Amazon Business Analyst Interview Questions & Answers
Table of Contents
Behavioral
1. When planning, how often do you create alternative scenarios to help you adjust to changing situations?
How to Answer
A talented business analyst will have the ability to pivot, adapt, and change at a moments' notice. As a business analyst, you know that problem-solving and thinking outside the box when it comes to changing situations is a valuable skill set. Talk to the Amazon interviewer about your ability to create a variety of potential scenarios for your clients and accounts. You may never need to take on these scenarios; however, it's great for the interviewer to know that you can adapt your plan on the fly.
1st Answer Example
"I love having contingency plans. A business analyst needs to understand that ideally, we will do 'X,' but if that fails, we need to be ready to pivot and make sure that 'Y' happens. Having alternate scenarios mapped out takes out the uncertainty and is sure to prepare everyone to adapt if a problem should arise."
Behavioral
2. How do you react when you are dissatisfied with the quality of your work or the outcome of a project?
How to Answer
As a business analyst, you want everything to be perfect, and you want every project to be pristine for your valued client and employer. Failure happens to all of us from time to time. The Amazon interviewer would like to know how you respond to let-downs in the workplace. There will always be a time when you are not happy with your work environment, but your reaction will determine whether or not you recover from the disappointment. Show that you have the maturity to be able to respond to dissatisfaction productively.
1st Answer Example
"In business analysis, there is little room to play around with our work and bounce back from mistakes. I allow myself to make mistakes, tweak my work, and play around with different models; however, an analytical mind is always seeking improvements and will not rest until it's right."
Behavioral
3. How would you ultimately describe your work style, and do you believe its compatible with Amazon's culture?
How to Answer
This question does not refer to your personality or character but more to your methodology when getting your work done. Talk to the Amazon interviewer about your day-to-day approach to projects, communicating with coworkers, or collaborating with clients.
Your work style might be:
- Collaborative
- Well-Planned
- Speedy
- Flexible or Adaptive
- Independent
- Company-focused
- Team-based
1st Answer Example
"I would describe my work style as highly team-based. I keep in mind that my pace, quality of work, and outcome will always affect multiple people on my team. If I am unsure of the path to take on a project, I will consult with my team here at Amazon to ensure that my ideas align well with theirs."
Behavioral
4. Amazon values decisiveness and encourages our employees to use a variety of decision making systems. Which decision-making technique do you deploy most often?
How to Answer
The Amazon interviewer wants to understand the techniques and thought processes you use to come to conclusions when working on projects. Pareto Analysis or the 80/20 rule is a commonly used decision-making technique, as is T-Chart Analysis, and more. Discuss with the interviewer what you know about decision-making and the importance of coming to accurate conclusions.
1st Answer Example
"Most often, I find myself utilizing Pareto Analysis. I agree that about 20% of causes are responsible for 80% of outcomes or results. With this style of analysis, I can more easily break down which part of the workflow is causing most of the issues. Once we identify that 20%, it's much easier to problem solve and make decisions. I understand that this is a popular decision-making technique used here at Amazon."
Behavioral
5. As a business analyst, when do you consider a project successful and complete?
How to Answer
Just because a client has signed off on a project, that does not mean your job as a business analyst is done. The Amazon interviewer would like to understand when you consider a project to be successful and complete. Share that you are available to your clients when they need you and that you do not abandon them the moment they sign off on a project.
1st Answer Example
"When I start a project, I am sure to set clear expectations with my clients on what a completed project may look like. I do not consider a project complete until we have delivered what we have promised, and the client can pick up where we sign off."
Behavioral
6. How do you determine the difference between a risk and an issue?
How to Answer
If you have experience as a business analyst or a project manager, you know full well that there is a world of difference between a genuine risk and an issue. The Amazon interviewer wants to see that you are not going to overlook probability but that you can also focus your attention on current problems.
1st Answer Example
"I treat risk as something that could occur in the future, and an issue is a risk that is currently happening. It's imperative to pay attention to both a risk and an issue; however, issues are usually more pressing, from my experience."
Career Development
7. Which career development goals have you set for yourself this year?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know that you are motivated to better yourself personally and professionally. Career development can come in many forms:
- Conferences
- Trade shows
- Seminars & workshops
- Reading
- Podcasts
- Online coursework
- Finding a mentor
Discuss with the Amazon interviewer how you plan to develop yourself professionally this year and be sure to tie it into how this goal will benefit Amazon, should they choose to hire you.
1st Answer Example
"This year, I have put requests to attend a few seminars and workshops on effective leadership and one on macroeconomics. I want to help my team and clients reach their goals while also feeling fulfilled and happy. I look forward to taking what I have learned so far and applying the concepts to this BA lead role with Amazon."
Communication
8. Amazon values transparent and timely communication, both internally and with our partners and customers. How do you show your clients the importance of communication during a project?
How to Answer
The Amazon interviewer would like to know that you lead by example in communication in the workplace. Breakdown of communication in a business setting can have dire effects on the profitability of an organization. This effect is why it is essential, as a business analyst, to understand that 'telling' and 'showing' are two very different things when it comes to proper communication with your clients and their teams. Give examples of how you put dialogue into action throughout your projects.
1st Answer Example
"I show my clients the importance of clear communication through every step of a project, simply from leading by example. I set the tone and expectations for how we should communicate by utilizing all forms of written, verbal, and interpersonal communications to a tee."
Compatibility
9. What does the acronym PEST stand for, and have you ever used it?
How to Answer
PEST is a form of analysis used to pick apart a business environment like Amazon's, allowing a business analyst to understand all of the external factors Amazon may be facing. PEST stands for Political, Economic, Social, and Technological. As a seasoned business analyst, you should know PEST and how to tackle this type of analysis. Show the interviewer that you have the knowledge they are seeking.
If you have never used PEST analysis before, that is okay too. Merely show the hiring authority that you understand the concept and are eager to work with this form of analysis in the future.
1st Answer Example
"I have used PEST multiple times as it pertains to seeking out the major external factors that all businesses face which include Political, Economic, Social, and Technological. A business analyst must single out these factors and study them before making recommendations to a client on specific areas for change and improvement."
Compatibility
10. Amazon is a Six Sigma organization. Are you Six Sigma certified? Why is Six Sigma important to you, as a business analyst?
How to Answer
Being Six Sigma certified is not always a requirement for a business analyst; however, this type of training never hurts! Six Sigma certification comes in various levels, including white belt, yellow belt, green belt, and MBB, which is short for Master Black Belt. Discuss with the Amazon interviewer if you have this type of training and how it helps you do your job as a business analyst.
1st Answer Example
"I am currently taking my Six Sigma green belt, having already earned my white and yellow belts. This education has helped learn about lean management and the analysis and control that comes with it. The more knowledge I have on helping business to run lean, the more profitable I can make the clients I work with."
Compatibility
11. What key strengths should a business analyst possess, and how do these apply to our work here at Amazon?
How to Answer
An excellent business analyst will be analytical, a great critical thinker, and a fantastic problem solver. There are many essential strengths that a business analyst should have, and it may be hard to choose. Start by reviewing the job description or job posting, and pick out a few key strengths that the potential employer seeks. Then, form your response based on those keywords that you possess.
1st Answer Example
"Looking at my key strengths, and the strengths of other business analysts that I admire, I would say that an elevated sense of business operations through a variety of industries is fundamental. Also, to be a skilled listener who can read between the lines of what is said and what is truly happening is very helpful. Excellent data analysis is also an area where every business analyst should be highly skilled. These skills and my experience will help Amazon optimize its operations and identify new opportunities."
Creative Thinking
12. Name two important types of charts or diagrams a business analyst would use. Why are these important?
How to Answer
The Amazon hiring authority wants to see that you have basic knowledge of the diagrams and charts that you will be using during your business analyst career. Some examples include:
- Data Flow Diagrams
- Activity Diagrams
- Use Case Diagrams
- Brainstorm Mind Map
- Feature Roadmap
- Organizational Chart
You are likely familiar with a few of these charts and diagrams, so be sure to choose a couple of options that you know well and can easily discuss.
1st Answer Example
"The two types of charts and diagrams that I use most frequently include organizational charts and use case diagrams. When it comes to an organizational chart, I can map out a businesses' hierarchy, helping me analyze the stakeholder structure further. Once I have a solid understanding of the organizational makeup, I can plan what models will work for organizational change. Then, a use case diagram can be created to show the relationships between everyone and the activities within the organization."
Creative Thinking
13. How often do you discuss work with your colleagues to think up new systems and styles of working?
How to Answer
The Amazon interviewer would like to know if you discuss creative ideas with your coworkers. Talk to the interviewer about how you have used creative thinking in the workplace.
1st Answer Example
"I think it is important to discuss work with colleagues in a collaborative nature to encourage all types of ideas to come forth. When people put their heads together, they will often create something better than something one individual could have done alone. I attribute much of Amazon's success to the value you place on collaboration and synergy."
Direct
14. Are you currently interviewing with any of Amazon's competitors?
How to Answer
The interviewer at Amazon is curious and would like to know if you are visiting any of Amazon's close competitors to discuss similar business analyst roles. You are never obligated to disclose who you are interviewing with, and you are usually best not to name any names in such a tight-knit industry.
Let the Amazon interviewer know that you are active in your search but are very discerning regarding your applications and final decision. You also do not want it to appear that you are putting all of your eggs into this one basket. Think of this as a first date question - you want to show your interest and keep some mystery! Be direct without giving away too much.
1st Answer Example
"I am interviewing with two other organizations for similar business analyst roles. However, neither company competes with Amazon. I am in the third interview stage with one position, and the other was a pre-screen call with an in-person interview tomorrow. It is important that I find work soon; however, I will hold out for the right opportunity."
Direct
15. How would you rate your performance in this interview so far?
How to Answer
The Amazon interviewer would like to know if you are satisfied with your interview performance. If your interview were a flop, you would know, and it's much better to address outright your performance than try to sweep it under the rug.
1st Answer Example
"If you feel that your performance in the interview is going well: 'I believe that this interview has been quite informative and I am happy with my performance. Is there anything that I can clarify for you from this conversation?'
If you feel that your performance in the interview is not going well: 'I am not sure if I have been able to portray myself 100% accurately in this interview; although, I am trying my best. If there is anything more I can clarify for you, I would be happy to do so."
Education
16. Tell me more about your degree and the business analysis field in which you are most interested.
How to Answer
A business analyst can specialize in various industries, including finance, economics, statistics, computer or information science, manufacturing, and more. Discuss where you focused while obtaining your university degree with the interviewer, and then set the scene for them as to where your career path has taken you. Be sure to express interest in Amazon's target industries or area of focus.
1st Answer Example
"I have a Bachelor's Degree in Finance with a focus on Business Administration. My education has been a significant factor in my success as a business analyst, as my interest and knowledge grew in areas such as financial accounting, business law, microeconomics, and even marketing."
Experience
17. What are your thoughts on Agile software development? Do you encourage Agile methodologies with your clients?
How to Answer
Agile software development and its overall principles have been openly embraced by organizations worldwide since its inception. Agile encourages collaboration with teams, customers, and the end-user, allowing for more cross-functional projects to happen with fewer hiccups.
However, there are still some people who strongly argue against Agile. Those people tend to prefer Waterfall, for instance. Discuss your thoughts on Agile with the interviewer at Amazon, keeping in mind that it's best to research where the hiring company stands on Agile before your interview.
1st Answer Example
"I saw in the Amazon job posting that you are seeking a business analyst who embraces Agile methodology. I have worked in, and fully support, an Agile environment. I enjoy the team-based approach Agile brings to software development."
Experience
18. Describe Kano Analysis and why it is important.
How to Answer
Kano Analysis was created to meet the ever-changing needs of customers and clients. When analyzing a product, it's vital that a company fully understands how to determine customer happiness. There are three points to Kano Analysis:
- Unexpected Delighters
- Performance Attributes
- Must-Have Attributes
Show the Amazon interviewer that you understand that these three points work together to help you analyze customer satisfaction.
1st Answer Example
"Kano Analysis is a group of qualifiers that a company needs to meet before putting a product to market. Unexpected delighters are seen as the things a company or product delivers that are 'extra.' Must-have attributes are what a customer expects. Then, Performance attributes come from the 'more is better' customer mentality."
Experience
19. What are the various SDLC models?
How to Answer
SDLC stands for Software Development Life Cycle, a concept that IT Business Analysts often use. There are various SDLC models, including Agile, Waterfall, Spiral, Iterative, and V-Shaped. Display to the Amazon interviewer that you understand the variances between these models by briefly discussing their differences.
1st Answer Example
"The SDLC models I am most familiar with include Agile and Spiral. I like Agile because it encourages adaptation, continuous improvements and offers flexible responses to change. With Spiral, it's more risk-driven, which is also a fascinating method in which to work. The others include Waterfall, Iterative, and V-shaped, which I am less familiar with but keen on learning."
Experience
20. What does the acronym INVEST mean to technical teams and project managers?
How to Answer
A good business analyst should understand that the acronym INVEST is for:
- Independent
- Negotiable
- Valuable
- Estimable
- Sized appropriately
- Testable
Show the Amazon interviewer that you are familiar with industry terms by explaining what INVEST means, breaking down each word. If you are not familiar with INVEST, that is okay. Likely, this means that you do not often work in the IT space.
1st Answer Example
"I understand INVEST best for creating user stories with product managers, developers, and IT teams. The acronym is for Independent--the story should be self-contained. Negotiable--user stories can always be altered. Valuable--meaning there should be a goal or a value attached to the user story. Estimable--the size of a user story should always be easily estimated. Sized appropriately--meaning the user story should not be too small or too large. Finally, Testable--when user stories are testable, it's easy to see when the project is correct and complete."
Experience
21. What is benchmarking, and why is it important?
How to Answer
By definition, to benchmark is to evaluate or compare with a pre-set standard. When a business analyst is benchmarking, they take a deep dive into a competing organization and then use those marks to set a standard for the company they are working with.
This deep dive could include hiring practices, return policies, product development, manufacturing procedures, and more. Explain to the interviewer how you, as a successful business analyst, use benchmarking to help your clients achieve their goals.
1st Answer Example
"In a nutshell, benchmarking is the practice of setting your business standards against your competitors. When properly utilized, benchmarking can help an organization like Amazon take a critical look at their competitors' performance and learn from past mistakes while benefiting from best practices that may already exist. This dive could include dissecting existing processes, the analysis of different sets of data, and developing an action plan around what your competitors may or may not be doing."
Experience
22. Talk to me about your specific technical skills as a business analyst.
How to Answer
Whether your career focus is on being a data business analyst, an IT business analyst, or a strategic business analyst, your response to this question may be entirely different.
If you are interviewing for a data-focused role, your technical skills may include data analysis software and visual presentation programs such as PowerPoint. As an IT business analyst, you likely have exposure to software development tools and templates. Then, as a strategic business analyst, your technical skills may be better suited for professional industries and include strategic and business case analysis software and applications. Discuss with the Amazon interviewer which technical skills you will bring to their organization.
1st Answer Example
"As a data business analyst, my strongest technical skills include data mining and big data programs such as Oracle and LIONsolver. I am also active in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, as I create data models in Excel and robust client presentations and visuals in PowerPoint."
Experience
23. Tell me about your involvement in systems development life cycle and user acceptance testing.
How to Answer
An experienced business analyst will have exposure to SDLC, which is systems development life cycle or application development lifecycle. When a business introduces new software or applications to their organization, they need to ensure the change is well planned, adequately tested, and then properly deployed company-wide. A seasoned business analyst can make this process run much smoother, saving an organization like Amazon valuable time, resources, and funds. Describe your experience with SDLC and user application testing. If you do not have exposure to these activities, be sure to express your interest in becoming involved and learning.
1st Answer Example
"I have worked with dozens of clients on developing a life cycle for new software or applications. As far as user acceptance testing, I have tested on groups as large as 1,000 people. I enjoy analyzing the data that comes from beta and even final-phase software testing."
Honesty
24. Have you ever broken a confidentiality agreement?
How to Answer
Companies like Amazon will have confidentiality agreements for a variety of reasons. These could protect their trade secrets or ensure that you do not bring their trade secrets to another company or client. Talk to the interviewer about your thoughts on confidentiality agreements.
1st Answer Example
"Confidentiality agreements are necessary and important to protect an organization. I understand the need for confidentiality and take those factors very seriously. I have never broken the trust of my employer or client."
Personal
25. What are your thoughts on Agile software development? Do you encourage Agile methodologies with your clients?
How to Answer
Agile software development and its overall principles have been openly embraced by organizations worldwide, including Amazon, since its inception. Agile encourages collaboration with teams, customers, and the end-user, allowing for more cross-functional projects to happen with fewer hiccups.
However, there are still some people who strongly argue against Agile. Those people tend to prefer Waterfall, for instance. Discuss with the Amazon interviewer your thoughts on Agile, keeping in mind that it's best to research where the hiring company stands on Agile before your interview.
1st Answer Example
"I saw in the Amazon job posting that you are seeking a business analyst who embraces Agile methodology. I have worked in, and fully support, an Agile environment. I enjoy the team-based approach Agile brings to software development."
Personal
26. Here at Amazon, we use a variety of data modeling tools. Which data modeling software do you prefer to use?
How to Answer
Most commonly, business analysts will use Microsoft Excel or Visio for their data modeling needs. Likely, the preferred software or program will be mentioned in Amazon's job posting, so be sure to refer to that. If you have experience in the software or applications Amazon uses, be sure to mention your level of exposure and expertise. If you do not have experience in their preferred programs or software, discuss how you can apply your current knowledge to their systems.
1st Answer Example
"I have the most experience with Visio for data modeling, and I see in your job posting that you are seeking at least three years' exposure to that particular program. I have used Visio for five years now and consider myself an expert user. I have created hundreds of entity-relationship diagrams and other flowcharts within Visio."
Salary
27. Is compensation the most critical factor for you when considering taking job here at Amazon?
How to Answer
The Amazon interviewer would like to know how much emphasis you put on pay when considering a new position. In addition to compensation, there are many other factors to a fulfilling career. These other factors may include:
- work/life balance
- amount of travel involved in the role
- overall medical and health benefits Amazon offers
- additional perks such as a cell, car allowance, spending account
- the industry you will be working in
- amount of vacation time
- the type of clients you would be working with if hired by Amazon
- the location of the company
- career growth opportunity
- the size of your new team
- Amazon's reputation
- overall workplace culture
Talk to the Amazon interviewer about other factors that are important to you when considering a new job. If you are not sure about the details for this role, you can ask!
1st Answer Example
"Salary is important to me because I know that I am skilled and well educated. With that said, I do look at the full picture, which includes factors such as benefits, travel time, and the amount of paid vacation time."
Teamwork
28. Cross-organizational collaboration is important here at Amazon. Tell me about your experience working with teams from various departments of the organization.
How to Answer
The Amazon interviewer would like more information on your exposure to working in a cross-functional environment. If you work for a larger company, you may have been asked to work on a project with teams from another department. Your ability to work with cross-functional teams will be a significant asset to Amazon since they are a large organization.
Maybe you headed a project that required you to collaborate with the human resources, IT, and sales teams. Share any challenges that came up and what you learned from the experience.
1st Answer Example
"Exposure to cross-functional teamwork in my current position is common. When expectations are communicated clearly from the beginning, a cross-functional team project can be very successful. I go into these types of projects to understand that everyone has their strengths and limitations based on their expertise and job function. In my current business analyst role, I collaborate primarily with our IT department, as well as the HR partners."
Teamwork
29. How would you deal with conflict on your team if hired by Amazon?
How to Answer
The hiring authority at Amazon is looking to hear about your ability to communicate with your team or even external stakeholders and professionally handle issues when they arise once you accept the job with Amazon. Think of an example where you worked closely with others to resolve a conflict. You could also offer a scenario where you mediated an issue between two coworkers. Show that you can keep your head on your shoulders when dealing with conflict.
1st Answer Example
"I have strong conflict management skills and as a business analyst with many high-stakes projects, have had to exercise those skills from time to time. We are in a high-stress work environment, which can cause unnecessary conflict among the team. If a conflict arises once Amazon hires me, I would deal with it swiftly, openly, and with poise. Transparency and openness are how I lead my team, so I will call a group meeting where we express concerns and get it all out on the table."