Amazon L5. Advice needed

Microsoft Throw554
Dec 11, 2018 23 Comments

Was at Microsoft for over 4 years and stuck at L60. Managers consistently leaving, reorgs, sdet->sde and my own stupidity of not getting involved with office politics (I now believe this is a useful skill). Joined as an SDE-2 at tier-2 company in Seattle and after an initial rocky start I am doing fine. Have been here a little over 2.5 years and because of stock appreciation my current TC is close to 210k

Interviewed onsite with FB recently and got rejected. However, had another interview lined with Amazon incase in comes down to negotiation with FB. That went fine and Amazon is offering me L5. Compensation not discussed yet

My current plan was to work another 6-8 months and my current company and apply for a senior role in tier-2 companies like Tableu, Indeed , Zillow.

Should I pursue the Amazon L5 offer. Dont want to go down the negotiation path and turn down the offer. What number should I ask ?

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 TOP 23 Comments
  • Amazon / Sales cNVx41
    At least check the offer level, L5-L6 is not that hard and good chance you will make more TC (depending on role or team) I think Amazon is great, but like anywhere having a good manager and team always has the biggest impact, but at least you can always move around if you get unlucky
    Dec 11, 2018 3
    • Microsoft Throw554
      OP
      This is literally the first time I have heard somebody say moving from L5 to L6 is easy.

      Can you share your experience or any interesting anecdotes? What's your level ?
      Dec 12, 2018
    • Amazon aSoL84
      With any promotions in any companies, a lot has to do with luck. So its def possible thst being promoted to l6 is easy. Does it happen all the time? No
      Dec 12, 2018
    • Amazon / Sales cNVx41
      I’m lvl 6, I mean maybe not easy and like anything depends on your team. I think is realistic though and as long as you achieve your goals and try to do some extra. Just recommend taking ownership and writing your own promo doc
      Dec 28, 2018
  • Microsoft
    🐙M🐙

    Microsoft

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    Congrats on the offer. What makes you hesitate?

    An amazon employee can probably confirm but if you’re having doubts about the specific team I think you should be able to work with the recruiter to find another one once the offer is extended
    Dec 11, 2018 2
    • Microsoft Throw554
      OP
      My current tc is 210k and I believe I can get senior at tier 2 companies in the next 8-10 months which I am hoping will be at least 250k
      Dec 11, 2018
    • Amazon / Eng yayati.
      If you negotiate with a counter offer, Amazon may give you ~250k at L5
      Dec 12, 2018
  • Apple / Eng cho Chang
    Why do u think you’ll get senior level offers within a year if you’re not at senior level in ur current company?
    Dec 12, 2018 1
    • Microsoft Throw554
      OP
      I think I will be senior with in a year. Also relying on the fact that a lot of senior hires we do at our company are strong L5 or L62 from Amazon/Microsoft.

      That's just how talent moves in tier-2 companies
      Dec 12, 2018
  • Amazon bHXi80
    Stay at Microsoft don’t pursue amazon L5. Moving level in Amazon is tough and does not put you in a better position
    Dec 11, 2018 1
    • Motorola AQtz77
      I don’t think op is at Microsoft
      Dec 11, 2018
  • Motorola AQtz77
    Your TC won’t be very different as an L5 compared to what you get right now. I have heard that L5 to L6 is a challenge at Amazon so it’s probably better for you to come in as L6. You should also consider the team you interviewed for and what you will be doing.
    Dec 11, 2018 0
  • Zillow Group hiyy
    What makes you think Microsoft is tier1 and Zillow/Tablaue is tier2.
    Dec 16, 2018 2
    • Microsoft Throw554
      OP
      Microsoft is still able to pull talent from top eng schools
      Dec 16, 2018
    • Zillow Group hiyy
      Same like zillow. I myself have referred people from Penn state, Berkeley. It doesn't even matter.
      Dec 16, 2018
  • Amazon Mary2018
    L5 max is 240 and change.
    Dec 12, 2018 1
    • Motorola AQtz77
      Is L5 sdm and sde range different?
      Dec 13, 2018
  • Amazon aSoL84
    If you are making 210k, then I wouldn't expect too much more from Amazon l5 offer. I can maybe see they offering 230k, but I doubt 250k unless you nailed the interview which then I would ask to re-interview for l6
    Dec 12, 2018 0
  • Microsoft @S Nutella
    What is your current company?
    Dec 12, 2018 0
  • Amazon / Eng IAmJob
    Are you interested in working for Amazon or not. Beware of the salty amazonians on blind. They are the cause of the toxic culture, complaining, entitled and lazy. Some teams in Amazon are not so great, others are amazing. Just need to find the right one.

    TC info can be found on levels.fyi
    Dec 11, 2018 0
  • Expedia / Product
    BadEgg

    Expedia Product

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     BadEggmore
    Only go to AMZN if you can tough it out the 4 years until your RSUs vest.
    Dec 11, 2018 0
  • Cisco Trerigd
    I would get the numbers. Being better informed is only good, then you can make your mind up with the information.
    Dec 11, 2018 0
  • Amazon / Eng vkjM01
    I would take it if the comp is at least 20% higher
    Dec 11, 2018 0