I recently applied for a sales job at AWS and was invited to take an online assessment. While the recruiter provided a "test prep" page, it had absolutely nothing to do with the actual assessment, and I felt I was better off looking on YouTube to prepare. The assessment itself was described as a simulation to give a realistic preview of working at Amazon and to assess my alignment with Amazon’s Leadership Principles, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The recruiter claimed that one of Amazon’s highest priorities is "raising the performance bar" with every hire. To me, this sounded like if you're not one of the "best of the best," you shouldn't even bother applying. It felt like a prejudiced filter designed to exclude average, hardworking people. The assessment took me over three hours to complete, even though it was only supposed to take 90 minutes. It was one of the most awful experiences I have ever had to go through. It had nothing to do with a sales role. Instead, I had to respond to a series of fictional emails from a make-believe company with strange names and situations. It was a complete waste of time. To make matters worse, I was originally told there was no pass or fail for this test. The very next day, I received an email from the recruiter stating, "I regret to inform you, that we are unable to proceed to the next steps in the interview process. The assessment IS SIMPLY PASS/FAIL." The email also said they couldn't provide feedback because the results were "confidential" and that my results would be valid for six months, which I found ridiculous. I also had to follow extremely strict rules during the test, like not being able to switch windows or use my phone. I used a calculator and a paper pad to jot down notes and do some math. I have to wonder if that's what triggered a fail. Is using a calculator considered a violation? The lack of transparency makes it impossible to know. This experience was completely demoralizing. I've sent in over 30 applications to Amazon for roles that are well within my experience or under in the past 10 plus years, and this was the only time I was ever selected to move forward. To be cut before I even got a chance to speak to a person felt incredibly disheartening. Sometimes, grit, discipline, hard work, trust, and empathy far outweigh a person who is simply "the smartest in the room." Amazon should consider that not every great employee is a genius. Horrible experience.