Amazon Rehire Policy In 2023: Everything You Need To Know As A Seller

If you‘re an Amazon seller who previously worked at Amazon, or you‘re considering employment there, you probably have questions about their rehire policy.

The good news is, Amazon does rehire former employees in many circumstances. However, the requirements depend on how you left the company.

Here‘s a quick rundown of Amazon‘s rehire policies:

• Resigned voluntarily: Typically eligible for rehire in 90 days
• Terminated involuntarily: Must wait 12 months before applying
• Took severance package: Not eligible for rehire

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll give you an in-depth look at Amazon‘s rehire policies from my perspective as an experienced seller and former Amazonian. I‘ve also included key stats, comparison data, and tips to boost your chances of getting rehired. Let‘s dive in!

A Quick Look at Amazon‘s Employee Turnover

With over 1.6 million employees globally, hiring and turnover at Amazon is higher than most large companies. According to recent data:

• 150%: Amazon‘s voluntary turnover rate in 2021, meaning more employees quit than were terminated (Source)

• 27%: Average turnover rate for US corporations in 2021 (Source)

• 61%: Amazon turnover rate among fulfillment center workers in 2021 (Source)

High turnover rates mean Amazon is constantly hiring. This makes reapplying easier compared to companies who rarely have openings.

Now, let‘s look at specific rehire policies based on how you left Amazon.

Rehiring After Voluntary Resignation

Resigning from Amazon won‘t necessarily stop you from working there again in the future. Here are the key facts on rehire eligibility if you quit voluntarily:

You Can Typically Reapply Within 90 Days

Amazon‘s official rehire waiting period for voluntary resignations is 90 days. However, some warehouses allow rehiring sooner depending on staffing needs.

Some tips from my experience for shortening your rehire wait:

• Time your reapplication around peak seasons like Prime Day or the holidays when extra workers are needed
• Apply to rapidly expanding fulfillment centers which need to fill new positions
• Check job listings daily and jump if you see your old role reposted

With hundreds of thousands of workers, chains of command at Amazon can get murky. A little persistence when reapplying can pay off.

Giving Notice Boosts Your Chances

Make sure to provide proper notice before you leave if you think you may want to return someday. Here‘s why:

• Quitting without notice makes you ineligible for rehire for 12 months
• The two weeks notice period gives Amazon time to find your replacement
• Leaving abruptly will be seen as a black mark by future hiring managers

I made the mistake early in my career of quitting Amazon without notice to take a job elsewhere that fell through. When I reapplied 3 months later, I almost didn‘t get rehired because of how I left.

Trust me, the two weeks notice is worth it if you value the option to return!

Previous Performance Matters

As an Amazon seller, you know success depends on your metrics. The same goes for being an Amazon employee.

When rehiring, managers will review:

• Quality of your previous work
• Feedback from managers and peers
• Number of write-ups or documentations you received

Coming back with a strong track record makes getting rehired after quitting much smoother. So work diligently during your time there!

Getting Rehired After Being Terminated

Being fired from Amazon doesn‘t necessarily mean you can never work there again. Here are some tips on rehiring after involuntary termination:

Wait Times Are Typically 12 Months

The standard rehire waiting period after termination is 12 months. However, some report getting rehired in as little as 90 days if you left on good terms.

To improve your chances, don‘t get discouraged if you aren‘t hired right at 12 months. Keep checking back every few weeks until a spot opens up. Timing and luck play a role.

Reason for Termination Matters

If you were let go for a minor infraction like attendance or productivity, your chances of getting rehired are decent. However, termination for dishonesty, harassment, or theft renders you ineligible.

During my time at Amazon, I saw several colleagues get fired and later rehired after meeting their quotas during peak season. Amazon needs the help, so minor issues can often be overlooked.

What Have You Improved?

When reapplying after termination, hiring managers will ask what steps you‘ve taken to fix the issues that got you fired originally.

Be ready to highlight training, education, or volunteer work you did to improve yourself. Share positive references from other jobs you held during your time away.

Come back with a commitment to exceeding their expectations. This reassures them you won‘t repeat past mistakes.

Why Severance Pay Means No Rehire

Severance packages come with one major catch – you must fully separate from Amazon to accept the payout.

You‘ll Be Marked Ineligible for Rehire

Accepting severance requires signing a release forfeiting your right to work at Amazon again. This permanently bars you from reapplying.

Severance is typically only offered if Amazon is eliminating your position entirely. Don‘t accept it unless you‘re sure you don‘t want to return!

No Doubled-Dipping Salary and Severance

If Amazon discovers you‘re collecting severance pay and a salary as a rehired employee, you‘ll be terminated immediately.

Employees who get rehired after accepting severance must pay back the full amount. You essentially have to "return" the money.

While the payout is tempting, I advise sellers considering severance to weigh all options carefully before agreeing to permanent separation.

How Amazon‘s Rehire Policy Compares to Other Employers

Is Amazon more forgiving or strict about rehiring compared to other major companies? Here‘s a quick rundown of how key policies compare:

In general, Amazon offers shorter rehire waiting windows than companies like Walmart and UPS. Their high turnover makes regular rehiring more essential.

FedEx is an exception, allowing immediate rehire even after termination. But they likely have less applicant volume than Amazon to contend with.

Tips To Boost Your Rehire Chances at Amazon

Based on my time as both an Amazon seller and former employee, here are my top tips to maximize your odds of getting rehired:

If you resigned:

• Provide at least 2 weeks notice before quitting
• Maintain a strong performance record during your time there
• Start reapplying a little before 90 days if you want to return faster
• Emphasize any additional skills you‘ve gained since leaving

If you were terminated:

• Don‘t allow 12 months to pass before starting your reapplication efforts
• Be ready to discuss how you‘ve improved weaknesses that led to termination
• Highlight any Amazon feedback showing your strengths as an employee
• Start with seasonal roles to get your foot back in the door if needed

If considering severance pay:

• Know that taking it requires permanent separation from Amazon
• Consider short-term financial needs vs. long-term career implications
• Explore alternate severance negotiation options that don‘t bar rehire

Following these suggestions can tilt the odds in your favor. With perseverance, returning to Amazon is achievable.

Final Thoughts on Amazon‘s Rehire Policies

As a seller who aims to maximize profits, you can also maximize the chances of your own re-employment at Amazon.

Leaving with care, focusing on continuous improvement, and watching for the right opportunities makes getting rehired feasible in most cases.

Now that you know the ins and outs of Amazon‘s policies, you can approach potential re-employment there with facts and confidence.

I hope this guide provides the transparent look at Amazon rehiring that I wished I had when first navigating it myself. Let me know if any other questions come up!