How to Apply for a Job at Amazon
Your complete guide to landing a position at Amazon. Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting hired.
7 Steps to Apply at Amazon
Research Amazon's Company Culture
Before applying to Amazon, familiarize yourself with their company culture, which emphasizes innovation, customer obsession, and operational excellence. Understanding these principles can help you tailor your application and demonstrate alignment with Amazon's values.
Tailor Your Resume for Amazon
When applying for positions like Sr. Software Development Engineer, ensure your resume highlights relevant experiences and skills. Focus on quantifiable achievements, as Amazon values data-driven results, which can significantly enhance your chances of standing out.
Prepare for the Amazon Interview Process
The interview process at Amazon can be rigorous, often involving multiple rounds focused on both technical skills and behavioral competencies. Prepare to answer questions that reflect Amazon's leadership principles, such as 'Customer Obsession' and 'Invent and Simplify.'
Understand Visa Sponsorship Opportunities
Amazon has a strong history of sponsoring work visas, with 44,614 US H-1B approvals from 2009 to 2023 and 3,920 Canada LMIA approvals from 2015 to 2025. If you require visa sponsorship, be sure to indicate this in your application.
Network with Amazon Employees
Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with current Amazon employees or alumni from your school. While Amazon has no LinkedIn contacts listed, you can still find employees to gain insights and advice about the application process.
Submit Your Application
Once your resume is polished and tailored, submit your application through Amazon's careers page. Given that Amazon has selective hiring with only a few open positions, ensure you follow all application instructions carefully.
Follow Up Post-Application
Consider sending a follow-up email to express your continued interest in the position. This can help keep your application top of mind, especially in a competitive hiring environment.
Reach hiring managers at Amazon
What Amazon Recruiters Look For
- Strong technical skills relevant to the role, especially for engineering positions.
- Demonstrated ability to innovate and improve processes.
- A passion for customer service and understanding customer needs.
- Experience working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
- Cultural fit with Amazon's leadership principles.
- Proven track record of team collaboration and communication.
Mistakes to Avoid When Applying to Amazon
- Not researching Amazon's leadership principles before the interview.
- Submitting a generic resume without tailoring it to the specific role.
- Failing to quantify achievements and results in your application.
- Neglecting to follow up after submitting your application.
- Not preparing for behavioral questions specific to Amazon's culture.
- Overlooking the importance of demonstrating customer obsession.
Amazon Application FAQ
What should I emphasize in my resume for Amazon?
When applying to Amazon, focus on showcasing your technical skills and quantifiable achievements. Given the competitive nature of positions like Sr. Software Development Engineer, align your experiences with Amazon's emphasis on data-driven results.
How competitive is the hiring process at Amazon?
The hiring process at Amazon is quite selective due to the limited number of open positions. With only one tracked position currently available, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate exceptional skills and a strong cultural fit.
What can I expect during the interview process at Amazon?
Interviews at Amazon typically include multiple rounds focused on both technical skills and behavioral assessments. Expect to answer questions that align with Amazon's leadership principles, as these are critical for assessment.
Does Amazon sponsor work visas for international candidates?
Yes, Amazon has a substantial history of sponsoring work visas, with 44,614 US H-1B approvals from 2009 to 2023. If you're an international candidate, it's important to highlight your visa requirements in your application.