How to Master AWS Cloud Interviews (2025)

This article covers:

• Interview Process
• Interview Preparation
• Conclusion

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Do you have an upcoming AWS interview? In this blog, we’ll share some tips on how you’ll be able to ace your next cloud interview.

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Interview Process

When applying for a cloud role, you will need to go through a series of steps before receiving an offer from the company. The interview process varies depending on whether you're applying for a position at AWS or another company (such as AWS partners or customers).

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Other companies post their AWS job openings on platforms like LinkedIn, Seek, and Indeed, as well as on their own websites. However, candidates who are planning to apply to AWS are required to submit their applications through the AWS careers page. Following submission, the recruiter will review the applicant’s profile before proceeding to the next stage.

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Here are a few general points about the hiring process:

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Step 1: Phone Screening

If your profile is shortlisted, a phone screening will be scheduled. During the initial interview, the recruiter will assess your suitability for the role by asking about your experience, skills, projects, and why you’re interested in applying for the position.

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For those applying to AWS, the recruiter will use behavioral-based questions which ask about past situations or challenges you’ve encountered and how you handled them, using the Leadership Principles. After the interview, the recruiter will endorse your profile to the hiring manager for further assessment.

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Step 2: Online Assessment

Should the hiring manager decide to proceed with your application, you can expect feedback via email within a few days or weeks. Candidates advancing to the next stage may be required to complete an online assessment (depending on the position). 

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Other companies may ask you to complete the following assessments before proceeding with the technical interview.

• Behavioral - assess the candidate's cognitive ability and behavioral tendencies through specific situations.
• Technical - if you applied for a role related to programming, you’ll be asked to take a coding exam to assess your technical and problem-solving skills.

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But if you’re applying to AWS, the online assessments are centered around Amazon’s peculiar culture and Leadership Principles. You must respond to each question that will demonstrate your problem-solving, prioritization, and interpersonal skills. There are two types of assessments:

• Work Style - assess if the candidate's work preferences align with Amazon's peculiar culture and Leadership Principles.
• Work Sample Simulation - assess the candidate's capability to complete a certain task.

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Step 3: Loop Interview

In AWS, the loop consists of four to six interviews and a project presentation to thoroughly assess the candidate's qualifications. Expect a mix of behavioral and technical questions during this stage, which will evaluate your theoretical and practical skills. The level of questions asked will vary depending on the role, and you must explain your answer using the STAR method and incorporate examples from the Amazon Leadership Principles. 

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Other companies typically conduct one or two interviews to assess candidates' technical and problem-solving skills. This is done to ensure the candidate is qualified for the position they are applying for.

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Here's an example that will help you prepare for the interview:

• If you are applying for a Solutions Architect role, we recommend you review your knowledge of AWS services and fundamental IT concepts (Network, Security, Database, Storage, etc). Having an AWS certification is also an advantage to some companies that heavily utilize the AWS platform for their infrastructure and applications.
• For behavioral interviews, practice structuring your responses using the STAR method for typical questions like your experiences or challenges. Also, don't hesitate to ask if you need the interviewer to repeat or clarify a question. Always be honest and transparent to present yourself naturally when speaking with your future employer.

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Step 4: Offer

The interviewers will discuss your performance and how well you demonstrated the Amazon Leadership Principles. If you are one of the selected candidates who successfully passed the series of interviews, AWS will extend you a job offer, and the recruiter will walk you through the remaining steps.

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How to Ace Your Interview (Tips & Advice)

It’s understandable that cloud interviews feel intimidating, but with thorough preparation, you can slowly build your confidence and prove that you're the best candidate for the role.

Here are some tips to help you prepare:

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1. Research the Company 
   
   • Understanding the company's products & services will allow you to tailor your responses and demonstrate how your skills and experience meet their needs.
   • Learn the company's culture, goals, and recent news as this will help you determine if you would be a good fit to their work environment.
     
     
2. Connect with People
   
   • Speaking with former employees or those currently in similar roles provides a clear understanding of the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities.
   • Network with IT professionals through online events and community groups to gain valuable tips and career advice.
     
     
3. Practice Answering Questions 
   
   • Look for common behavioral or technical questions for the position you're applying for, as this will give you an idea of what to expect during the interview. When answering a question, use the STAR method to make your responses detailed and concise.
   • Practicing with a friend helps simulate interview scenarios, and they can point out the areas where you need to improve.
     
     
4. Interview Preparation
   
   • Before the interview: Expect to be asked about a situation where things didn't go as planned, and how you learned from your mistakes to become better. 
   • During the interview: Always use "I" to describe your actions. The interview is an opportunity for you to highlight your specific contributions rather than sharing credit with your previous team.
   • After the interview: Ask thoughtful questions to demonstrate your interest in the position. This will also give you valuable insights and help you decide whether the role is suitable for you.
     
     
5. Follow-up Email
   
   • Give yourself the best chance of moving forward by asking the recruiter about what you should expect next. This will likely be a follow-up email with the results of your interview.

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Want to develop your interview skills and master the key strategies to landing your very first job in the cloud? Zero to Cloud offers a useful course called AWS Interview Mastery: Get Hired in the Cloud.

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The course covers the following topics:

• Job Roles in the Cloud
• How to Build an Outstanding Resume
• What to Expect in an AWS Interview
• Answering Common Interview Questions
• Interview Tips & Strategies

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Conclusion

To increase your chances of being shortlisted for an AWS interview, take the time to understand the job qualifications and tailor your application to meet the requirements. Make a good first impression to your interviewer by practicing your responses. This will allow you to demonstrate your skills and experiences while remaining positive and enthusiastic. 

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I hope the tips mentioned above help you start your cloud journey. Feel free to share this with your friends, co-workers, or anyone who wants to land their first cloud job. 

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Good luck with your interview!

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