I just want to tell you that rejection happens for all of us.
Whether you're a Bootcamp graduate or a 10x developer.
I think if you know one thing about me its that I'm AWS Obsessed and you may ask why don't I work at AWS? I've been told an endless amount of times by AWS employees to apply.
So have I ever tried? and the answer is Yes, more than you can imagine.
I apply to AWS all the time and no matter:
- how many free AWS videos I produce
- how many AWS courses I create
- how much I evangelize on Dev.to, Startup School and in Toronto
- how many CloudFormation templates I publish
- how many AWS Tech talks
- how many AWS Workshops
- how many contributions to the open-source docs
- how many times I rewrite my cover letters or resume
- how many startups I covert over to AWS
I just face waves of rejections 🌊. At this point, I simply hit apply to every AWS job posted in Toronto ritualistically. I have no reason to believe I will ever be considered.
the list goes on and on...
I talk about being able to hack the job interview. But this one company has alluded me. I am beyond the point of frustration a long time ago and just accept how things are.
So what do you do when you face rejection?
Whenever I am feeling down, I utter the famous words of Commander Peter Quincy Taggart. Never Give up, Never Surrender.
How has it been for you?
Have any of you faced such a crazy amount of rejection?
👇 Share in the comments below. 👇
Latest comments (81)
liking AwS services vs working at Aws are two
Completely different things.their work culture is different than others. However , if you’re really interested in working there , instead of applying for jobs. Find people who worked there in LinkedIn and connect with them that way. You may have a better chance
Hey Andrew - You might be applying for the wrong sorts of roles that are not a good fit for what you do (?). You might be a good fit for a Developer Advocate or Solutions Architect role. Ping me directly if you want to know more.
The Canadian side for AWS DevRel requires in French and English and I only know English.
You are not alone bro
Maybe you’re too eager. It can happen.
F.Them! Become your own man Andrew Brown Technologies
Charge 200$/h for AWS Consulting and be happy like a bird.
I work for AWS. Add me on LinkedIn. David Alfred.
It's not just aws the industry NOW is built on lies I can allobarate but all you know what I mean
Defect to Azure or Google Cloud😀
Or email jeff@amazon.com
He apparently still reads some of his cluttered INBOX
I have messaged Jeff once before just to say hello and he was thoughtful enough to respond.
I am an average guy and last week I have rejected two offers from aws.
I never applied to any aws openings but aws contacted me on linkedin.
I felt the same way in my earlier career in my 20s applying for Citrix, I was living in the same city as the HQ and didn’t get in possibly lacking experience, certification, education or just personality. I also went to a all paid for travel experience attending a 4 hour Situational Amazon interview in NYC in 2017 and they were a tough crowd to interview with. I didn’t get hired and moved on with my life.
Big Data, start ups, competition like OVH, is just so mundane. I get it, I read that your talented. However I also did not read In your story and troubles above that you possess any of the AWS certifications with combined education and experience with other tech companies. It almost sounds like you just want to jump right in with the big boys and play and if that is true then the universe has not aligned with your dream position or career.
“It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know”. Get out there and network, linkedin a great source but actually going out hitting the pavement and truly network with people in your profession. If you happen to meet someone who is working at your dream company, ask for a referral and reference to use on your application. Speaking of references you need to have an Arsenal, people that you actually worked with or who you directly reported to like your managers.
Practice interviewing. Apply to places and get interviews, and learn the power of negotiating your salary, hell even sit back and watch companies Fight for top dollar for your talent.
Talent is what they want, not what you can do Already, what you can do for them in the future to improve or impact the company in a positive experience. Let the ball be in your court.