How to Get a Job at Amazon? A Comprehensive Guide
Amazon is an American multinational technology company that operates in e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, online advertising, and artificial intelligence. No wonder why this leading e-commerce platform is a dream company for many. It offers a plethora of job opportunities for aspiring candidates in design, public policy, business administration, marketing, software development, and more.
Though Amazon follows a rigorous procedure to hire the right Amazonian (yes, that’s what they like to call their employees) for their company, the process can be simplified with the right preparation strategy. In this blog, we will walk you through comprehensive tips and tricks on how to get a job at Amazon in 2024.
How to Get a Job at Amazon?
To successfully apply for vacancies at Amazon India, you can leverage a variety of channels such as Amazon Careers, job portals, campus placements, and referrals through networks. If you are eager to learn how to get a job at Amazon, here’s a detailed guide on how you can effectively use each channel:
1. Apply Via Direct Channel
One of the most effective ways to apply for a job at Amazon is by utilizing their careers page. Amazon updates its application portal with the latest jobs from time to time along with the job description, salary range, minimum qualifications, and other relevant information. You can ease out your job hunt using the portal’s built-in features such as filtering the location, saving the desired jobs, utilizing keywords to search for the right roles, etc.
Here is a complete step-by-step guide on how you can effectively utilize the portal for your desired role:
Step 1: Visit Amazon Jobs India
Visit Amazon.jobs and take some time to get acquainted with the interface. On the top right-hand side of the web page, find the “Location” bar and type “India” to filter job opportunities specific to India. If you are interested in knowing Amazon’s work culture, Amazon Newsletter, interview preparation tips, or any other information, scroll to the bottom of the website. These resources are available in 11 different languages, ensuring you can find the information you need in your preferred language.
Step 2: Utilize Filters and Sorting Options
On the right-hand side, you will find the “Sort By” feature to sort your job preferences by most relevant, most recent, and distance. On the left-hand side, you will find 9 filters to help you shortlist the right job role. You can click on the drop-down arrow against each filter to explore the various options available, which include:
- Job Type: Choose whether you want to apply for a full-time or a part-time role.
- Job Category: Select from a wide range of categories, such as software development, IT, operations management, HR, administrative support, etc. Ensure you thoroughly evaluate your preferred job category based on your skill set, abilities, and interests.
- Distance: Filter the distance you want your office to be from your home.
- Country/Region: The default country is India. You can change this if you are looking for opportunities in a different country.
- State/Province: Choose your preferred state from a list of 16 states. Each state has a number in brackets indicating the number of vacancies available.
- City: Narrow down your location preference by selecting the desired city.
- Team: Choose the team you want to join, such as Alexa and Amazon Devices, Amazon Retail, Amazon Web Services, etc.
- Role Type: Select between Individual Contributor or People Manager.
- Category: Amazon offers three broad categories: Corporate, Fulfillment Centre, and Customer Service. Choose the one that best fits your career aspirations.
Step 3: Review Job Openings
Once you have applied all the required filters, your screen will display a list of vacancies that match your preferences. For each vacancy, you will see the job title, location, job ID, date of posting, and most importantly, the minimum qualifications. To choose the right role, carefully compare your qualifications with those required for the position.
Step 4: Read the Job Description
Once you have found a job that matches your interests, click on the job title. Then, carefully review the job description, key responsibilities, the team, and preferred qualifications to make the final decision. You can also have a look at related jobs on the right side of the portal.
Step 5: Apply For Your Desired Role
Once you have finalized the role you want to apply for, click on the “Apply Now” button at the top of the job details page. Now, log in to your Amazon.jobs account either using your current Amazon account or your Google account. You will be directed to a job application form seeking the following details:
- Contact information
- SMS notifications
- General questions
- Work history & skills
- Education
- Job specific questions
- Work eligibility
- Resume or a link to your LinkedIn profile
- Voluntary self-identification forms related to your gender, race, ethnicity, veteran status, and disability status.
Once you have provided this information, make sure you double-check and verify the details again. After reviewing the information, click on “Submit Application”. You will receive a confirmatory message thanking you for applying on the e-mail address you provided.
Step 6: Check Application Status
It typically takes a few weeks for Amazon to review applications and screen candidates. Till then, keep track of your application by clicking on “Your Job Application” in the top right corner of Amazon.jobs. You will then receive a webpage asking for information about the type of role you applied for.
Pro Tip: Regularly check the inbox of the email address you provided for updates on your application status. Additionally, keep an eye on the spam or junk mail folder for any possible communications from Amazon regarding your application.
2. Checkout Job Portals
When exploring “how to get hired at Amazon,” it’s important to know that in addition to its careers page, Amazon also posts job vacancies on job portals like Internshala. You can refine your search for the right role using relevant keywords such as “Amazon jobs” and filter the results by location, experience level, and job type. You can also utilize the portal’s resources, such as company reviews and salary insights, to better prepare for applications and interviews. By enabling notifications, you’ll be promptly informed whenever Amazon posts new vacancies.
3. Consider Campus Placements
Amazon actively hires young talent through campus placements. The recruitment process generally consists of 5-6 comprehensive rounds to test the fit of the candidate. If Amazon is visiting your college for placements, be sure to attend any career fairs or industry meetups they host and prepare thoroughly.
Even if they are not recruiting from your college, it is worth checking with your college’s placement office. They may have useful contacts or connections with Amazon’s recruiters, as well as a database of such information.
4. Lookout For Referrals
One of the most effective strategies in our guide on how to get a job at Amazon is through referrals. Referrals can significantly increase your chances of securing your desired role at Amazon. Try reaching out to people in your network who work at Amazon, including friends, family, and relatives, to help you get a referral.
Additionally, you can network with current and former Amazon employees through professional networking sites to learn about the referral procedure and gather any other necessary information.
Amazon Hiring Process
The Amazon recruitment process is highly structured and designed to identify candidates who meet role-specific requirements and align with the company’s leadership principles. Candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly, especially for behavioral questions, and demonstrate how they will embody Amazon’s values in their professional journey. Here’s a detailed explanation of each stage in Amazon’s hiring process:
1. Initial Screening
After you apply, the recruitment team of Amazon conducts an initial review of your job application to determine your suitability for the role. The team looks for qualifications, skills, and experiences that align with the job description.
If your profile matches, you may be contacted for a phone screening. This phone call often focuses on discussing your background, why you are interested in working at Amazon, and your career goals. The recruiter may also provide insights into the role and clarify any questions you have.
2. Online Assessment
Candidates are often required to complete an online assessment for technical and non-technical roles. These tests conducted as part of Amazon’s job hiring process are specific to the role and may include:
- Coding Assessments: Candidates shortlisted for software development-related roles appear for a test to prove their programming and problem-solving skills. Common tasks include logically writing algorithms, functions, and data structures, and performing debugging.
- Situational and Work Simulations: These assessments check your ability to handle real-world scenarios. For example, you may need to prioritize tasks or make decisions in situations related to Amazon’s operations. These tests evaluate how well you embody the leadership principles of Amazon.
3. Technical Interviews
Shortlisted candidates then proceed to technical interviews, which may occur via virtual platforms like Amazon Chime. These interviews dive deeper into your technical expertise. You may be asked to solve coding problems live, discuss algorithms, or explain technical concepts. Recruiters often include behavioral questions to assess how you handled challenges in past projects. For technical roles, questions may cover system design, software architecture, or debugging complex code.
4. Onsite Interviews (The Loop)
If you get past the technical rounds, you will be invited to onsite interviews, also known as ‘The Loop.’ This is one of the most comprehensive phases of Amazon’s hiring process and includes the following rounds:
- Multiple Rounds: You will appear for a few interviews, each lasting about 45 to 60 minutes. During these interviews, you will meet with 2 to 7 people from the Amazon team. They will assess you on different areas, including technical problem-solving, system design, leadership principles, and skills relevant to the role.
- Behavioral Interviews: The interview rounds focus on Amazon’s leadership principles, such as ‘Ownership’ and ‘Dive Deep’. You will need to provide examples of how you applied these principles in past work experiences.
5. Hiring Decision
After the interviews, the hiring committee at Amazon reviews all feedback and determines whether to extend an offer. This decision is based on technical performance, cultural fit, and input from your interviewers. The committee ensures that candidates meet both immediate job requirements and broader expectations for employee excellence. If selected, you’ll receive an offer detailing the role, compensation, and benefits
6. Final Steps
Once the offer is accepted, Amazon will conduct background checks and provide onboarding details. This step includes completing the necessary paperwork, reviewing company policies, and preparing for your first day. Amazon ensures new hires are aligned with their team and receive adequate training to succeed in their roles.
How to Get a Job at Amazon?: Useful Tips to Follow
Now that you know how to get a job at Amazon, let’s delve into how you can increase your chances of landing a job through some simple yet effective considerations. The right strategies can help you outshine your application and give you a competitive edge. Below are some tips that you can follow:
1. Craft a Resume and a Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter form your first impression with the hiring team, so it is essential to prepare these documents with the utmost care. Here are some tips to ensure they stand out:
- Tailor both documents to the specific role you are applying for.
- Incorporate keywords from the job description to ensure your resume scores well in the applicant tracking systems.
- Use clear, concise language that is easy to understand.
- Maintain a formal tone throughout both documents.
- Start your cover letter with a formal greeting and address it to the hiring manager.
- Include all relevant skills and projects in your resume that are required for the role. This will demonstrate your qualifications to HR effectively.
2. Continue Learning New Skills
If you are wondering “How do I get a job at Amazon,” make sure you practice continued learning and skill-building to stay relevant in the highly evolving job market. To secure a desired role at Amazon, make sure you continuously upskill yourself and add new, relevant skills to your resume. For example, if you wish to be a developer at Amazon India, consider taking a full-stack development course with a placement guarantee.
You can also take up Internshala’s comprehensive short-term courses that align with the skill set demanded by the role you are applying for. Additionally, explore Amazon Web Services’ training platform to learn the specific skills that Amazon values and requires.
3. Ace the Interviews and Master the Assessments
The interview process at Amazon varies depending on the role. Their recruitment process generally consists of online applications, phone screenings, assessments, and in-person interviews.
Amazon categorizes its roles into developer roles, technical roles, and non-technical roles on its website. Each category includes a wide variety of job opportunities along with a detailed interview process guide specific to the role. These guides offer tips, strategies, preparation resources, and information on assessment types.
Additionally, familiarize yourself with common Amazon interview questions and Amazon HR interview questions.
Pro Tip: Utilize the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) strategy to structure your answers and present them comprehensively in your interviews.
4. Go through Amazon’s Work Culture
Visiting Amazon’s official website is crucial for gaining insights into Amazon’s culture, values, and work environment. Understanding these aspects can greatly benefit you, helping you align your answers with Amazon’s standardized values. Explore information about Amazon’s employees, employee benefits, and diversity and inclusion practices. This comprehensive understanding not only provides clarity on what to expect in terms of your experience at the company but also allows you to showcase your knowledge and alignment with Amazon’s ethics during the interview process.
5. Read Amazonian’s Anecdotes
Using Amazon’s official website, you can delve deep into employee stories, providing valuable insights into how people work at Amazon. By reading their anecdotes, you can learn about their leadership abilities, experiences, and how they embody Amazon’s values. This understanding will help you prepare for your interview by giving you a clearer picture of the company culture and what is expected from employees.
Also Read: How to Get Internship at Amazon
Conclusion
In this guide, we discussed how to get a job at Amazon by following an effective and strategic approach. Securing your dream job at a trillion-dollar company like Amazon requires smart preparation, thorough research, and genuine enthusiasm for both the company and the role. To stand out from the pool of applicants, it’s crucial to go the extra mile and leave a lasting impression. Persistence, dedication, and a commitment to excellence will set you apart and increase your chances of landing the desired role at Amazon. Also, check out how to get a job at Google.
FAQs
Answer: Amazon doesn’t have specific percentage criteria for 10th, 12th, or graduation. A maximum gap of 1 year is permissible after HSC (12th), but not after SSC (10th) or between graduation semesters. Also, candidates should not have any pending backlogs during the selection process.
Answer: Yes, getting hired by Amazon can be challenging due to its rigorous selection process and high standards for candidates. However, the right strategy can simplify the process to a great extent.
Answer: Working at Amazon can be stressful due to its fast-paced and demanding work environment. Employees often face high expectations and tight deadlines. However, many find the experience rewarding and appreciate the opportunities for growth and innovation.
Answer: Yes, Amazon is committed to hiring people with disabilities as it follows diversity as one of its prime values. The company offers various accommodations and support to ensure an inclusive and accessible work environment.