Summary: how much comp should I be expecting to move from Amazon Seattle to Google Mountain View in a L5/L6 non tech role. Tldr; Currently in a non tech L5 PM role at Amazon Seattle. Expecting L6 promo this April. Last year's TC was $190k. Received invite for on-site interview at Google for a product marketing role. HR said level depends on interview performance, but I am expecting L4/L5 at Google. Google has asked for my comp expectations in advance of the interview. The number that I am arriving at is $320k: $190k current TC + 30% to move for a new opportunity + 30% Bay Area cost adjustment = $321k TC Im afraid that if I throw out a number too high it will hurt my prospects. But the number above doesn't even factor in the potential pay increase from an April promo. Any guidance from folks out there who know Google / Amazon on how to play this situation? #l5 #l6 #google #bayarea
Lol 30 percent jump for new opportunity? How did you come up with that and not 25 percent or 35 percent? You see if you make 190k, its gonna be hard for you to come at L5. Also keep in mind that an Amazon L6 is a google L4 esp if you are a new L6. So I say you should expect more like 250k total comp and lower your expectations.
Ah interesting on the level, thanks for that feedback. Re the 30% bump, that's the minimum number where i would consider joining a new company.
I think its doable but you have to make a case for why you think you need almost 100k more than what you currently make and it cannot be that you would like 30 percent more. Good luck for interviews. Let us know how it goes.
Someone has a very high opinion of themselves LOL. Non-tech PM expecting 320k.. there's some stellar PMs with CS undergrads here that make 200k
A non-tech *L5* PM, no less. That’s like bottom 10% of PMs or worse. The only reason he is making 190k is because the stock is doing insanely well.
If you negotiate well you can get close to the amount you want. 1. Remember companies are more flexible on stock that base. 2. don’t share your current tc. Creates an anchor and they won’t offer you the max for that role. 3. Remember to negotiate on joining bonus. I see huge variations here as well. 4. Be very upfront with expectations and provide a believable reason for that. Saying I want $xxx is not as effective as I want $xxx cause a b c
Thanks for the feedback, super clear and super helpful. Is your suggestion to be upfront with comp expectations in advance of the interview? I'm afraid if the number is too high it will close the conversation, even if I provide a solid rationale for the number. Also, I'm assuming that I would state my expectations in terms of total comp only vs breaking out the components? Thanks again for the coaching
Yes! Be upfront but wait for them to come with an offer first. This serves two purposes: 1. If the offer is too low.. you know that no matter how much you negotiate it won’t come to what would convince you to move to the Bay Area 2. If they offer more than you want or close to what you it want opens up options for negotiations Remember.. be forthcoming and don’t negotiate unless you know that there is a number that will convince you to move. If you are doing this just to get an offer and negotiate with current employer.. I would stay away from negotiating too much. Also, negotiations can last multiple rounds. Just because they come back with a revised offer doesn’t mean that is final. There is usually wiggle room in other aspects. E.g. after running out of other options a friend of mine negotiated for a guaranteed 10% EOY bonus. You could also look for a faster vesting period. Makes sense?
What happened?
L5 PM? Most PM roles start at L6 so it is very odd that you’re L5. Or are you a program manager?
I'm a PM, not a Sr PM. There are fewer L5 PM roles at Amazon but they definitely exist.
What is your comp supposed to be before the stock price doing so well?