Getting rejected after the loop at Amazon (Sr Program Manager)

New
TurokBall

New

TurokBall
Apr 19 25 Comments

I spent 2 months prepping and going through the interview process only to get rejected.

I personally thought my loop interviews went very well. I literally got feedback from the hiring manager telling me she needs me in the interview and basically made it seem like it was a done deal.
Another interviewer told me she would hire me on her team if this role didn’t work out.

Recruiter got back to me after 2 weeks and said it was close but they decided not to move forward.

I am very confused as to why they rejected me, I literally already came up with an action plan to solve the problem their team was facing while waiting for my interviews response.

Their loss, I suppose.

Now I’m back to square one. I personally feel like I’m experienced enough for a Principal (L7) position.

Anyone know any companies/positions that don’t have a strange interview process and value actual work/experience/education.

Or anyone that works at Amazon can explain this to me better?

8 YOE as a Product Manager/ Business Analyst
BS, MBA, PharmD
Current TC: 160k base

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TOP 25 Comments
  • Amazon
    IPjl26

    Go to company page Amazon

    IPjl26
    It sounds like the Bar Raiser vetoed the hiring manager. Don’t take this the wrong way, but your original post makes you come off over confident- that could have been a flag for the BR.
    Apr 19 9
    • Amazon
      Kyvp55

      Go to company page Amazon

      Kyvp55
      To add to the confusion, I was participating as an interviewer in a loop where a BR and HM both were not inclined but the candidate ended up getting an offer. It's a very strange process.
      7d
    • DAT Solutions / IT
      xoVo75

      DAT Solutions IT

      BIO
      I'm a tech worker.
      xoVo75
      Maybe the team didn’t like them? Or there were some seniors w/ pet sticking points?
      7d
  • DAT Solutions / IT
    xoVo75

    DAT Solutions IT

    BIO
    I'm a tech worker.
    xoVo75
    Sometimes all it takes is one person on the fence. Everyone has to be “yes” and it needs to be “yes” not “no” and not “maybe.” “Maybe” is basically a no. It was probably a close call but it’s a hard cut if you’re talking Principle-level.
    Apr 19 6
    • New
      TurokBall

      New

      TurokBall
      OP
      They wouldn’t say anything negative, but they wouldn’t go out of their way to specifically tell me that either. They needed a very specific skill set which I had.
      I have interviewed at a lot of companies and have been doing well on the offer side, primarily consulting firms.
      I wanted to move my career into a FAANG company. That’s why I’m a little upset. I understand Amazon’s process, but in this instance it caught me off guard since they implied I was pretty much in.
      Apr 19
    • DAT Solutions / IT
      xoVo75

      DAT Solutions IT

      BIO
      I'm a tech worker.
      xoVo75
      Amazon is it’s own beast. I am a bit familiar with a few of these companies, especially that one. My advice is move on or try again after some time or for a different team. Unless you are in that debrief you will NEVER KNOW.

      You will never know why you got marked “disinclined to hire. “
      Apr 19
  • Aetna / Data
    St00pkidd

    Go to company page Aetna Data

    PRE
    Hilton, Guidehouse, Allianz
    BIO
    Analytics professional with 7 YOE in the commercial space leveraging advanced analytics to optimize business strategy.
    St00pkidd
    I don’t have advice on your question but I am curious about your experience. You say you have 8 YOE as a product manager / business analyst.

    Can you elaborate on what that means? I’m assuming those were at different times?
    Apr 19 2
    • New
      TurokBall

      New

      TurokBall
      OP
      Yes they were at different times overall 8 YOE 5 as a pm
      Apr 19
    • Aetna / Data
      St00pkidd

      Go to company page Aetna Data

      PRE
      Hilton, Guidehouse, Allianz
      BIO
      Analytics professional with 7 YOE in the commercial space leveraging advanced analytics to optimize business strategy.
      St00pkidd
      Thanks for taking the time to respond. I’m currently in the business analyst type role with about 7 YOE, masters degree. Another time when you are able would love to hear how you made the transition / how you positioned yourself for PM.
      7d
  • Dolby
    Iqmt07

    Go to company page Dolby

    Iqmt07
    Just completed an L7 loop myself. Received no offer and no feedback. I felt happy with the work I did and the responses I gave. Was what I said what they wanted? Clearly not and I am ok with it. I gave it my best. The whole Amazon interview process is rather esoteric. Although it is claimed to be factually and scientifically a proven method, I actually find it quite disingenuous and forces candidates to be so focused on LPs and answering in a very specific way that it makes things unauthentic in my opinion. Was I bummed? Yes, but not because of the outcome. I was bummed because of the amount of preparation. No interview process should be this strenuous without the ability to have a second chance. Hard is ok. Ridiculous not ok.
    Yesterday 0
  • You'll never know why you were rejected. It is against company policy to provide that level of feedback for obvious reasons (lawsuits especially if it comes off as discriminatory). I interviewed with Amazon over the course of one month back in Q1 and was never given a reason why. Made it through the loop just like you did. I was on the fence due to some red flags that came up so I didn't lose any sleep over it.
    2d 0