So I’ve made it to the Amazon loop interview. For this step of the process, I have to complete a writing exercise, a 1 hr panel portfolio presentation, and meet with six Amazonians for 1 hour each on a 1:1 basis.
What is the benefit of this? Isn’t this over analysis paralysis? Can I refuse? It’s also going to take months, and I can’t afford to stay in the process this long. I want this job, but I can t put all my eggs in one basket. Thoughts?
It doesn’t take months. The interviews are one or two days (your choice), and the decision is made within about 3 days. Yes, of course you can refuse, but you won’t be considered.
Usually it’s five interviewers, but I guess your role is six for some reason. The reason is that each interviewer is focused on different competencies or leadership principles.
I’m guessing it wasn’t revised since someone came up with leadership principles as it hardly align with the two pizza rule, “Bias for Action” and “Frugality”. I think currently this type of process is inclusive to people who are already in work and don’t have financial pressures of unemployment.
And just designed for candidates that can afford to stay in the process.
Mentor
The reality is Amazon and any company is entitled to build a process they feel works best for them. Equally every candidate is entitled to reject taking part in a process that they don’t feel works for them. Of course you can refuse to take part, which consequently requires you to withdraw your candidacy.
There’s no need to put all your eggs in one basket. You can keep interviewing with other organizations.
The Amazon interview process is absolutely not right for everyone. It’s a very good indicator of what is expected at Amazon, which also is not for everyone.
Mentor
The benefit is to gather a substantive volume of evidence that a candidate operates consistently and at a high level in accordance with their Leadership Values. It’s right for them because they’ve been running this process (or at least early versions) since 1998 and it’s brought them in talent that has created a 1.9 trillion dollar business.