If you're a software developer or engineer looking for a lucrative career with an industry leader, you may have wondered how to get a job as an Amazon software engineer. 

Amazon leads the tech industry for a reason. The company has a reputation for offering great benefits and rewarding creative thinking.

Amazon's application process is highly competitive and rigorous, but proper preparation can increase your chances of landing a great job as a coder or engineer. Breaking down the steps involved is the key to success.

Read on for our guide on the steps you can take to pursue an Amazon software engineering job.

0. Check your readiness.

Start with an honest assessment of your abilities. Do you think you have what it takes to land a job with Amazon? Generally, successful applicants to software development Amazon jobs hold at least the following:

• A bachelor's in software development
• Familiarity with C++, Java, and Python
• Over five years' professional experience

It might make more sense to wait until you have gained the necessary skills and experience.

1. Update your materials.

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Make sure your application materials are in order. Double-check your resume for typos or outdated information. 

Update professional profiles on sites like LinkedIn, GitHub, and HubSpot.

You should also update your coding portfolio, as Amazon may request work samples during the interview process. 

2. Research the application process and set your expectations.

Before applying, research others' experiences applying for Amazon and the company's thoughts on their demanding application process.

The application process for a software engineer job with Amazon can take one to three months. 

Jobs with Amazon are competitive, so don't become discouraged if you don't immediately succeed. The process will require patience and your A-game as an interviewee, engineer, and coder.

3. Search and apply for jobs on Amazon's career website.

Once you're ready to make the perfect job application, start searching and applying for jobs on Amazon's job search site. You can typically also find Amazon jobs advertised on popular job search sites. 

Adjust your resume to fit each position better by using keywords from the listing or emphasizing specific credentials. Competition is fierce, so only apply to jobs where you match at least 85% of the listed qualifications. 

Amazon doesn't allow cover letters, which will save you effort. Links to portfolios are appropriate, though.

4. Take assessments.

Amazon requires applicants to complete assessments either during or after the application process. There are two main kinds all applicants should know about.

Work style assessment

Amazon uses the work style assessment to determine how you would behave in various real-life work situations. To prepare for this assessment component, read up on Amazon's Leadership Principles and start thinking of how you would implement them yourself.

Work sample simulation

The work sample simulation is a coding demo that Amazon uses to test software engineers' skills with various common coding languages. You can complete a practice simulation here.

5. Wait for a screener call.

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Amazon won't notify you if they reject your application. However, you can check your application's status on your profile. 

If you seem like a good candidate, Amazon will reach out for a screener call with HR or an internal recruiter.

The screener call assesses your career trajectory over the past five years and how your competencies align with the position. 

You can prepare for the screener call by preparing concise, substantive answers to the following questions:

• What have been your greatest career achievements?
• What have been your biggest career failures?
• Why did you stay on with/leave each position?

6. Prepare for additional interviews.

The exact structure of the interview process depends on the role's level. Follow this link for more interview prep info for a software development role with Amazon.

Generally, the first interview is with the hiring manager