Failed Amazon Interview

Question

I just found out that I didn't make it through to the next round of interviews at AWS. I'm disappointed but had a feeling since it wasn't my best interview—I was sooooooo nervous! The email response sounds generic but they encourage you to apply to other positions but I'm not sure it's worth it. I got the interview by messaging the hiring manager directly on slack at an online conference and not sure if I can past the front door otherwise. Would you keep applying?

Gwyn Gaubatz · Answer

If they have other openings you are interested in, definitely keep applying. I'm assuming you at least had to submit a resume in addition to a slack message, which suggests your resume is strong enough to get a foot in the door.

I've applied to Amazon 2x in the past - once went through final round and received an offer, and the other I dropped out after a technical screen, didn't even hit full loop.   Getting passed over for one role isn't indicative of your potential fit for another where you may have a better background/skills match, or potentially a more seasoned, confident interview experience.

You may not got detailed feedback from the recruiter or hiring team, but you probably have a decent gut sense of where you were performing more strongly vs. struggling in the interview itself. Now that you've been though it once, you have a better idea of what to expect, and can be more prepared (and less nervous!) next time around.

When I was preparing to interview, I found there was a lot of information online about Amazon's Leadership Principals and interview format and questions. I used  these to prepare some canned responses in advance of the interview itself, and knowing I had some pre-selected good examples for standard behavioral questions, STAR stories, and a basic framework for addressing case questions really helped improve my confidence, or at least comfort, going into my interviews.

Plus, like in so many areas, practice helps. The more frequently you interview, the less intimidating it will feel for Amazon or any other position.  It never hurts to apply and try!

Gail Orfanos, CMP, HMCC · Answer

Great comments and feedback!  I would ask (if you haven't already) if AWS is your dream company.  If yes, then I suggest researching the departments and positions; then connect with a few of the department employees on Linked In.  As most of us know, getting hired by a company sometimes takes knowing the right person.  Good luck!

Krista Coutts · Answer

So many great comments! Thank you everyone!  My advice would be if the position is something that really interests you, then go for it!  AWS is such a big company, and only getting bigger, they need lots of talent people...like YOU!

Keila Alvarado · Answer

I hear ya as I also went through a rejection from Amazon after some levels of the process...But don't let it devastate you as it is not the end. My advice is that if you plan to try again you would get more of a bonus chance if you get to know an employee who could give you a recommendation and if you prepare as Anetta mentioned with past testimonial tools. The recommendation to Amazon really could help as someone in the inside could vouch for you so try really hard to get a referral...The person who could refer you could also get a referral bonus so every party winds if you are a great hire...After you try it: If it doesn't work out, then life goes on...I myself have a leave of top companies I strive to work for so put your efforts in getting recruited by some other companies you look up to.

Annetta Moses · Answer

I once worked for Amazon. For me, it was the easiest interview I ever had because the Amazon recruiter told me how to prepare. I was told my skills would be evaluated against the Amazon leadership principles e.g. frugality, customer obsession, hire and develop the best, etc. These principles are posted on the Amazon website and several Amazon employees have posted on LinkedIN about tips for a successful Amazon interview. Amazon has a behavioral interview process. For each leadership principle, you should prepare 4 examples of when you demonstrated the principles. Prepare to give a STAR answer. what was the situation, what were the tactics, what action did you take, and what were the results, and quantify the results save X million dollars or increase revenue 5%. Have details for you examples. You don't say you worked on a team, for Amazon you say you were on a cross-functional team with 2 marketing employees, 1 finance employee, one R&D scientist and you as the team leader.
If you see a job that you want apply.

JENN O'TOOL · Answer

I would definitely keep applying for the roles you want.  I made it to the final round interviews onsite in Seattle in January but didn't take the offer because ultimately it wasn't the right job for me.  And TBH - I REALLY just wanted to experience the Amazon interview process because I had heard it was pretty brutal and I figured if I could make it through that I could get through any interview...  Given the position wasn't in my sweet spot, I was surprised to make it all the easy to the offer.

If you get into the interview process again, you will want to get VERY comfortable  with the 14 Leadership Values and I actually prepared multiple stories for each because I was told that the interviewers compared answers and if any of them happened to ask the same or similar questions they don;t like to see the same responses used more than once.  It's stressful prep (I worked on it daily for about a month) but worth it.  I was actually impressed with the Amazon process (despite the interview difficulty) compared to my experience with other companies.  They definitely utilize standard templates for communication so don't be concerned about that.

Laura McCann · Answer

Definitely keep applying.  Have you reached out to the manager you found on Slack?  It would be good if you could get any feedback on the experience.

Mery Ramirez · Answer

If it’s a job you’re passionate about, keep trying! To show you’re resilient and committed is never a bad thing. Rejections will happen but I wouldn’t take it personally, think about it as practice.  Maybe you’ll be more confident next time around because you know a bit better what to expect.

Lyndsey Clerico · Answer

Keep applying! There are plenty of individuals out there whose interviews might not be stellar but depending on the role, your background and experience may speak for itself. Communication and composure are seen as coaching opportunities. There is a lot of competition out there. There may have been several candidates interviewing for the same role. You will likely go through several interviews and rejections. If you're targeting Amazon as a top company for your next career, don't take it personally.

Anonymous · Answer

Apology to the woman who commented on the original post. This is my first time here and I decided to repost this anonymously instead.

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