How to Get a Job at Amazon (or another top company)
Amazon employs over 1M people. The volume of resumes they process daily is incredible. In my time at Amazon, what really stands out is how interviewers consistently look (through human and digital resources) for specific criteria. While it may seem mechanical and even impersonal, the process is rigorous and well-honed. Consider the preparation for an Amazon job application as bootcamp for applying to any competitive company!
The typical corporate screening process at Amazon looks like this:
Applicant submits resume (employee referrals are prioritized)
Recruiting team reviews resume and sets up phone screen
After phone screen, recruiting prepares the candidate for the formal interview “loop.”
At this time, there is often a short assignment, such as a writing sample or technical exam.
The on-site loop takes place where the candidate will be interviewed by 4+ Amazon employees
After the loop, the interviewers meet internally and make a decision on the candidate
Recruiting informs the candidate of the decision
Amazon (and similar companies) get so many resumes - how do I get a foot in the door?
Firstly, scour your network for anyone who works at Amazon. Even if they are not on the team you’re applying to, they may be able to give you a referral, which carries weight at Amazon. Secondly, research the language that the company uses. Use the job description, read Amazon’s blog posts, read the Leadership Principles and Letters to the Shareholders. If you show that you understand Amazon’s language, it will go a long way to showing them you’re the right fit for the role. Third, pack those keywords into your resume, LinkedIn profile, and cover letter.
Who will interview me?
They are usually a mix of hiring manager, teammates, and “bar raisers” who can be employees from any function within Amazon. The bar raiser’s role is to provide objective feedback on the candidate having participated in many interviews at the company. Amazon’s guidepost is that every new hire should be “better than 50%” of existing employees.
What kinds of questions do they ask in the interview?
Amazon asks questions in the STAR format. Once you make it past the phone screen, recruiting will prepare you with additional materials and answer any questions you have on this method, but to quickly summarize, STAR is a behavioral interview process that stands for Specific situation, Task, Action, and Results. Essentially, Amazon will ask you, “tell me about a time when you…” and they expect you to provide an example from your work experience with STAR details.
Recruiting will tell you that candidates should not repeat examples, and they mean it.
Think about it: in a 30 min interview, you’ll probably be asked 4-6 questions. Each question needs its own unique example. Remember that loops are generally back-to-back meetings with four interviewers. That means you need anywhere from 16 to 24 unique examples, in addition to smart questions you ask the interviewers at the end of each block (and they will expect you to ask).
When I had my first loop at Amazon, I had two back-to-back interviews, a break, and then two more. During the break, I realized I’d run out of specific examples and had to brainstorm a whole new set in the corner of Starbucks before hurrying back!
In Summary, Top Tips for Applicants:
Get an employee referral if you can (a former coworker, classmate, friend, etc.)
Prepare, prepare, over-prepare: research language, LinkedIn profiles, and STAR examples (16-24 examples)
Ask for help reviewing your materials. You’re worthy of great career success, and people will want to help!