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How Hard Is It To Get An Amazon Internship?

If you're a student looking for an internship, you've likely heard about Amazon's highly competitive program. Amazon is one of the most sought-after internships for students due to its reputation as a prestigious and innovative company. But just how hard is it to get an internship at Amazon? 

In this post, we'll cover the minimum GPA requirement, the skills needed to get an internship at Amazon, how to crush the Amazon behavioral and technical interviews, and additional tips to get an Amazon internship.

How Hard Is It to Get an Internship at Amazon?

It’s very hard to get an internship at Amazon because of how competitive they are. According to AmazonJobsNearMe, Amazon received over 20,000 internship applications in 2018 and accepted fewer than 1,800 of them. This translates to an acceptance rate of less than 10%.

Despite these odds, it's not impossible to land an internship at Amazon. With the right skills, preparation, and mindset, you can increase your chances of success. Additionally, since the covid pandemic, Amazon has seen tremendous growth and because of this, has consistently increased the number of interns they take on every year.

In fact, according to GeekWire, Amazon hired 15,000 interns last year in 2022! That’s almost a 10x increase in just 4 years! Personally, I don’t think Amazon will continue to increase the number of internships they offer at such a staggering rate, but I do anticipate the number will remain high and even continue to grow at a reasonable rate.

Minimum GPA Requirement for Amazon Internships

One of the first requirements you'll need to meet in order to qualify for an Amazon internship is the minimum GPA requirement. The company typically requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, although this may vary by position and program. 

If your GPA falls below the minimum requirement, don't despair. You can still improve your chances of being selected by highlighting other strengths, such as relevant work experience, extracurricular activities, and personal projects.

Skills Needed to Get an Internship at Amazon

To be a competitive candidate for an Amazon internship, you'll need to possess a variety of skills and qualifications. The company looks for interns who have a strong academic background, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team. 

Other important skills include problem-solving, leadership, and project management. It's also important to have a strong understanding of Amazon's products and services, as well as the company's values and mission.

Crush The Amazon Behavioral and Technical Interviews

One of the most challenging aspects of the Amazon internship application process is the behavioral and technical interviews. The behavioral interview assesses your ability to handle specific scenarios and behavioral competencies, while the technical interview evaluates your technical skills and problem-solving abilities. 

To succeed in these interviews, it's important to prepare thoroughly and practice your responses. Research the company and its culture, review common interview questions, and practice your responses with a friend or mentor.

Amazons Behavioral Interviews

Amazon's behavioral interview questions are designed to assess your problem-solving skills, judgment, and leadership abilities. They typically involve scenario-based questions that ask you to describe how you would handle a specific situation. 

Examples of questions you might encounter include "Tell me about a time when you had to solve a difficult problem" and "Describe a time when you had to make a tough decision."

Amazons Technical Interviews

Amazon's technical interview questions are designed to evaluate your technical skills and problem-solving abilities. They typically involve coding exercises or case studies that require you to solve a real-world problem. 

Examples of questions you might encounter include "Write a program to sort a list of integers" and "How would you improve the performance of a database query?"

Tips For The Amazon Interviews

Preparing thoroughly for the Amazon interviews can help you stand out as a strong candidate. To increase your chances of success in the Amazon interviews, it's important to prepare thoroughly and present your best self. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Practice your coding skills: Amazon's technical interviews are known to be challenging and can involve complex coding problems. If you want to be successful in these interviews, it's important to practice coding on a regular basis and get comfortable with solving coding problems efficiently. This means data structures and algorithms!
  • Use the STAR method: Amazon's behavioral interviews are based on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), which requires you to give specific examples of how you've handled certain situations in the past. Be sure to have a few stories prepared that demonstrate your skills and experiences related to the job you're applying for.
  • Research Amazon's leadership principles: Amazon values a set of leadership principles that guide the company's culture and decision-making. Familiarize yourself with these principles and think about how you can demonstrate them in your interviews.
  • Prepare questions to ask the interviewer: In addition to answering questions, be sure to prepare your own questions to ask the interviewer about the company, the team, or the specific role. This can demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the job.
  • Be ready to explain your thought process: In both the technical and behavioral interviews, Amazon interviewers are interested in your thought process and how you approach problems. Be sure to explain your reasoning and thought process as you work through problems or provide examples.
  • Practice with mock interviews: Consider practicing with a friend or mentor who can ask you common interview questions and provide feedback on your responses.
  • Be prepared for virtual interviews: Although we’re mostly past the pandemic, many interviews are still being conducted virtually. Make sure you have a reliable internet connection, a quiet and distraction-free environment, and a professional appearance.

    • Remember, Amazon values not only your technical skills but also your leadership potential, ability to innovate, and customer obsession. 

    Write The Perfect Resume And Cover Letter To Get An Amazon Internship

    Your resume and cover letter are your chance to make a strong first impression and stand out from the competition. To write the perfect resume and cover letter, you should tailor your application to the specific position you're applying for and highlight your relevant skills and experiences.

    Example Resume For Software Developer Internships At Amazon

    Here is an example resume that is specific to a software developer intern position at Amazon. Feel free to use this as a guide, but be sure to customize the resume to reflect your own skills, experience, etc.

    John Doe

    123 Main Street, Anytown USA | (555) 555-5555 | [email protected]

    Objective:

    To secure a software developer internship at Amazon, leveraging my strong coding skills and passion for innovation.

    Education:

    Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University

    Expected Graduation Date: May 2023

    GPA: 3.9/4.0

    Relevant Courses:

  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Operating Systems
  • Database Systems
  • Software Engineering
  • Programming Languages and Compilers

    • Skills:

    Programming languages: Java, Python, C++, JavaScript

    Tools: Git, JIRA, IntelliJ, Visual Studio Code

    Operating systems: Windows, Linux, macOS

    Familiar with Agile development methodologies

    Projects:

  • Developed a web application using ReactJS and NodeJS, implementing RESTful APIs for user authentication and data retrieval.
  • Designed and implemented a database for an e-commerce platform, ensuring data integrity and scalability.
  • Created a real-time chat application using WebSocket technology, allowing multiple users to communicate seamlessly.

    • Work Experience:

    Software Development Intern, ABC Company

    Summer 2022

  • Collaborated with the development team to build and test new features for the company's mobile app using React Native.
  • Wrote automated test scripts using Selenium to improve software quality and ensure product stability.
  • Conducted code reviews and provided feedback to peers to ensure high-quality software development practices.

    • Example Cover Letter For Software Developer Internship At Amazon

    A cover letter isn’t necessary to apply, but I recommend writing and including one. Cover letters let the company you’re applying for know that you are serious and that you go the extra mile. It’s also an opportunity for them to get to know you in a way that’s more freeform than a resume. Here’s an example cover letter for the same software developer intern position at Amazon.

    Dear Amazon Hiring Manager,

    I am excited to apply for the Software Developer Internship position at Amazon that I found on your career portal. As a highly motivated and skilled computer science student, I believe that my experience, skills, and passion for innovation make me an excellent candidate for this opportunity.

    As a computer science student at XYZ University, I have gained a solid understanding of programming concepts and developed strong coding skills in Java, Python, C++, and JavaScript. Additionally, I have experience using tools such as Git, JIRA, and Visual Studio Code, and I am familiar with Agile development methodologies. I have also completed relevant coursework in Data Structures and Algorithms, Operating Systems, Database Systems, Software Engineering, and Programming Languages and Compilers.

    In my most recent internship at ABC Company, I collaborated with the development team to build and test new features for the company's mobile app using React Native. I also wrote automated test scripts using Selenium to improve software quality and ensure product stability. Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of software development practices and the importance of delivering high-quality products.

    I am impressed with Amazon's commitment to innovation, customer obsession, and leadership principles. As a software developer intern, I am excited to contribute to Amazon's mission and learn from some of the industry's best professionals. I am confident that my skills, experience, and enthusiasm for software development make me an ideal candidate for this position.

    Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

    Sincerely,

    John Doe

    Additional Tips to Get An Amazon Internship

    In addition to the tips we've covered so far, here are some additional tips to help you land an Amazon internship:

  • Apply early and often: Amazon opens its internship applications in September and typically fills its spots by February. Don't wait until the last minute to apply, it’s best to be among the first. Additionally, you consider applying for multiple positions to increase your chances of success.
  • Leverage your network: Reach out to alumni, professors, and other professionals in your network who work at Amazon. If your network is small, then use LinkedIn and reach out to current Amazon employees. They may be able to provide advice and guidance on the application process, and can even offer referrals.
  • Build relevant skills and experience: If you're not selected for an Amazon internship, don't give up. Take the opportunity to build your skills and gain relevant experience through other internships, personal projects, and extracurricular activities. This will make you a stronger candidate for future positions at Amazon and other companies.

    • Conclusion

    Getting an internship at Amazon is no easy feat, but it's also not impossible. With the right skills, preparation, and mindset, you can increase your chances of success and land an internship at one of the most innovative and prestigious companies in the world. 

    By following the tips and strategies we've covered in this post, you'll be well on your way to crushing the Amazon application process and securing an internship that will kickstart your career. Good luck!

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