So I interviewed with Amazon a few weeks ago. The process was super smooth. The Hiring Manager was nice, seemed involved. HR was engaged and kept his/her promises. During the interviews and the pre screening process, I got a very good idea about the scope of my work and how many people would report to me etc.

They made me an offer. But one level below what I interviewed for. Here is the reason it left a bitter taste:

1) I was very clear (with HR and and with hiring manager during informational) even BEFORE the phone screen that I was not willing to consider (the target level -1). Because I heard similar experience from a friend before and it also came up since the HR tried to tell me that while I had had a great career run, I might not have enough number of years of experience for that role. I was firm on my position (I have consistently exceeded in my current position at MS, no reason to be desperate) and they still decided to proceed with phone screen followed by onsite.

2) OK - I know it is possible that after the interviews they might have felt that I was not a good fit for the role or for that scope. But here is the punch line - the HR repeatedly told me that I would have the exact SAME responsibility, scope and same number of reports, yet tried to convince me to come a level below, because I do not have the number of years of experience. Sigh.

I declined.

Anyone else had similar experience with Amazon??