Great for my resume, not so great for my life - Software Engineer Amazon Employee Review

2.0
26 Feb 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Everyone knows Amazon. After working there, when I talk to almost any employer, they are interested in me because I have Amazon on my resume. I had plenty of things to work on, so plenty to impress employers with during interviews. Things tend to move fast, which is refreshing to some who've worked in an environment they found too slow.

Cons

Things move fast because management pushes people to get work done very quickly. This often comes at the cost of having free nights and (sometimes) weekends. Most managers don't have the capacity or interest in helping with their reports being overworked because they are also being overworked. Of course this also means the quality of what is being built isn't as high as it would be if built as a more manageable pace. People are definitely driven to prove they are better, smarter, and more capable than their peers. This often results in a lack of interest in helping each other and childish gossip. Management is trying to improve this through things like changing the annual review process to focus on personal individual strengths, but it will take a long time to actually change the existing culture.

Explore other reviews about Amazon

5.0
24 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great team and researchers at FAR

Cons

Bureaucracy stops us from our full potential

5.0
10 Jan 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Really smart people, a lot of opportunity for growth, always encouraged to be innovative, think big, and create something new. Competitive salary and benefits with other major tech companies. 100% self motivating work environment. No dress code and 4 legged friends are welcome.

Cons

You have to be self motivated. NO ONE will hold your hand and tell you that you're doing a great job. If you need constant affirmations from management, this company isn't for you.

3159
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All