how I could fit Amazon. Asking good questions at the end can make a difference. Next round onsite - first site tour starting 7am followed by math flow question (15 min). Then four rounds of personal interviews back to back. One discusses math flow answer and variations of the problem. This problem is similar what is currently available online. Some understanding of Amazon fulfillment operations can give you insight into what sort of variations likely to be asked. Good experience. Very talented and motivated managers. Overall seems to be a good choice to make a career.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Be confident and comfortable throughout interview process. Take water,snacks if needed. Math flow problems are not difficult, but with intensity of interview process, it can affect your thinking and performance. Stay relaxed and focus on solving problem. Think loudly. This can help interviewer understand how you think.
Standard interview process. Did my best to impress. Nearly all the young interviewees were offered positions with the company. Looks like you'll work long hours and it will be difficult. Would be interesting to know what most Area/Ops Managers that remain with the company are doing 5 years after hire.