Amazon L7 Writing Sample

Dell
austin4

Go to company page Dell

austin4
Apr 20 16 Comments

I am preparing for a L7 TPM loop with Amazon and I am working on my writing sample. I received two options for the prompt. For one, I have a great case, but it is about 15 years old. For the second, I am really struggling to come up with a more recent example. I’m looking for input from people who know about the L7 interview process.

Can I use my old story? Will I receive negative feedback based on the age of the case? I’ve heard that the primary objective of the writing sample is to review writing style, with a secondary focus on recency. I’m concerned that the recency will be an issue when it is discussed during the interview.

Related, how important is it to showcase L7-scale capabilities in the writing sample? Is it as important as LP stories?

All of my LP stories use more recent examples, if it matters.

TC $245

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TOP 16 Comments
  • Genesys
    eHDK42

    Go to company page Genesys

    eHDK42
    Your writing sample will not be discussed during your loop. I’ve also heard on more than one occasion that the writing samples are not read.
    Apr 20 4
    • Amazon
      legos

      Go to company page Amazon

      legos
      (Speculating) Sounds like a cover letter
      Apr 20
    • Just a data point here but my writing sample was actually discussed during the loop with the HM. He wanted to understand more about the problem and my recos but still I was surprised that came up. I would also focus on something recent instead of writing about something that happened a long time ago.
      Apr 20
  • Amazon
    credi7

    Go to company page Amazon

    credi7
    +1 - writing samples are read. Especially for an L7 TPM loop. Every team and HM is different. Some will scrutinize the writing sample more than others. If I was the HM for your loop it would be a red flag if you used a 15 year old example. We’re looking to hire principal TPMs who have consistently delivered at that level for at least the last several years. Your writing sample should show L7 scope and be no more than 3 years ago. We’re not just evaluating writing style. We’re also evaluating if you would raise the bar as an L7 at Amazon through the loop + other inputs like your writing sample. The bar is high - so put some work into this.
    Apr 20 1
  • Amazon
    cskrockz

    Go to company page Amazon

    cskrockz
    Writing samples are definitely read. The intent of the writing sample is to get a peek into how you structure your thinking and whether you know all the complexities needed to solve for that problem.

    Writing samples won’t be discussed as part of the loop mostly. However, it can be something that can work against you if written poorly or casually.
    Apr 20 0
  • Amazon
    WT4

    Go to company page Amazon

    WT4
    Read before the loop. 100% sure
    Apr 20 0
  • Amazon
    well!

    Go to company page Amazon

    well!
    You should use recent example even in the writing sample. 3-4 years back is fine, but 15 is too old. Writing sample is generally not a deal breaker, but it can sway the decision either way if it is a close call. So it is important.
    Apr 20 1
    • Dell
      austin4

      Go to company page Dell

      austin4
      OP
      I think the only way that someone would identify when this example occurred is if they triangulate based on my résumé and the contents of the case. I’ll try to think about a more recent example.
      Apr 20