This ‘as-told-to’ essay originates from an in-depth conversation with Jugal Bhatt, a 24-year-old software engineer currently employed at Amazon in Phoenix. Business Insider has thoroughly reviewed and verified his employment through official documentation. For conciseness and readability, the narrative has been refined for length and clarity.
Roughly eight months prior to completing my graduate degree, I initiated an earnest search for a software engineering position. At the time, I was convinced that my strategy was both thoughtful and effective. Yet, as I later discovered upon reflection, my seemingly structured approach was, in fact, stunting my progress rather than propelling it forward.
In 2024, I relocated from India to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in computer science at the University of Illinois. Recognizing the competitive nature of the technology industry, I began my job search in September of that year—not only to provide myself with sufficient lead time before my scheduled graduation in May 2025 but also because I had heard that companies were particularly active in hiring between late summer and early autumn. I believed starting early would position me strategically; however, despite my efforts, I encountered considerable difficulty generating any meaningful responses or interviews during those initial months. It was only through perseverance and self-assessment that I realized a transformation in my methods was necessary.
Once I revised my approach—integrating Boolean search techniques, deliberate networking tactics, and crafted, consistent engagement through LinkedIn posts—the impact became clear. Gradually, opportunities began to materialize. I started securing interviews that had previously eluded me, and this evolving strategy ultimately culminated in my successful acquisition of a coveted software engineering role at Amazon.
### Recognizing flaws in my initial job-hunting strategy
When I began applying, my process relied almost entirely on what could be described as “cold applications.” I indiscriminately submitted applications for roles that captured my interest on corporate websites or popular job boards. This method, while widespread among job seekers, was impersonal and inefficient. I seldom requested referrals, rarely initiated direct conversations with recruiters, and used a single standardized résumé for every position, regardless of the company or job description. With hindsight, it was evident that my uniform, scattershot approach lacked the nuance and personalization that modern recruiting ecosystems reward.
Toward the end of that same year, I recognized the necessity for change and began to reimagine how I approached professional outreach. I turned my focus toward meaningful engagement—establishing connections with recruiters, hiring managers, and employees within the organizations that truly intrigued me. My aim was simple yet strategic: to ensure that any application bearing my name would be backed by a human connection capable of lending it greater visibility within the hiring pipeline.
### Building a more targeted strategy through Boolean searches and networking
To implement this new methodology, I began curating a comprehensive list of between 100 and 150 prospective employers that reflected a balanced blend of promising startups and prestigious technology firms. Each morning, I would dedicate a portion of time to investigating their corporate structures through LinkedIn. I employed Boolean search operators—placing words like “recruiter,” “talent acquisition,” or “hiring manager” within quotation marks alongside the company name—to filter professional profiles with precision.
From each target organization, I identified a dozen or more relevant individuals to either connect with directly or follow closely. After initiating contact, I made a habit of engaging substantively with their posts—adding thoughtful comments that demonstrated genuine interest in their work. Over time, this consistent interaction achieved its intended outcome: when I eventually reached out regarding open roles, the dialogue felt natural, familiar, and welcome, as these professionals had already come to recognize my name and perspective.
Simultaneously, I began tailoring my résumé to each specific opportunity rather than recycling a generic version. By aligning my skills and experiences with the precise language of the job description, I conveyed attentiveness and effort, qualities recruiters inevitably appreciate.
### Leveraging visibility on LinkedIn and GitHub
I also made a deliberate effort to establish a public professional voice. I started crafting frequent posts on LinkedIn, sharing my thoughts on emerging technologies, insights on startup innovations, and highlights from personal projects. These posts not only reflected my technical curiosity but also signaled consistent engagement to those silently observing my feed. In time, I noticed an uptick in recruiter outreach, an encouraging indication that my online presence was resonating.
Beyond social media, I sought opportunities to participate in open-source initiatives. Several early-stage companies maintained accessible repositories on GitHub, and I began contributing directly to their codebases. This form of collaboration served a dual purpose: refining my technical skills while simultaneously increasing my professional visibility to employers monitoring contributor activity.
My investment in these strategies began bearing fruit when I received my first interview invitations. Among these was an opportunity with LiteLLM, a growing startup searching for a founding software engineer. Because I had previously engaged with the company’s founder through comments and code contributions, my outreach felt organic rather than unsolicited. Soon thereafter, a team member reached out to me about a position I had not even formally applied for, offering me the opportunity to interview. That process ultimately led to a full-time offer, which I accepted with the intention of joining the company following graduation.
### Establishing a connection that led to Amazon
Even after accepting the position at LiteLLM, my professional communications remained active, particularly with recruiters from other prominent firms. Around that period, I was approached by an Amazon recruiter who noted my background and expressed interest in discussing a role typically reserved for applicants with more than three years of experience—an experience level I had not yet reached. Rather than declining outright, I inquired about other openings more suited to my qualifications. The recruiter encouraged me to remain attentive to newly posted opportunities and to reach out if I identified any that seemed aligned with my skill set. Their reply suggested a willingness to endorse or flag my résumé, a gesture that can make an invaluable difference in a highly competitive selection environment.
By late March, I discovered several suitable openings—three or four roles that resonated with my experience and career goals—and promptly followed up via email. Soon after, I was invited to undertake Amazon’s online assessment, which preceded a rigorous multi-round interview process. The journey culminated in July, when I received a formal offer to join Amazon. Consequently, I made the difficult but exciting decision to decline my earlier commitment with LiteLLM and embark on a new chapter at one of the most influential technology companies in the world.
### Advice for aspiring Amazon candidates
Reflecting on my experience, I firmly believe that cultivating a meaningful connection with an Amazon recruiter was instrumental in giving me a competitive advantage throughout the hiring process. Having now witnessed internal operations firsthand, I understand the pivotal role recruiters play in identifying and guiding promising candidates through complex corporate pipelines. They often serve as key advocates, ensuring that noteworthy applications receive due consideration.
For anyone aspiring to secure a position at Amazon—or in any similarly demanding organization—I strongly recommend mapping out the individuals responsible for recruitment decisions, be they recruiters or hiring managers. LinkedIn remains a powerful platform for that purpose. Initiate contact with authenticity, showcase your competencies, and let your professional curiosity lead the interaction.
Equally important is devoting sufficient time to prepare thoroughly for the company’s technical interviews. In my experience, while my current responsibilities at Amazon are intellectually stimulating and occasionally challenging, the preparation process preceding my employment was, in many respects, the more arduous endeavor. That intense preparation not only honed my technical acumen but also instilled the confidence required to perform effectively once on the job.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-job-search-success-strategy-tech-software-engineering-role-interview-2025-11
