In the beginning I felt Honored, at the end Disappointed - Instructional Designer Amazon Employee Review

2.0
Mar 30, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Pay at Amazon is great. I have worked with several customer service teams and their customer service model is by far the greatest model I have ever supported.

Cons

I was with Amazon 3 years. Amazon is loyal to their customers and down right disrespectful to their employees. After 9 months on my team, I knew Amazon wasn't for me. My first year with Amazon was pure chaos. I was there almost 4 years and my team had a re-org at least 4 times. I had four managers within the 3years I was with Amazon. I counted 18 people who were hired when I was hired and left within the first 2 years. I have read other reviews about Amazon and they are spot on. I am one of the many that was places on a PIP because my manager had to pick someone. I was never informed that my performance was below par nor was I informed that my performance was being going to be evaluated against my peers. The metrics used to evaluate my performance were never presented to me, nor was I aware of what elements of my daily work, project work, and goals counted towards my overall performance. Although I was apart of a team I was basically an individual contributor and supported my programs alone. No level of expectations were ever set, I had no clue what to expect from my end of the year review. I achieved all of the requirements of my PIP and survived another year. Then after 6 months my new manager put me on a PIP again because they were concerned that I was not behaving like a level 5 employee. I left Amazon before I even found another job, it was that bad for me. I rather deal with no benefits (which weren't that great any way) than deal with scrutiny I dealt with. I worked hard to get to the salary I was receiving at Amazon but it just wasn't worth it. When I was struggling with my relationship with my manager I went to HR to seek advice. The SR. HR rep said, well since your on a PIP my only recommendation is to seek employment outside of Amazon. Ones success at Amazon is based upon who their manager. It is a popularity contest and if you don't play the game right, you lose.

Explore other reviews about Amazon

5.0
Jun 1, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Amazon is a very good company to work for with great people."

Cons

"Compensation is too low for the level of responsibility we have."

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.

3159
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