Dev list within 6 months at Amazon
I joined Amazon in November 2018 as a new graduate. Last week my manager told me that I was put on dev list. I am still on my OPT and I am really confused about my next steps. Should I work hard (which I am already doing) and see if I can get out of the dev list? or Assuming I going to be PIPed out, should I completely give up on work and start preparing for other companies? Any suggestions? Thanks.
Given that you joined in November, you probably were not evaluated in this year's OLR. You are on dev list simply because your manager thinks you don't meet the bar. I think you still have a chance if you work hard, unless you really suck hard. There is no reason to take you in, train you and kick you out in less than 6 months.
Isn’t amazon firing 10% every half year? There has to be someone to let go on each team all the time.
Yes, it does. A manager in my previous org once internally hired a L5, promoted her to L6 in 4 or 5 months, put her on pip 6m after the promo and fired her. None of these made any sense at all regardless of performance of that employee.
A lot of times managers will say things that aren't true to convince you to work harder, unless you get official documentation your managers manager might not even know about it, you probably pissed off a team member without realizing it, go above and beyond to deliver your next sprint should be fine... Once your manager starts having paperwork (official or not) where a list of your deficiencies is spelled out then it's time to move on
You don’t know Amazon at all.
I know tech companies. Some managers motivate with false promises of promo other managers motivate with false threqts of being fired. OP got one that uses the stick. If they really want you gone they pip you.
As a former dev listee I recommend: 1. Start interviewing outside. You can work hard all you want but not having a backup plan is naive. Make a plan to study after work and interview. Leetcode is key. 2. No point interviewing inside Amazon since no manager will take you once they find out you're on the list. 3. Work on each of your growth areas which will be specified by the manager. Be in CONSTANT communication with the manager to get continuous feedback so you can course correct early. I'm talking at least weekly 1:1s. 4. It's a really difficult time man, I feel you. My story - got dev listed. Interviewed at a bunch of places. Got an offer from Microsoft with a small 6-8 percent hike at the same position. Got out of dev list. Was about to leave when my manager left for another team, and my new manager convinced me to stay with a plan to promote me
Forgot to mention. I found out I was dev listed when I interviewed at another team inside Amazon and got an offer. The new team manager lost all interest when he realized I was on the list.
Interesting. I wonder if your loyalty payed out in the end or if your new manager has lost your trust now?
Shit scary!
Wow that’s horrible, I would talk to your managers manager. Seems like you are being setup to fail.
What makes people go on dev list? Joining Amazon next week.
Towards the end of the quarter every team circles up in their own circles and are told to point at one person on the count of 3. The person with the most votes is on dev list
😱 even the new guys?
That is really common in Amazon.
Leetcode