Amazon AWS Cloud Support Associate Interview Experience

Introduction

Date of Interview: Dec 07, 2024
Position Applied For: Amazon AWS Cloud Support Associate(CSA)
Location: Remote (Online Video Call via Amazon Chimes)

I recently had the opportunity to interview for the AWS Cloud Support Associate(CSA) role at Amazon. It was an enriching experience that taught me a lot about the process and what to expect in similar scenarios. I could say it is (60% Behavioural and 40% Technical). So, prepare well for behavioral rounds more than technical rounds. I would love to share my experience and would be glad if it could be of any help to anyone aspiring for the same role in the future.

Application Process

The first step was submitting my application through Amazon Careers. Within a month, I received a response inviting me to Amazon Online Assessment. Within a week after giving the online assessment, got an update via an email regarding further rounds of interviews.

Interview Stages

1. Amazon – Online Assessment (No Web Proctoring & No Negative Marking):

1. The online assessment consists of 4 stages –

Stage 1 – Job Simulation: 

Job simulation involved handling various scenarios presented through simulated customer emails. We were tasked with ranking the effectiveness of different measures we might take in response to these situations. In my view, the primary goal of this round was to evaluate how candidates prioritize and formulate responses to specific scenarios.

Stage 2 – Technical MCQs: 

The technical MCQs focused on key topics like Computer Networks (CN), Operating Systems (OS), and Database Management Systems (DBMS).

Stage 3 – Psychometric & Behavioural Test: 

It tests your personality and attitude.

Stage 4 – Personal Experience & Interests: 

We were provided a list of topics, including Networking, Databases, Deployment, Backend Support, Data Analytics, and more. We were asked to share our expertise in these areas and identify the topics that interest us the most.

2. Amazon – Interview Preparation Session (Online Video Call via Amazon Chime):

It’s mandatory to attend this interview preparation session on Amazon Chime as a part of your Interviews. This session is an introductory session to make you familiar with how to use Amazon Chime and your interview process.

After this session, within 24 hours, you will receive an email having an attachment of CSA Interview Topics to be prepared and Amazon Leadership Principles Documentation.

3. Technical (Online Video Call via Amazon Chime):

Programming (OS) + Behavioural:

This was the 1^st loop technical interview in which the interviewer asked Operating System (OS) questions, a coding question, and behavioral questions. It took 50 minutes.

OS

• Asked me to introduce myself and if I was comfortable in Windows or Linux Operating Systems. I chose Linux.
• Booting Process in Detail.
• Can you play a 6GB game on 4GB RAM?
• Paging Concept.
• Swapping & Swap Partition.
• Which Data Structure Used in OS?
• What are the specifications one needs to check while purchasing a Computer (Laptop)?
• Steps/tasks done while we are trying to connect our system via wifi?
• What is a Domain Name System (DNS)? Explain in detail how it works while we type any URL in a browser.
• How to check for Free Disk Space and free Memory Space?
• Commands to check for CPU Utilization.
• How to analyze Linux Server Performance?
• How do you check which ports are listening?
• Basic Linux Commands/tools: top, sar, free, df, cp, ls, rm, ping, vmstat, iostat, netstat, vi, etc.

Coding Problem

• Need to write a program to print the count of vowels & consonants, in which the interviewer gives a word. (You have to code via sharing your screen using Amazon Live Coding Link shared with you in the email.)

Behavioural

• The interviewer told me to share a scenario in a STAR approach in which I have done a deep analysis (I have shared about my B.Tech. Final Year Project). Expect & be prepared to answer questions regarding this.
• At last, the interviewer said if you have any questions for me please feel free to ask.

The interviewer was pretty nice, he was directing me towards answers in case I was stuck on something. He would constantly encourage you to perform well.

Networking + Behavioural:

This was the 2^nd loop technical interview in which the interviewer asked Computer Networking Concepts, Networking numerical (optional), and behavioral questions. It took 50 minutes.

CN

• Asked me to introduce myself and to show Identity Proof (Adhaar Card/PAN Card).
• OSI Model. Detailed explanation of the uses/applications of each layer.
• In which layer of the OSI model, is/are error control & Flow Control handled?
• Applications of Presentation Layer.
• Protocols used in different layers of the OSI model.
• Difference between OSI model & TCP/IP model.
• Ports and different port numbers used by different protocols
• TCP 3-Way Handshake Protocol
• Difference between TCP & UDP protocol
• Video streaming is a TCP/UDP protocol
• When to use TCP/UDP? Explain with examples.
• Explain the DHCP & DORA Process in Detail.
• What is a Domain Name System (DNS)? Explain in detail how it works while we type any URL in a browser.
• Subnet Mask. Numerical problem related to subnetting.
• Basic commands to troubleshoot network/internet issues.

Behavioural

• Detailed discussion about the Project on which I have worked in a STAR approach.
• At last, the interviewer said if you have any questions for me please feel free to ask.

I had a very cool and friendly interviewer who was very cooperative and engaged in a very friendly talk. He made sure I was very comfortable.

4. Managerial Round – Final (Online Video Call via Amazon Chime):

This was the final interview round in which a Senior-Level Manager and an HR shadowing him. It took about 40-45 minutes.

• How is your day going? As I was working in a company?
• Tell me the situation when you have got critical feedback.
• Share with me the time when you were able to help your peer.
• Tell me when you started working on a task and in the middle you realized that you would not be able to complete it on time.
• Detailed discussion about the Project on which I have worked.
• Tell me about a time when you did something out of your comfort zone.
• Did you ever ask your peers for help when you were stuck?
• About Amazon AWS.
• At last, the interviewer said if you have any questions for me please feel free to ask.

The interviewer was a senior-level manager, he was very specific while asking a question. You can expect more questions based on your answer or scenarios explained so be honest while answering so that cross-question won’t affect your performance.

Outcome

After a week, I received an email regarding not being selected. Although I wasn’t selected, I gained valuable insights into how to better prepare for future opportunities. It was a very innovative, interesting, and challenging process. I could say it is (60% Behavioural and 40% Technical). So, prepare well for behavioral rounds more than technical rounds.

Key Takeaways

• Research the company and understand its culture.
• Practice common questions for the industry.
• Stay calm & confident, and be yourself.
• Be attentive and respond to the interview emails for confirmation of your availability.

My experience interviewing at Amazon AWS IND was both challenging and rewarding. It allowed me to grow professionally and taught me what employers value most in a candidate.

I hope this helps you prepare for your next big opportunity! If you have any questions, feel free to share your feedback here or you can connect over LinkedIn/Instagram.