Many job seekers aim for Amazon, hoping it will be their next big step. If you've applied and didn’t make it through the interview, you’ve likely encountered the "Amazon cool off period." After an unsuccessful interview, you might find yourself blocked from applying to similar roles for about six months, though this can vary by role or team.
While it may feel discouraging at first, the cool off period is just a part of Amazon’s process. If you didn’t get the job, it could mean you weren't the right fit at that time, and Amazon hopes you'll take the opportunity to improve. For you, this is a time to reflect, learn, and get ready for the next chance.

Instead of focusing on the setback, take some time to consider what went wrong: Were there questions you struggled with? Did you explain your experience well enough? Did you truly understand the role? These are areas you can work on. You could also use this time to practice behavioral interview questions, work on your resume, or learn new skills.
The cool off period doesn’t block every opportunity, though. If you apply for a different role or team, the system may treat it as a new application. If you have an internal referral, there could be some flexibility as well. But the best strategy is to use the time to improve and keep learning.
You might also find that this time gives you the chance to explore other companies and roles. Many have found a better fit during their cool off period. Job hunting is a process, and the Amazon cool off period is temporary. The key is to stay ready and keep moving forward.