As one of the most valuable companies in the world, Amazon needs to make sure it has reliable and capable staff. Not only are they the largest e-commerce company on earth, but they are also one of the world’s four leading tech giants.
With over a million US citizens in its employ, it stands to reason that the Amazon Background Check Policy has to be meticulously detailed and thorough. So, let’s take an in-depth look at the do’s and don’ts for prospective employees.
Contents
What is Amazon?
What started as an online bookstore has grown into an e-commerce giant with millions of shoppers making purchases on a daily basis. As the second largest employer in the US, and one of the most influential companies in the world, Amazon offers job opportunities at every skill level.
Established in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, Amazon now operates in more than 30 countries, offering digital streaming, e-commerce, AI, entertainment, gaming, and more.
To ensure that the human resource aspect of Amazon remains at the high standard it currently is, applicants are carefully assessed and chosen, hence the importance of the need for a background check.
Read more: Does Walmart Cash Checks on Saturday & Sunday?
What does an Amazon background Check consist of?
These background checks are mandatory, and you need to authorize them once your online application has been submitted, which is available at www.amazon.jobs/. These checks are all-inclusive and can include data from as far back as ten years but normally span up to seven years.
Anything from criminal convictions – including those related to self-defense – to petty theft will be taken into account. Amazon currently does not require fingerprints due to the thorough public record checking platform it makes use of to get the information it needs.
Once you have filled out your application form, you will need to complete an online assessment test, which will ascertain what your style of work is, your problem-solving ability, and also your knowledge of Amazon itself.
Depending on the position you are applying for, you may also need to submit samples of work. Many of the more senior positions will need you to complete a brief 20 – 30 minute assessment. When all relevant and accumulated information has been considered, the syndicate will establish whether or not you are a good fit for their company profile.
The next steps…
Next, you will more than likely undergo a phone interview which will determine your skills and knowledge. In this way, the company will decide on your suitability for the position you have applied for. If you pass this stage, the next step is generally a one-on-one interview.
It is during this part of the process that the interviewer will talk about the applicable position and exactly what it entails.
This is the time to ask questions or get clarity on the vacancy you have your eye on. Make sure you understand exactly what is expected of you and whether or not you are well-suited to the role. The company may also decide that there is a more suitable position available, in which case they will discuss the options with you.
Amazon Background Check Policy – Zero-tolerance drug policy
Providing you successfully get this far in the Amazon application process, you will need to go for a drug test. Note that the company has a zero-tolerance policy towards drug use of any kind, and random tests are performed as per company policy, which means that recreational drug use is a no-no.
In addition, should an employee get hurt while at work, the company may also request a drug test to eliminate any possibility of drug use. It is important to note that if you do fail the drug test, it is unlikely that you will be given a second chance.
Reasons why your application may be declined
Amazon could reject your application for any of the following reasons:
Fraudulence
Make sure that whatever you say on your application is the truth; any misrepresentation will come up in the background check and could very well lead to instant disqualification.
Recent criminal activity
As a business, Amazon takes the needs of its staff into account, ensuring their safety and peace of mind. For this reason, applications from offenders that may in any way put any co-workers in potential danger in the past will more than likely not be considered. This is also the case with someone who has a record for theft.
Honesty is the best policy
If you have been found guilty of any misdemeanor in the seven years prior to your application, it is unlikely you will be considered. This includes but is not limited to fraud, murder, theft, terrorism, and assault.
Note that this is not completely cut and dried; each prospective application is handled on a case-by-case basis and is up to the discretion of the company. Should there be extenuating circumstances or personal reasons that can be explained behind a felony or misdemeanor, be upfront and open about it.
Accurate Backgrounds
All background checks are carried out by a company called “Accurate Backgrounds.” They may at any stage contact you with regards to your credit score, your background, work history, proof of address, or past employment status.
Once Amazon have received the results of the background inspection and have offered you employment, they will not run another check. If you wish to run your own investigation as to what they might find, you can sign up at www.backgroundchecks.com and request the information yourself.
Why you need solid references
Apart from criminal history, your education, work, and credit histories will also come under close scrutiny. The company will verify the educational institutions you attended and the levels achieved; they will look into who you have worked for (again, the company will look back as far as ten years, but more likely seven), how long you worked there, as well as the reasons why you left.
Your financial history and credit information will also come under close examination, the outcome of which will go towards deciding whether or not you are an accountable and responsible addition to the company. This is why accurate and verifiable references are a crucial part of your application. Ultimately the entire process will determine whether or not you will add value and be an asset to the company.
Should you pass the strict criminal history background checks and get through the carefully structured interview process, Amazon will decide if you will be a good fit and, if so, extend an offer. The process takes between one and three weeks.
Easy Amazon Application!
Well, to start with, you’ll need to check out the Amazon Application. It’s also well worth taking a look at How To Get A Job At Amazon; next, you’ll probably need to know What Does Amazon Jobs Application Under Construction Mean, and finally, if you happen to have a criminal record, Does Amazon Hire Felons, should give you the info you need before moving forward.
It never hurts to learn more about the company you are interested in. So, I highly recommend knowing all about the founding father with Amazon Unbound: Jeff Bezos & the Invention of a Global Empire, or The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon, and The Amazon Way: Amazon’s 14 Leadership Principles, available online in 2023.
Amazon Background Check Policy – Final Thoughts
For large organizations like Amazon, a thorough background check is a crucial part of the hiring process. In this way, they can safeguard their staff, their customers, and their solid reputation as a company that puts the peace of mind and safety of their workforce and patrons first.
Amazon is an excellent company to work for if a solid, stable job is what you are looking for, but as you have seen, you will be subject to a strict hiring process. Reliable and efficient staff with a wholesome and friendly outlook is an essential part of building brand trust, and one of the reasons why Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer.
All the very best with your Amazon application.
