I applied through a recruiter. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Amazon in Sep 2011
Interview
I was contacted by a recruiter at Amazon through a LinkedIn group that we share. I sent him my resume and received a wealth of information in return, including job descriptions for two separate management levels. Two days later he e-mailed me and arranged for us to have a 30-minute "get to know you" phone conversation. Fortunately, in reading several Glassdoor reviews, I was prepared for a more intensive phone screening! The recruiter was very pleasant and informal when he called, and he immediately put me at ease. We had a relaxed conversation throughout. Unfortunately, the position he originally contacted me about had just closed, and he explained that Amazon's management hiring cycle typically runs March through August, but that he would like to remain in contact with me in the event that there should be an unforeseen opening. He then explained Amazon's business philosophy and reliance upon Kaizen, as well as the leadership structure of the company (below the corporate level). Afterwards, he asked me three, direct questions: Can you describe your last two jobs? When you arrived in those positions, did you have to "fix" them, or were they functioning well? What metrics did you use to track your progress and show improvement? We ended up speaking for 55 minutes, in what had been scheduled for 30. Overall, it was a positive experience--I simply wish I had not missed the opportunity cycle!
I applied online. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Amazon in Sep 2011
Interview
I had a good experience with my initial phone interview, it was brief and professional. After the initial screening they sent me to an on-site interview with an Ops Mgr, Sr Ops Mgr and Local HR Rep. The questions were straightforward and friendly. I found the interviewers to be young, intelligent, ambitious and friendly. I was asked the typical behavioral questions, reviewed the math problem, and briefly talked about the writing sample that I had submitted previous to arriving. I found it refreshing the interviewers were very frank, open and honest about the long hours during peak season, the day to day stressful situations that might arise. I did not experience the "bullying" or rapid-firing attempts to stress me out as mentioned in some reviews. A few days later a Sr HR Rep called to discuss feedback from my interview and to discuss the offer.
I was very impressed with the amount of talent and I can see how the "can do" attitudes of those successful at this postion can be a large motivator for peers.
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Amazon (Coffeyville, KS) in Jun 2011
Interview
Contacted a recruiter through LinkedIn. Sent a copy of my resume. Recruiter contacted me next day for more information. Emailed me a questionaire. Completed and emailed back. Emailed me two days later with time for a phone screen. Completed phone screen and emailed me phone interview time following week. Completed phone interview and was contacted with a face to face interview two weeks later. Panel style interview and math flow problems. Completed interview on Tuesday. Received an offer that Friday! Awesome pay, great benefits and handsome signing bonus! People were genuine, intelligent and perceptive. Culture is very progressive and commited to a lean business model.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What is your biggest barrier to leadership and how do you surmount it?