Creatives, STAY AWAY! Amazon worked me to death through this interview process and then decided that, when I wasn’t the best fit, I couldn’t interview again for another six months—even though there were plenty of other positions I was qualified, or even overqualified, for.
First, they made me take a 3+ hour online assessment that required recording video responses and answering questions in an email simulation about a problem that had nothing to do with the position I was applying for. I had no clue what answers they wanted, since I had no training on the scenario presented. Clearly, the simulation was designed more for a supply chain manager role than a creative position.
Somehow I passed this assessment and moved on to speak with a recruiter over a phone call. The call covered basic questions to confirm my identity.
Next, I was told I had to do a 30-minute portfolio review presentation, presenting at least two projects relevant to the job. I asked multiple times what I needed to include and what would be expected, but I couldn’t get any guidance. I had to base my preparation on examples I found on YouTube from designers who weren’t even in the same field. I managed to put something together and sent my presentation to the recruiter a day or two before the interview, asking for feedback. Their exact response was:
"I am honestly not too sure what else I can provide because these look fantastic!"
Naturally, I felt I was on the right track.
Fast forward to the actual interview: I joined the call, expecting one interviewer, but there were two, and they informed me as I joined that the format of the presentation had changed. I had spent over a week preparing, felt confident, and had the recruiter telling me it was "fantastic." Turns out, they didn’t want a presentation—they wanted a normal portfolio walkthrough with Q&A. Everything I had written and prepared had to be thrown out on the spot. I skipped half of my slides, was rushed, and constantly interrupted. The hour-long interview felt chaotic and unprofessional, and it’s clear this impacted my ability to get my points across.
I knew immediately it didn’t go well. A day or two later, I received a generic rejection email—nothing personal from my recruiter, no acknowledgment of the time and effort I had put in. When I finally contacted my recruiter, I was told I was iced out for six months before I could interview again.
So just because I didn’t get this one position, I can’t even apply for another for six months? What if the decision came down to two candidates and I just wasn’t the right fit? I’m penalized for half a year for not being exactly what the team wanted? This process is archaic, disjointed, and lacks any coherent HR support. Amazon missed out because there were plenty of other positions I was qualified for, but I couldn’t be considered due to their six-month “ice out” rule—even after passing a 3+ hour assessment and making it to the interview.
Don’t waste your time and creativity!