At CareerXcelerator, one of the questions candidates often struggle with during Amazon SDE 2 interviews is:
“Can you give an example of a complex problem you solved with a simple solution?”
This question is more than a common interview prompt. It reveals your problem-solving mindset, your approach to challenges, and whether you can handle the level of responsibility that comes with an SDE 2 role.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
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Why Amazon emphasizes this question in interviews
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What interviewers are looking for in your response
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How to structure a clear, strong answer that highlights your problem-solving ability
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Tips for selecting the best example from your experience
Whether you’re just starting your preparation or actively practicing, this guide will help you frame your experience to stand out. It demonstrates that you can tackle complex problems with thoughtful, practical solutions.
Let’s dive into why this question is important and how to answer it confidently.
Interview Question
Can you give an example of a complex problem you solved with a simple solution?
Question Explanation
Amazon asks this question to evaluate how you handle complicated challenges and whether you can identify efficient, straightforward solutions. They want to see if you can break down problems, avoid unnecessary complexity, and deliver practical results. Your answer reveals your analytical thinking, creativity, and ability to solve problems smartly rather than just working harder.
Ideal Answer Example
During a CRM migration project at ValueLabs, we ran into a performance bottleneck: the order processing API slowed significantly as user load increased. The initial discussion leaned toward major changes like rewriting the API logic or adding new servers, which seemed complex and resource-heavy.
I decided to step back and analyze the SQL queries driving order processing. I noticed that one critical query lacked an index on the customer_id column, causing full table scans and slow responses. Instead of rewriting code or scaling infrastructure, I added a single index on that column.
This simple change reduced query time from several seconds to under 50 milliseconds, dramatically improving API responsiveness without major code changes or additional hardware.
This experience highlighted that solving complex problems doesn’t always require a complex solution. A smart, targeted approach can make a huge impact. Demonstrating that you can identify the root cause and implement a practical fix shows the kind of problem-solving skills Amazon expects from SDE 2 candidates.
Complex problems often have simple solutions. The ability to step back, analyze the core issue, and apply effective solutions is what interviewers are looking for.
Preparing for behavioral questions may feel challenging, but CareerXcelerator simplifies the process. They provide real-world interview scenarios, expert guidance, and mock interviews tailored for OPT candidates targeting top tech roles. With structured practice, you can confidently tackle difficult questions, showcase your skills, and move closer to securing a role at Amazon or other leading tech companies.
Join our WhatsApp group for mock interviews, daily job updates, and personalized mentor support. Prepare smartly and take a step closer to landing your dream tech job.