Referred by a current employee. Phone screen with hiring manager, phone call with recruiter to prep for onsite interview, all day onsite interview with 6 person loop. In the spirit of being fully transparent, I did let them know that I had a job offer from another organization of similar caliber BUT that I was pushing that organization off to pursue this opportunity within Amazon-- a position I was much more interested in. I prepared so heavily for the onsite, had solid examples of the leadership principles, built rapport with everyone I spoke to, took notes, cracked jokes, etc. I believe you can tell when you have a good conversation and when do you not. I felt they were all good conversations. Everyone I spoke to seemed enthusiastic about having me on the team and spoke to me with language that suggested that would be the case. The hiring manager was awesome, personable, clearly very smart, and helpful. I felt he implied that I would be a great addition to his team. 48 hours later, I had a brief and impersonal conversation with the recruiter letting me know that they would not be pursuing my candidacy and that per Amazon policy, she could not give me any feedback as to why this was the case. I am very frustrated because while I do not feel entitled to the position, I would like to know why things made a complete 180 as I am articulate, qualified, and very enthusiastic about becoming an Amazonian. Overall, I would interview there again for the right opportunity, but I would not be as emotionally invested in the company because you will be left with no explanation, no matter how well you get along with everyone, how much you prepare, or how capable you are.

The interview was largely centered around Amazon’s Leadership Principles, which guided almost every question throughout the session. Rather than focusing on technical skills, the interviewer dug deeply into how I think, take ownership, solve problems, and collaborate with others in ambiguous or high-pressure situations.