Amazon has come a long way from its early days as an online bookseller. If you’re wondering how to get an Amazon internship, it’s important to understand how much the company has grown.
Founded in 1994 in a garage, Amazon initially operated under the name Cadabra. However, Jeff Bezos changed the name to Amazon because it sounded similar to “cadaver,” which could lead to confusion.
Fast forward to 2022, and Amazon had more than 15,000 students interning across over 40 countries.
In the U.S. alone, Amazon welcomed interns from 400 universities, including historically Black and Hispanic-serving institutions. The company ranked 5th on Glassdoor’s highest-paid internships list, offering a median monthly salary of $8,000.
If you’re aiming for a highly rewarding internship that offers both excellent pay and a diverse work environment, Amazon is definitely the place to be. With the right preparation and knowledge, you’ll be ready to confidently begin the application process and secure an Amazon internship at this leading global company.
Also Read: How to get an Nestle internship
How To Get An Amazon Internship?
Landing an Amazon internship can be a game-changer for your career, especially if you’re aiming to break into the tech industry.
So, how to get an Amazon internship?
First, you need to understand the importance of standing out in a highly competitive pool. With over 1.5 million applicants yearly for tech internships, securing one at Amazon requires strategy and preparation.
The first step is to focus on building a strong resume that highlights your skills and achievements.
Internships at Amazon typically demand technical skills, but don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving abilities. Tailoring your resume to match the job description can significantly increase your chances.
Networking also plays a key role in getting an Amazon internship. Around 70% of jobs are filled through networking, and connecting with Amazon employees on LinkedIn or attending career fairs can open doors. Make sure you’re building relationships within the industry.
Next, it’s crucial to prepare for Amazon’s challenging interview process. From coding challenges to behavioral questions, the selection process is tough. Practicing these problems on platforms like LeetCode and HackerRank can give you a significant edge.
Don’t underestimate the importance of applying early. Amazon tends to hire interns on a rolling basis, meaning the earlier you apply, the better your chances. Staying ahead of the application deadlines can be a game-changer.
Additionally, make sure you are involved in relevant extracurricular activities. Companies like Amazon value leadership and teamwork skills, which are often developed through internships, group projects, or volunteer work.
Lastly, don’t be discouraged by rejection. If you don’t land an internship on your first attempt, use it as a learning experience. Many interns land roles after multiple tries, as persistence often pays off in the long run.
By following these steps, you’ll put yourself in a stronger position to secure an Amazon internship and take a big step toward a successful career.
5 Steps to get an Amazon internship:
Below are the step-by-step process for you to get an Amazon internship with ease:
- Step 1: Choose the right role
- Step 2: Perfect your resume
- Step 3: Submit an application
- Step 4: Complete the assessments
- Step 5: Prepare for an interview (or two, or three)
Step 1: Choose the right role
The first step to getting an Amazon internship is selecting the right role that fits your interests and background.
Amazon offers two main types of internships: business-focused and technical or engineering roles.
By visiting Amazon Jobs, you can filter internship opportunities by categories like machine learning, software development, sales, human resources, and more.
Some of the other Amazon jobs categories currently available are:
- Machine learning science
- Software development
- Sales, advertising, and account management
- Business intelligence
- Hardware development
- Human resources
With positions offered globally in countries like the U.S., Germany, India, and South Korea etc., it’s essential to pick a role that suits your skills and location.
To improve your chances, align the job category with your field of study or interests. A role you are passionate about will help you perform better and stand out during the application process.
According to recent stats, early applications have a higher chance of success, so it’s crucial to apply as soon as opportunities open.
Step 2: Perfect your resume
Crafting a tailored resume is key to securing any job, and it’s no different at Amazon. Most large companies, including Amazon, use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to filter resumes.
This system looks for specific keywords mentioned in the job description, so make sure to include relevant skills naturally.
For example, if the job description mentions “problem-solving” or “data analysis,” integrate these terms into your resume to increase your chances of passing the initial screening.
However, don’t overstuff your resume with keywords, as it can hurt your application. Amazon’s internships are highly competitive, with some positions receiving thousands of applications, so having a focused, clear resume will help you stand out.
Step 3: Submit an application
Once your resume is ready, head over to Amazon Jobs to submit your application.
Once you find the Amazon internship that interests you and then you click on the “Apply now” button. Then, you’ll be asked to create an Amazon Jobs account which ensures your Amazon internship process.
You’ll need to create an Amazon Jobs account and provide your resume, educational background, and contact information.
Unlike many companies, Amazon does not require cover letters. Their site clearly states that an updated resume is sufficient for applying.
Remember, applying early gives you an advantage, as Amazon often hires interns on a rolling basis.
Step 4: Complete the assessments
After submitting your application, you may be asked to complete a series of assessments. Amazon uses these to evaluate how well candidates align with their leadership principles and job requirements.
The two main assessments include the “work style assessment” and the “work sample simulation.”
The work style assessment tests your fit with Amazon’s work culture, while the work sample simulation evaluates the skills needed for the role you’ve applied for.
For technical positions, like software engineering, you may need to solve coding challenges.
In fact, Amazon often includes assessments that test knowledge of data structures and algorithms. Practicing these topics on online coding platforms like LeetCode can greatly enhance your preparation.
Step 5: Prepare for an interview (or two, or three)
If you pass the assessments, the next step is the interview process, which typically starts with a phone interview followed by virtual or in-person interviews.
Amazon’s interview process is known for being thorough, so it’s important to be well-prepared.
Review Amazon’s leadership principles, as you’ll be expected to demonstrate these during the interview using real-life examples.
One recommended method is the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format for answering behavioral questions. This helps you structure your responses clearly, ensuring you showcase your problem-solving and leadership skills.
The STAR method looks like this:
- Situation: Describe the situation you were in and its complexities.
- Task: Describe what your goal was.
- Action: Go over the steps you took to address the situation, keeping your answer action-oriented.
- Result: Tell your interviewer what you managed to accomplish, providing metrics or data if applicable.
The first or the initial interview you will be attending via a phone interview, or via virtual interview process on platforms like MS Teams, Google Meet, Zoom, etc.
Amazon uses a unique process when hiring interns, and one key part of that process involves interview specialists known as “bar raisers.” These individuals are experts in evaluating candidates and play a critical role in the decision-making process.
You won’t know exactly who the bar raiser is during your interview rounds, but they are typically among the last people you meet.
Their role is to assess whether or not a candidate will raise the overall performance level of Amazon’s team. This means impressing the bar raiser could be the final factor that gets you an internship offer.
During the interview process, one of the last people you’ll meet could be a bar raiser. Their job is to ensure that every hire improves the overall quality of the team.
Bar raisers are trained to evaluate candidates objectively and are considered an important part of Amazon’s decision-making process. Making a good impression on the bar raiser could make all the difference in securing the internship.
Let’s quickly walk through the steps of Amazon’s internship recruitment process:
How to apply for an Amazon Internship?
Here are 10 steps to apply for an internship at Amazon:
- Step 1: Fill in your details
- Step 2: Opt in for SMS updates on your application
- Step 3: Answer the general questions
- Step 4: Enter your education history
- Step 5: Answer the job-specific questions
- Step 6: Prove your work eligibility
- Step 7: Upload your resume
- Step 8: Sign the acknowledgement and consent form
- Step 9: Fill in the equal employment opportunity form (voluntary)
- Step 10: Fill in the military status self-identification form (voluntary)
Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
Amazon internships are highly competitive, but they offer a rewarding experience. More than just GPA or university rank, Amazon values creativity, problem-solving, and cultural fit. The best way to stand out is by being yourself and showing your passion for innovation and growth.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when applying for an Amazon internship:
- Tailor your resume carefully and avoid sending a generic one.
- Take advantage of resources available on the Amazon Jobs website to prepare for interviews and assessments.
- Show that you are passionate, driven, and ready to contribute to the company’s goals.
- Apply early, as internships can fill up quickly.
Whether you’re an undergraduate, pursuing a master’s degree, or working on your Ph.D., an Amazon internship is a valuable opportunity that could lead to a full-time position.
Hey, I am Sachin Ramdurg. I run and manage futuredecider.com website that helps students, graduates, and professionals, to find and decide on their future career with ultimate future career advices and future career guides. I have an overall 12+ years of career guidance experience in multiple domains which has helped multiple students, graduates, and professionals to find the best career path for their future.