Jobs at Amazon: Learn How to Apply for a Position

Amazon employs over 840,000 people globally. Considering a career move there? Prepare for a tough hiring process. Expect job-specific behavioral questions and challenging interviews.

Here’s what to expect from Amazon’s recruitment process and how to apply.

Amazon History

In 1994, Amazon was established in Washington state as an online bookstore. Its headquarters are in Seattle. The company quickly grew and expanded its product range.

Today, Amazon offers a variety of products and services, including express delivery, the Kindle e-reader, and a streaming service. Amazon’s fast deliveries, easy access to products, and global reach have made it the top online retailer.

Founder Jeff Bezos is one of the wealthiest people worldwide. Until 2020, he was the richest. Amazon currently employs over half a million people in the U.S. alone.

Amazon’s 16 Leadership Principles

Amazon uses its leadership principles to assess applicants during the hiring process. Familiarize yourself with these principles:

• Customer Obsession – Focus on earning customer trust and loyalty. Customer satisfaction takes priority.
• Ownership – Focus on long-term goals. Act on behalf of the company. Hold yourself accountable.
• Invent and Simplify – Dedicate yourself to innovation and invention. Simplify tasks and processes.
• Are Right, A Lot – Be correct through research and good judgment.
• Learn and Be Curious – Never stop learning. Always look to improve.
• Hire and Develop the Best – Develop leaders. Advance top talent through promotions and coaching.
• Insist on the Highest Standards – Maintain high standards. Fix problems promptly.
• Think Big – Aim for results that exceed standards. Find better ways to serve customers.
• Bias for Action – Speed is essential. Take calculated risks.
• Frugality – Do more with less. Promote resourcefulness and invention.
• Earn Trust – Listen carefully, speak honestly, and treat others with respect.
• Dive Deep – Face all tasks. Pay attention to details.
• Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit – Respectfully disagree and commit to solutions.
• Deliver Results – Focus on priorities. Provide quality results on time.
• Strive to be Earth’s Best Employer – Care about your team. Create a safe and diverse work environment. Foster growth and empowerment.
• Success and Scale Bring Broad Responsibility – Maintain humility. Consider the impact of actions on the world and strive to do better. Create more than you consume.

Why Get a Job at Amazon

If you’re doubtful whether you should apply and start your career at Amazon, here’s list of reasons why you should apply at Amazon:

• Prestige: Having Amazon on your resume boosts your credibility.
• Employee Benefits: Includes health insurance, parental leave, adoption assistance, stock units, and discounts.
• Flexibility: Many locations worldwide and some remote work options.

However, Amazon has faced criticism for worker safety and anti-union efforts, especially in warehouses.

Your decision, but now you know the pros and cons.

Rules When Making Your Resume

The first step in Amazon’s hiring process is resume screening. Recruiters check if your CV meets technical, educational, and experience requirements.

Follow these three guidelines to create a standout resume:

1. Show the skills and qualities Amazon values. Highlight leadership, problem-solving, communication, grit, curiosity, and humility.
2. Use clear, measurable bullets. Share your achievements with specific data. Example: “Increased sales by 20% through targeted marketing.”
3. Communicate clearly and concisely. Use formal, structured language to highlight your accomplishments and make a strong impression.

Tips to make your resume stand out:

• Use a professional template.
• Include contact details, work experience, and education.
• Highlight relevant skills and accomplishments.
• Use action verbs for work experience.
• Proofread carefully.

Steps in Applying for a Job at Amazon

When applying, follow the steps below:

1. Visit Amazon’s Career Page: Start by going to Amazon’s career center page. Browse job listings based on your preferences and qualifications. Choose the department and location that suits you.
2. Search for Job Openings: Use the “Find Jobs” toolbar at the top of the page. You can also click on job categories below the toolbar. Amazon has global offices and thousands of opportunities. Read job descriptions carefully to match your skills.
3. Submit Your Application: Once you find a suitable vacancy, click “Apply now” and follow the instructions. Create an Amazon account if you don’t have one. Attach your resume if required.
4. Wait for a Response: After submitting your application, wait for Amazon to contact you for an interview. Don’t check your application status frequently. They will not contact you if your application is unsuccessful.

Other Ways to Find Jobs

• Recruitment: Attend Amazon’s recruitment sessions or visit their military recruitment page.
• Hiring Fairs: Look for hiring fairs near you. Some fairs hire on the spot for warehouse work.
• Networking: Reach out to someone who works at Amazon. Ask for information and a reference to increase your chances.

This process equips you with the steps needed to apply for a job at Amazon.

Amazon Jobs and Salary Overview

Want to work at Amazon? You have many positions to choose from, based on your skills and qualifications.

Job categories include:

• Legal team
• Design department
• Administrative support
• Data Science
• Customer service
• Editorial, Content, and Writing
• Economics
• Supply Chain Management
• HR

No experience or degree? Consider:

• Warehouse work: Must be 18+, have a high school diploma, and pass a drug test.
• Delivery driver: Must be 21+, no special license needed.

Many options are available. Getting a job at Amazon isn’t hard, especially with increased hiring due to the pandemic. Some roles require specific qualifications or a degree. Check which ones apply to you.

Amazon pays based on your role and department. Full-time or part-time employees earn at least $15/hour. You also get benefits like Amazon stocks. Some places offer a starting bonus up to $3000.

Recently, Amazon increased the hourly wage for new hires to $18/hour. Higher management and headquarters roles have higher salaries.

Here’s a list of some Amazon positions with their salaries:

• Senior Manager: $161,357/year
• Software Engineering Manager: $173,819/year
• Cargo Handler: $15.48/hour
• Warehouse Worker: $16.21/hour
• Packer: $15.71/hour
• Pharmacy Technician: $32,398/year
• Pharmacy Assistant: $31,792/year

Guide on How to Prepare for an Interview at Amazon

You’ve applied and got an interview. Research Amazon’s website and be ready for common questions. Dress appropriately. Email a thank-you note after the interview. Be prepared for behavioral-based questions.

Learn Amazon’s 14 leadership principles. Complete the online assessment. For technical roles, demonstrate your skills.

Common Amazon interview questions:

• Why Amazon?
• Which leadership principle do you connect with most?
• Do you know who the Amazon CEO is?
• Tell me about a time you faced a crisis at work.
• Describe a relevant Amazon product or service to a prospective customer.

Final Tips

On your first day at Amazon, you can make a good impression only once. Ask your new manager for help or advice. This is your chance to learn.

Negotiate your salary. It’s possible at Amazon. Work hard. Amazon isn’t for slow or lazy workers. You’re doing this for good pay.

Write that resume and apply for your dream Amazon position. If an Amazon job isn’t for you, consider Starbucks. Or, if you’re into technology, try Tesla, Google, or SpaceX.

Conclusion

Amazon offers competitive salaries and various positions, making it an attractive workplace. 

The hiring process includes multiple assessments and interviews, which can be demanding. Are you ready to secure a position at Amazon?