I am looking for a job in tech after eight years with Amazon as a senior software development manager with a team size of 50 engineers, managers, architects, and product people.

4 Comments

1. AnonymousNovember 30,2025 at 10:35PM UTC

   Those jobs are most likely not active. I would suggest networking to find leads to real open positions.

2. Barb HansenDecember 1,2025 at 12:05AM UTC

   It’s tough out there right now especially in tech. Many large companies, Amazon included, are still shedding roles, so competition for every position is intense.

   If you’re not getting callbacks, start by taking a hard look at your resume and how it aligns with each role you’re applying for.

   Here’s what I’d suggest:

   1. Tailor your focus.

   If you come from a hands-on development background, lean into those technical skills. If your strength is in leadership, strategy, product or process improvement, build your resume around that. You can even keep two versions: one for more technical roles and one for leadership positions.

   2. Match the scale of the role.

   You’ve managed a 50-person team at Amazon, which is impressive but that kind of structure can feel “too big” to smaller or mid-sized companies. When applying to those organizations, highlight your hands-on experience and your ability to operate without layers of support or process.

   3. Adjust for perception bias.

   This might sound blunt, but experience at Amazon can be a double-edged sword. Some hiring teams worry that leaders from large enterprises may struggle in scrappier environments. Address that head-on in your resume or cover letter by showing where you’ve been resourceful, hands-on, and adaptable.

   4. Broaden your scope.

   If you aren't already, you should target Director or VP-level roles at mid-sized or growth-stage companies, places where your combination of people, product, and technical leadership will stand out.

   And feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn, I have a strong network in AI, startups, and mid-sized tech firms, and I’m always happy to make introductions where I can.

   I'm also willing to take a look at your resume. I'm not an HR or career professionals, but I have hired many ICs, managers and executive leaders across product, development and IT admin over my career. I'll let you know if your resume would have me moving you to the next step in the interview process.

3. AnonymousDecember 1,2025 at 1:00AM UTC

   I don’t have experience in your field, but I think it’s really difficult to get picked up by recruiters applying directly. It’s best to get an employee referral if you can or work your network to get introductions. I have had luck getting jobs by applying directly but that was during strong job markets. In this very competitive market, leveraging your network is critical. And it sounds like you should have a solid one based on your background. Good luck!

4. AnonymousDecember 1,2025 at 2:27PM UTC

   Having been in tech, and since you have been in management, are you looking for senior management jobs, and why or why not? I was part of the gutting of middle management by tech companies in the early 2000s, so I understand the importance of staying up with the technology and the times. Does your resume reflect all of your continuing education and experience with the latest and greatest objectives, like cybersecurity and AI? One thing that happens to people who spend eight years in IT is that they stagnate on one technology, so make sure that your growth during those eight years is adequately reflected. Then network like crazy with other companies and people you know within them. The hiring process, especially for senior management roles in IT, can be lengthy, both in securing interviews and in obtaining a job after the interview.