How I got a job at Amazon USA from India

Summary

In this video, the narrator, AIS, a software developer from India, shares his journey of securing a job in the US without prior Amazon employment. He details the process from the initial LinkedIn contact to his arrival in Seattle, including the L1B visa application, Amazon's interview process, and the relocation experience. The video also explores alternative pathways to US employment like H1 and F1 visas, and obtaining a green card.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker, AIS, is a software developer who received a job offer in the US from India.
• 🔍 AIS was contacted by a US-based recruiter for a job opportunity at Amazon without applying for it.
• 🇺🇸 AIS was eligible for an L1B visa due to previous experience at Amazon India, which qualifies as specialized knowledge.
• 📝 The application process involved an online coding test and multiple interviews focusing on coding, system design, and Amazon's leadership principles.
• 📆 The interview process and visa application took about five months from the initial contact to arriving in the US.
• 💼 AIS was the first in their family to secure a job outside India, which was a significant and exciting achievement.
• 🏢 The job offer included the option to choose a preferred US location and the possibility of remote work.
• 💰 Salary expectations were discussed, and AIS provided a figure aligned with market rates based on research.
• 📈 The visa process involved biometric and interview appointments, with all travel and hotel expenses covered by Amazon.
• 🛫 AIS relocated to Seattle, with Amazon providing a relocation package that included temporary accommodation and a rental car.
• 🌐 There are three common ways to secure a job in the US for non-US citizens: H1 visa, F1 student visa, and obtaining a green card.

Q & A

How did AIS initially get contacted about the job opportunity in the US?

AIS was contacted through a message on LinkedIn from a US-based recruiter about an opportunity to work at Amazon in the US.

What was AIS's initial reaction to the unexpected job offer?

AIS was surprised because they didn't apply for the job and weren't even working at Amazon at the time.

What type of visa did AIS qualify for and why?

AIS qualified for an L1B visa due to their previous experience at Amazon India, where they worked for more than a year, which is the requirement for specialized knowledge under this visa category.

What was the first step in the application process after AIS expressed interest in the job?

The first step was to complete an application form, followed by a 2-hour long online coding test.

What did the coding test consist of and how did AIS perform?

The coding test consisted of two medium difficulty coding problems and multiple-choice questions on system design and behavioral aspects. AIS solved both problems within 45 minutes and answered the MCQs to the best of their ability.

How many interview rounds did AIS have and what were they about?

AIS had four interview rounds, three of which were coding rounds and one was a system design round, all focusing on Amazon's leadership principles.

What was the duration of the entire process from the first call with the recruiter to arriving in the US?

The entire process took close to 5 months.

How did AIS prepare for the interviews?

AIS prepared by revising fundamental data structures and algorithms and going through most liked problems on LeetCode and common questions asked at Amazon interviews.

What was the process like for AIS after receiving the job offer?

After receiving the offer, AIS went through team matching calls, chose their preferred job location, and then initiated the visa and relocation process.

What were the challenges AIS faced during the visa application process?

AIS had to book two round trips to Chennai for the biometric and interview appointments, and there was a 5-day gap between the two appointments.

What additional ways did AIS mention to secure a job in the US for non-US citizens?

AIS mentioned the H1 Visa obtained through a lottery system, the F1 student visa for those pursuing education, and obtaining a green card as additional ways to secure a job in the US.