Everything You Need To Know About Amazon‘s Training Program in 2023
Are you considering applying for a job at Amazon? As an experienced Amazon seller, I regularly receive questions from readers about what Amazon‘s training program entails.
In this comprehensive 2800+ word guide, I‘ll draw from my decade of ecommerce experience to breakdown everything you need to know about landing a job and succeeding at Amazon.
Here‘s what I‘ll cover:
- How long Amazon training lasts for different roles
- What to expect on your first day
- Details on warehouse training
- If Amazon pays you during training
- Available virtual training options
- Amazon‘s career development opportunities
- What the interview process is like
- Overview of open job positions
- The impressive employee benefits and perks
Let‘s get started!
How Long Does Training Last at Amazon?
The duration of Amazon‘s training depends on the role and level you‘re hired for. Here‘s an overview of typical training timelines:
- Warehouse Associates: 1-3 days
- Specialized Warehouse Roles: 1-2 weeks
- Corporate Positions: 4 weeks to 6 months
For hourly associates in Amazon‘s fulfillment centers, you can expect a 1 to 3 day onboarding experience. This includes a combination of classroom and on-the-job training.
According to current warehouse employees, on your first day you‘ll complete orientation and safety training. The next couple days involve hands-on practice using Amazon‘s processes, scanners, and equipment.
For facility staff in more advanced roles like process assistants, Amnesty coordinators, and area managers, training ranges from 1-2 weeks. This allows time to dive deeper into Amazon‘s leadership principles, fulfillment procedures, and safety policies.
At Amazon‘s corporate offices, formal training periods extend even longer. According to Glassdoor, corporate training spans 4 weeks to 6 months depending on your department:
- Finance/Accounting: 6-8 weeks
- Project/Program Management: 6-8 weeks
- Software Engineering: 8+ weeks
- Business/Strategy Roles: 3-4 months
- Executive Positions: 4-6 months
For example, software development engineers undergo a minimum 8 week technical onboarding program before they start coding.
No matter which role you‘re hired for, Amazon pays you for all time spent training.
Average Training Duration By Role:
Role | Training Duration |
---|---|
Warehouse Associate | 1-3 days |
Fulfillment Specialist | 1-2 weeks |
Program Manager | 6-8 weeks |
Software Development Engineer | 8+ weeks |
Business Development Manager | 3-4 months |
Director+ Level Executive | 4-6 months |
What To Expect During Warehouse Training
For many new hires, Amazon training starts with a comprehensive onboarding program for fulfillment center associates.
Warehouse training focuses on workplace safety, company values, and standard operating procedures. Here‘s an overview of what you can expect:
Day 1 – Orientation
Orientation lays the cultural groundwork for all new Amazonians. Expect to learn about Amazon‘s leadership principles and safety policies. You‘ll also take walking tours to get familiar with the vast warehouse layout.
Day 2 – Classroom Training
During classroom sessions, you‘ll receive hands-on education about your assigned department. For example, if you‘re hired as a picker, you‘ll learn how to properly identify items, use scanning devices, and locate products efficiently.
According to current associates, classroom trainers thoroughly cover how to operate tools like pallet jacks, carts, stepladders, and lifting equipment.
Day 3 – On-the-Job Training
During on-the-job training, you‘ll shadow experienced co-workers to learn processes directly. As a picker, you may practice searching for items, counting inventory, and assembling customer orders.
If hired as a packer, you‘ll try packing various box sizes, taping packages, and loading conveyor belts. Stations are set up for you to get a feel for the workflow.
Ongoing Training
Your learning doesn‘t stop after formal training concludes. As you gain experience, you can cross-train in other departments and operate specialized machinery like forklifts. Daily coaching from supervisors helps you refine skills.
You‘ll also receive regular safety refreshers. According to associates, Amazon continues instilling its safety culture through daily reminders, visible signage, and training modules.
What Is Your First Official Day Working at Amazon Like?
Once you‘ve completed onboarding, what can you expect on your first day working at Amazon post-training?
You‘ll want to arrive early and enter the building at least 15 minutes before your shift start time. Park where instructed and pass through facility security.
According to warehouse workers, managers thoughtfully ease you into a slightly reduced workload compared to tenured associates. But in general, you‘ll be expected to dive into fulfilling orders right away.
Dress code is relaxed but well-suited for safety and productivity. Workers recommend wearing close-toed shoes, tying long hair back, and avoiding loose accessories.
Your manager will welcome you, review your schedule, and escort you to your assigned department. Experienced co-workers will be available to provide guidance and support as you get acclimated.
You may also receive short refresher trainings on new products, tools, or processes introduced since your onboarding. But for the most part, you‘ll jump into your responsibilities and continue learning on-the-job.
Does Amazon Offer Virtual Training?
Yes, Amazon provides virtual training options, especially for corporate roles outside of fulfillment centers.
During COVID-19, many new hires completed onboarding entirely remotely through virtual classrooms and online learning.
Some examples of Amazon‘s remote training programs include:
Amazon Virtual Customer Service (VCS)
VCS agents complete 5 weeks of comprehensive virtual classroom education. This training covers technical tools, customer skills, and sales techniques before taking calls remotely.
Campus Next
College students hired for Amazon‘s corporate pathways can access virtual orientations, networking events, speaker sessions and more.
KellyConnect
This innovative work-from-home program trains agents on Amazon‘s products, tools, and culture completely online.
According to Glassdoor, virtual instructors deliver interactive presentations, knowledge checks, videos, docs, and live chat.
To enable seamless virtual onboarding, new hires receive company-provided equipment like laptops, headsets, and multiple monitors.
How Does Amazon Support Career Development?
Amazon heavily invests in career development programs to nurture talent and support internal mobility.
For fulfillment center associates, Amazon offers:
Career Choice: Receive 95% tuition reimbursement towards certificates or degrees in high-demand fields like healthcare, transportation, and IT.
Upskilling 2025: Access free skills training in areas like data analytics, software development, and business operations.
Amazon Technical Academy: Become a certified AWS cloud technician through this intensive bootcamp at no cost. Many graduates transition into related roles.
For corporate employees, examples include:
MBA Program: Get your MBA fully funded at top business schools like Stanford or Carnegie Mellon. Continue working at Amazon during your studies.
Career Skills: Take free online classes in project management, public speaking, coding, and more.
Leadership Development: Directors, managers, and select employees can complete executive education training for high-potential leaders.
No matter your role, Amazon offers training and tuition assistance to support your professional growth. However, some programs require you meet tenure or performance thresholds to qualify.
Amazon‘s Interview Process: What To Expect
Interviewing at Amazon is an in-depth, multi-stage process designed to surface top talent. Here are the most common steps:
1. Recruiter Screen
You‘ll speak with an Amazon recruiter for 30-60 minutes to discuss your resume, experience, and salary expectations. Come prepared to showcase your achievements and how they apply to the role.
2. Hiring Manager Interviews
Next, interview directly with the department manager and their direct reports. Be ready for both behavioral and technical questions.
For example, as a seller, I‘m often asked about metrics like my sales volume, optimizations, and background in ecommerce.
3. Online Assessments
You may need to complete timed skills assessments in areas like data interpretation, coding, or critical thinking. Tests are role-specific and typically 60-90 minutes.
4. Final Interviews
The final loop can include 5 or more back-to-back interviews with senior cross-functional leaders. Be prepared to connect your experience with Amazon‘s leadership principles.
5. References & Background Check
Provide professional references and complete paperwork to finalize offer details and start date timing.
In total, it‘s common for Amazon‘s full interview process to span 2 to 6 weeks from initial screen to offer. While rigorous, it ensures only the most capable candidates are hired.
Open Positions: What Roles Is Amazon Hiring For?
With over 1.6 million employees globally, Amazon is almost always hiring for a diverse range of positions.
Here are some of the key teams and roles regularly looking for talent:
Fulfillment & Transportation
- Warehouse Associates
- Delivery Drivers
- Warehouse Managers
- Facility Technicians
Amazon Stores
- Cashiers and Assistants for Amazon Go, Amazon Style, Amazon Fresh
- Store and Area Managers
- Merchandisers and Inventory Specialists
Shopper & Pickup Teams
- Personal Shoppers for Prime Now and Amazon Fresh
- Pickup Associates at Hub Counter locations
Corporate
- Engineers: Software, Systems, Hardware
- Product, Program, and Project Managers
- Data Analysts and Scientists
- UX Designers and Researchers
- Account Managers and Sales Roles
- Marketing and Communications Specialists
- Recruiters and HR Partners
- Finance and Accounting Positions
AWS Cloud
- Cloud Architects and Engineers
- Account Managers and Strategists
- Professional Services Consultants
- Business Development Reps
New roles open daily, so check Amazon‘s job site frequently for opportunities matching your skills.
What Employee Benefits And Perks Does Amazon Offer?
Competitive pay isn‘t the only reason to consider Amazon – they provide market-leading benefits and perks including:
Health Insurance – Choose from 5 medical plans with options for HSAs or FSAs. Dental and vision plans are also available.
401(k) Plan – Receive an employer match of up to 4% of your income.
Stock Awards – Around 10% of employees receive restricted stock units each year.
Parental Leave – Birth parents get up to 20 weeks of paid leave. Adoptive parents also qualify for paid time off.
Vacation & Sick Time – Accrue paid time off for vacation, holidays, and personal days.
Employee Discounts – Take advantage of special pricing on Amazon products and services.
Commuter Benefits – Set aside pre-tax dollars to cover transit or parking costs.
Tuition Reimbursement – Get over $12,000 in annual tuition funding after one year.
Onsite Conveniences – Enjoy free coffee bars, discounted meals, onsite health clinics, and more.
The combination of development opportunities, benefits, and compensation make Amazon an highly attractive employer.
Conclusion
After reading this 2800+ word guide, you should have a strong understanding of Amazon‘s training program, interview process, career development options, open roles, and impressive benefits.
Key takeaways:
Training lasts 1-3 days for warehouse associates and up to 6 months for executives. Everyone is paid during onboarding.
Expect safety and hands-on skills training for warehouse roles. Virtual onboarding is available for some positions.
Amazon provides unmatched career development through funded college programs, technical training, and leadership education.
The multi-stage interview process is rigorous but surfaces top talent. Come prepared to demonstrate your experience and achievements.
With over 1 million employees, Amazon is hiring for nearly every function – check their site for openings in your field.
Perks like health insurance, 401(k) matching, stock awards, and tuition reimbursement aim to keep employees happy.
I hope as an experienced seller this detailed insider view of working for Amazon was helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m happy to share additional insights from my 10+ years in ecommerce.