Amazon SDE 2 interviews often include questions about migration or integration projects done with little to no prior reference. These questions are not just about technical knowledge—they test how you handle ambiguity, take initiative, and deliver results under uncertainty.
Interview Question
Have you undertaken a migration or integration project with minimal reference? How did you proceed?
Why This Question Matters
Interviewers want to assess:
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Initiative: Can you take the lead instead of waiting for instructions?
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Problem-Solving: Can you identify gaps, understand dependencies, and plan effectively?
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Adaptability: How quickly can you learn new technologies and systems?
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Collaboration: Can you work with stakeholders or past developers to validate your approach?
Sample Answer
During a CRM migration at ValueLabs, the legacy VB6 system was largely undocumented, and I had to port it to a .NET stack. Here’s my approach:
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Break Down the Project: I divided the migration into smaller modules instead of tackling everything at once.
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Reverse-Engineer Logic: I analyzed the old code, examined sample data, and validated findings with business analysts.
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Set Up a Test Environment: Running old and new systems side by side ensured consistency in outputs.
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Automate Verification: I used Postman, Fiddler, and Python scripts to capture API traffic and verify responses.
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Maintain Collaboration: Continuous communication with stakeholders and past developers helped clarify uncertainties.
By approaching the project systematically and iteratively, I ensured functional accuracy despite minimal documentation. This demonstrates resourcefulness, ownership, and reliability—qualities Amazon looks for in SDE 2 candidates.
Amazon values engineers who can manage complex, high-risk projects without complete guidance. Highlighting your systematic approach, problem-solving, and collaboration skills in these scenarios can set you apart in technical interviews.
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