Introduction

Siddharth Kashiramka secured a prestigious position as a product manager for AI projects at Amazon in 2022, and it came with an eye-popping annual compensation package of around $300,000. While his résumé undoubtedly played a pivotal role in landing him this lucrative job, he now admits that it wasn’t as flawless as he initially thought.

Career Background

Reflecting on his journey, Kashiramka, who had previously amassed six years of experience as a product manager at Capital One and as a consultant at PwC, was initially hesitant to make a move from Virginia to Seattle. However, the opportunity to work with artificial intelligence at Amazon without relocating proved too enticing to resist.

Interview Preparation

In preparation for his Amazon interview, Kashiramka dove into networking, connecting with colleagues who had transitioned to Amazon, and engaged in intense mock interview sessions over the course of a month. After several rounds of interviews, he successfully secured the role, which has since advanced his career significantly.

The Role of the Résumé

Despite the important role that résumés play in the hiring process, Kashiramka, who has since become a hiring manager himself, emphasizes that they are just one piece of the puzzle. He recounted a particular instance where the choice between two equally-qualified candidates ultimately boiled down to who had the more polished résumé.

Key Elements of a Successful Résumé

When Edward applied to Amazon, there were three standout elements he believes worked well for him:

1. **Impact Statement**: He crafted descriptions of his past roles that highlighted the tangible impacts of his contributions, placing merit on the outcomes rather than merely responsibilities.

2. **Personal Summation**: His résumé’s summary section was uniquely tailored to him and reflected his personal journey, making it difficult for others to replicate.

3. **Varied Vocabulary**: By incorporating a range of dynamic verbs—like "leveraged," "delivered," and "collaborated"—he successfully optimized his résumé for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which scan documents for keywords.

Mistakes to Avoid

However, as successful as it was, Kashiramka identified three key areas he wishes he could alter:

- **One Page Rule**: He now realizes that a concise, one-page résumé is often more effective. His previous resumes are testament to this, being succinct and to the point.

- **First-Person Perspective**: Writing in the third person appeared overly formal and disconnected, making him cringe at the presentation. He advises a more personal approach to ensure authenticity.

- **Attention to Detail**: Grammatical errors slipped through the cracks, prompting him to recommend proofreading tools and peer reviews to catch mistakes before submission.

Networking and Preparation

In addition to his insights on résumé writing, it’s important to highlight that a strong network and thorough preparation are often more significant than most candidates realize. Kashiramka’s success reflects not just his professional background but also the extensive effort he put into his job search.

Conclusion

Now thriving as a senior product manager at Amazon’s office in Crystal City, Virginia, Kashiramka’s journey serves as a valuable lesson for anyone looking to break into competitive roles in tech. Remember: getting the job you want often requires more than just a great résumé; it involves strategic networking, personal branding, and meticulous preparation!