Evaluating Amazon offer
Negotiating an L6 SDE offer. Current L65 TC close to 270k. YoE: 10 Recruiter offered 160k base. 145+105 signon. 250 RSU. He insists this is a 330k TC Offer. They take shares at 30 day average which is 1630. When I pointed out that his math only holds good for the first year, I was told Amazon factors in a 15% growth in stock as part of it's TC calculation. So, it looks like year 3 and year 4 will be lower comp. If stock remains at current levels. When ppl post numbers for Amazon offers here, are you guys getting offer letters with $ number for the stocks or specific number of RSUs ? Did this translation account for any 15% growth ? I find this 15% factoring in weird. It's one thing to say our company stock grows and use that growth to attract people. Here they are actually counting on the growth as part of the offer. There is no mention of what happens if the 15% projection doesn't hold. Have more discussion with them tomorrow, and want to see if this is typical.
Good offer for SDE3. Yes the 15% thing is standard. You might be able to squeeze out a bit more signing bonus, maybe a few RSUs but not many.
Is there no annual / performance bonus at Amazon ?
Had an offer from Amazon. Was given the same pitch about 15% yoy increase. Reg want happens if stocks don't increase as projected, I was told I'd be given refreshers to bring the TC to target point for that year.
For first year it’s 160 + 145 + 5% stock (0.05* 250*1630) -> ~325K. What am I missing ?
I was told the same for SDE3 Offer. This actually does not make sense. My recruiter didn't give me a satisfactory answer on the same question. My offer did mention the no of shares in each year though.
Low ball offer . Don’t accept if they don’t meet your terms
Isn't 270k a little low for L65 ?
Yes, hence the move
If the stock doesn’t grow 15% a year, you get additional stock to get you to the TC target of 330.
Is this clause put in your employment agreement? Otherwise it is subject to your performance and manager discretion.
All non salary comp is subject to discretion. Google could stop giving refreshers for certain ratings and levels. It doesn’t change the fact that Amazon comp philosophy is to reach your TC each year. It looks at value of previous grants and will grant to get you there. It is more stable and predictable. At other FANGs if the stock goes down from prior vests there is no guarantee you will get refreshed to meet your TC.
Amazon recruiter can factor in whatever they want. But that doesn't mean it is the right way to calculate TC. Its similar to saying you will work only for 3 days per week after 2 years for the same salary as you will get more efficient at your job.
It’s the right way to calculate TC for Amazon
Thanks yp112 and seattle700. Good to know that recruiter is not the one who is making this up. The 15% is still pretty bizzare through - I have never heard another company doing this,and don't really understand why Amazon thinks it's unique.
This is hilarious. Offer is a lowball. Try to negotiate more on RSU and joining bonuses. This is not typical, recruiter will use all means to convince you even gaurantee promotion next year !!