Big name for the resume, but tough environment - Anonymous employee Amazon Employee Review

3.0
Feb 16, 2009
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

It's pretty cool to work for a company where you can call yourself a customer and an owner. Amazon truly does think about the customer first, and all business decisions are generally made with the customer in mind. It's nice to have access to some of the creators of one of the best (if not the best) product recommendation tools. Amazon definitely has the power of a large corporate company (along with all of the red tape that goes with that), but that strong corporate brand name alone helps secure meetings with potential partners. The Amazon discount is small, but I suppose it's good that you get one!

Cons

Amazon is a very top-down focused company. Upper management scrutinizes and edits every small detail in a presentation or proposal, and lots of unnecessary time is spent making an unimportant item perfect. The company talks a lot about being able to think of an idea, develop it and implement on the site quickly, but there are layers upon layers of approval needed. Management definitely works a LOT of hours, and expects all team members to do the same, so the work-life balance is fairly nonexistent. Employees are expected to be available at pretty much all times, but then they won't pay for a Blackberry or email-enabled phone.

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5.0
Apr 27, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Lots of mentorship and opportunities

Cons

Could potentially get night shift

5.0
Jan 10, 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.

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