Writing Sample:

Dear candidate,

We would like to take the discussion forward and as next step, request you to provide a
writing sample.

At Amazon writing is a very important part of how we communicate and get things done.
Strong written communication is requisite for success at Amazon. So, as part of our
interview process, we ask candidates to provide a writing sample prior to their in-person
interview. This sample will be assessed as part of the overall interview process.

Please find below the question to which you can craft a response which are about two pages,
but should be no more than four. You could select either of the topics.

Question:

1. Most decisions are made with analysis, but some are judgment calls not susceptible to
analysis due to time or information constraints. Please write about a judgment call youve
made recently that couldnt be analyzed. It can be a big or small one, but should focus on a
business issue. What was the situation, the alternatives you considered and evaluated, and
your decision making process? Be sure to explain why you chose the alternative you did
relative to others considered.

OR

2. What is the most inventive or innovative thing youve done? It doesnt have to be
something thats patented. It could be a process change, product idea, a new metric or
customer facing interface something that was your idea. It cannot be anything your current
or previous employer would deem confidential information. Please provide us with context to
understand the invention/innovation. What problem were you seeking to solve? Why was it
important? What was the result? Why or how did it make a difference and change things?

Request you to complete this at the earliest.

Background:

Last year in the month of November , there was situation that volume of noodle specifically
for single serve pack went down and as per the monthly volume plan from SCM , factory has
to immediately stop one noodle line (Plant2) which was producing majority of single serve
pack. This line was the line which was started first after noodle crisis.

In factory HODs meeting above proposal was shared from SCM manager. Factory HR
manager has expressed his disagreement saying that the requirement of contact manpower
(KLA) of that particular line is 100 per day which is big number ,and looking at scenario
which is outside because of demonetization this can impact company image. With factory
HR manager suggested to management team that we give lay off charges to these contract
work manpower then in that case situation can be manage. This decision was increasing
fixed cost and having big impact on cost numbers. Time was limited to take the decision.

Decision making:

With the above situation, I have put across my decision that looking at bigger pack volume
we can start one noodle line in Plant 1, and we dont have to hire manpower for that line we
can shift trained manpower from manual packing operation (K&C) to restart the line. And
shift manpower from plant 2 to manual packing operation in plant 1.

With this decision we were able to balance manpower between both the contractors. With
this there was big risk involve. I have taken calculative risk because the manpower which
was deputed on noodle line in Plant 2 had never done manual packing operation in last 5
years. Risk of low productivity and high quality defect was back in mind. I had a full
confidence that low productivity and high quality defect can be in control with online training
and close supervision. I took this decision looking at bigger picture and supporting business
and creating flexibility in operation.