Why FAANG Interviews Are Not as Difficult as You Think

My personal journey into the world of tech giants

Image Credit: metamorworks on Shutterstock

The FAANG Obsession

My fascination with FAANG companies began when I first learned about their innovative products, cutting-edge technologies, and the impact they’ve had on the world.

Joining one of these tech giants became my dream, and I was ready to take on the challenge.

Little did I know that the daunting interviews would become the primary roadblock.

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The Myth of Impossible Interviews

The common belief is that FAANG interviews are designed to be excruciatingly difficult, intended to weed out all but the geniuses of the tech world.

While the interviews are undoubtedly rigorous, the notion that they are impossible is a misconception.

I’ve discovered that FAANG interviews are more about assessing problem-solving skills, adaptability, and cultural fit rather than trick questions.

During one of my Loop interviews with Amazon, the interviewer posed around 10 scenario-based questions related to Amazon’s leadership principles. Thanks to thorough preparation, I responded to each question confidently and without hesitation.

This level of preparation was essential, as attempting to answer 10 scenario-based questions within a 45-minute interview without prior readiness would have likely resulted in failure.

It’s important to dispel the myth that FAANG interviews are impossible to crack. In reality, those who often struggle with FAANG interviews are individuals who haven’t invested the time and effort needed for rigorous preparation.

These interviews demand dedication and readiness, and with the right approach, they can be conquered.

Preparation and Mindset

As I hinted in the preceding section, thorough preparation is the key to success in FAANG interviews.

I immersed myself in coding practice, algorithm challenges, scenario-based questions around Amazon’s leadership principles, and data structure mastery.

Moreover, I realized that cultivating the right mindset is equally important.

Confidence, resilience, and the ability to learn from failure were my secret weapons.

Would you believe that I intentionally postponed my Amazon Loop interview by one month to ensure I was thoroughly prepared?

It’s crucial to understand that once you’ve secured an interview with Amazon or another FAANG company, delaying it for adequate preparation is a viable option.

I’m not advocating unnecessary delays, but rather emphasizing the importance of being well-prepared before taking on the interview.

The Application Process

Applying to FAANG companies can be a grueling task.

However, a well-crafted resume and personalized cover letter can make a significant difference.

Tailoring your application to match the specific role you’re applying for showcases your commitment and research skills.

In my application process with Amazon, I took an ambitious approach by applying to more than 100 roles simultaneously.

What’s particularly convenient about Amazon’s application system is that you can leverage your existing application to apply for multiple positions, allowing me to efficiently submit applications for 100 roles in just a matter of hours.

Navigating the Interview

FAANG interviews usually consist of multiple rounds, including technical assessments, coding challenges, and behavioral interviews.

While technical proficiency is essential, being able to communicate your thought process clearly and concisely is equally crucial.

I’ve learned that interviewers value problem-solving approaches and adaptability more than memorized solutions.

During my interview journey with Amazon, I encountered a multi-step evaluation process. It commenced with an initial online assessment, followed by two technical phone screening interviews. The final stage was a rigorous series of five consecutive technical interviews, commonly referred to as an interview loop.

Overcoming Rejection

Rejection is a part of the journey. I faced my fair share of rejection from FAANG companies, but I didn’t let it deter me.

Each rejection served as a valuable learning opportunity, highlighting areas where I needed improvement.

I interviewed with Amazon on two separate occasions for different roles before finally securing the Senior Solutions Architect position at Amazon Web Services (AWS) on my third attempt.

My journey was marked by initial setbacks, but I believe it’s essential to learn from those failures and use them as stepping stones to overcome rejection.

It’s worth noting that many Amazonians have faced rejection before finding their place within the company, underscoring the importance of persistence and learning from setbacks in your career path.

The Eureka Moment: A Triumph After Months of Dedication

After months of rigorous preparation and undergoing a series of interviews (I had a total of 8!), the moment I received that coveted offer from AWS was nothing short of euphoric.

It was a culmination of countless hours of dedication and hard work. This achievement served as a resounding affirmation that FAANG interviews while challenging, are far from insurmountable obstacles.

It emphasized the importance of persistence, continual learning, and unwavering determination in achieving your career goals, even when faced with formidable interview processes.

Landing a Job at a FAANG Company in a Nutshell

In the pursuit of my dream to join the ranks of FAANG giants, I embarked on a journey that tested my resolve, skills, and mindset. The allure of these tech titans and their transformative impact on the world was my driving force. Yet, the looming barrier, as I soon discovered, was the perception of their interviews as insurmountable challenges.

The FAANG Obsession became my North Star, propelling me forward, undeterred by the myth of impossible interviews. It was this unwavering determination that fueled my relentless preparation and helped me cultivate the right mindset — confidence, resilience, and a profound ability to learn from failure.

Navigating the complex application process and mastering the art of tailored resumes and cover letters was a skill in itself. My audacious approach to applying for over 100 roles at Amazon, enabled by their efficient application system, illustrated my commitment and adaptability.

In the face of rejection, I learned a profound lesson: setbacks are not roadblocks but stepping stones. It took me two attempts with Amazon, and yes, two rejections before I secured the Senior Solutions Architect role at AWS on my third attempt. This journey was punctuated by hurdles, but it was the ultimate Eureka Moment that showcased the power of persistence and the belief that FAANG interviews while challenging, are indeed conquerable.

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Author: Usman Aslam (Principal AWS Solutions Architect)

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