When I interviewed for my director role, it was a multi-day, multi-faceted process. First, I interviewed with the hiring manager, my future boss. Then, I was asked to prepare a Powerpoint presentation about myself, my experience and the 30/60/90 day plan I would support in this new position and company, in front of an interview panel followed by Q&A. Lastly, I spoke with the regional president and head of HR in a separate meeting. I've been through my fair share of interviews, but this was definitely the most in-depth, creative (and honestly kind of fun) process I experienced in a job search. I had been looking for some time (while still employed) and been through several interviews. It took a bit more effort, but I appreciated the opportunity to share more about myself and what I bring to the team beyond my resume. I felt seen as a person. And I got the job! I would work for this company for three years before being laid off. I think back to that interview process and wonder if it was the right decision.
In just a couple days, I start a new role as part-time seasonal Fulfillment Center Warehouse Associate. I'm reflecting on the hiring process for this position. While I did not expect a presentation or interview panel, I'm nonetheless intrigued by the orderly minimalism of Amazon recruitment. No interview, lots of digital tools and a choreographed dance through the in-person processing that reflects what I assume gaggle of Lean Six Sigma engineers proclaimed is the most efficient process.
First, you have to be quick in selecting a position. This time of year, roles are posted for the upcoming Peak season when holiday spending means a big spike in volume. I would monitor the hiring site for jobs in my area; it seemed to change every day. New schedules would be posted and removed (seemingly all taken?) at all hours. A few days go by and I spot the role I was waiting for: part time, "Flex" (meaning I would have the ability to choose shifts) and working in the Fulfillment Center located in my town. I apply.
Immediately the hiring process starts. A few questions; age, birthday, the last two positions/companies you worked for (just the facts, title, company name, dates.... no filler).
There's a personality assessment. The kind where there's no wrong answer (is that really true?). I'm a little surprised this is included is what appears to be as-bare-bones-as-possible mass hiring tool. Not to mention the recent criticism in the last few years for use of personality tests in the modern workplace. But here we are.
And now there's an offer! Contingent of course. I agree and am invited to schedule a Pre-Hire appointment.
I have an account for Amazon's hiring page now, complete with My Job. In this section, I have a to-do list at the ready to guide me through the journey to becoming an Associate.
My pre-hire appointment at the Fulfillment Center is set for the next morning. In the meantime, there's a number of activities available for me to complete online. Each comes with a satisfying checkmark and status change to Complete (I'm a sucker for a gold star).
I upload pictures of my passport, my daughter takes a picture of me for my badge photo, and I watch a short video that explains what I expect when I get in the warehouse.
I arrive early to my appointment. The building is huge, but I find the main entrance and a parking spot easily. The recruitment office has it's own door off to the side. I walk in to what looks like a small lobby with a desk and a conference on the left, but they're empty. I walk down the small hallway and am met with another open space. There's a desk at the front, the lady kindly asks my name and appointment time. I'm asked to take a seat. There are plastic chairs all facing front and equally spaced in the center of the room. I see three desks lined up to my right, where HR coordinators are talking to applicants. There are laptops set up directly behind me on high top tables. On my left, there are more high-top tables and tablets positioned on them. There are people scattered among all the stations. I wait my turn. More people are coming in.
After a few minutes, the woman from the front desk comes over to address me and a few others waiting. She tells us Amazon now requires an English comprehension test. She gives us each a piece of paper and directs to a laptop. I put on headphones, enter the code from my piece of paper, and perform the sound check.
I briefly question my English skills in spite of it being my only language. Here goes.
The test takes maybe ten minutes. You repeat back phrases and answer some basic questions. At the end you have to recite back a couple of stories that feel more like a memory test than anything. Once complete I and am asked to sit back down in open space.
It feels a little bit like Musical Chairs. As the coordinator finishes with one applicant the next in line in called over. Each time we get up from our chairs and move to the next one, snaking through the line. More people are entering as I wait, and the room quickly fills up. I see all types of people, but it's definitely a younger crowd for the most part. Some folks have missed their appointment time, some are missing their ID. The line builds up in the hallway.
It's my turn. The HR coordinator looks up my information. She explains my three training days, verifies my identification, and explains I may be a seasonal employee for up to 11 months before I may convert to a regular associate.
She takes me to perform a drug test. This is the last station with the tablet. I'm given a bags with all the contents to perform a swab test. The instructions are presented on the table and I start the time for ten minutes with the swab in my mouth. Apparently it became obvious I need help when I was just a few minutes from the timer going off and the swab did not indicate it was ready. The original lady from the front desk (who addressed me by name, very nice) came by and encouraged me to put my head down to allow the saliva to flow freely. I obliged, and was greeted with the blue indicator signaling completion about 45 seconds later.
That was it. I followed the directions to complete and seal up my own drug test, dropped it off in the labeled bin and went on my way. The line to come in was now almost to the entry door as squeezed by.
Spoiler Alert: I passed. It's almost Day 1.
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