I had the first phone with the recruiter at Facebook and was asked about my level at Microsoft. I am at 62 and she mentioned that they are not looking for anything below 63. Can they ask me this question legally? Also how imp is my current level at Microsoft vs my exp and interview.
A background check will reveal it anyway. I would be more interested into why they care about the level if they found your resume interesting enough to contact you. A level isn't representative of your capabilities or your potential.
Level is representative of you grow, performance and scope at other company
Not entirely. I have worked with several Sr. Level folks who are far less talented than their employees. Experience, skills, and ability to think and operate with a globally scalable mindset while treating your employees with true dignity and grace are far more important to me when hiring than a level ever will be.
Legal, yes, required no. I never disclose level or salary info, and I always suggest others follow suit. Tell the recruiter you would prefer to be judged on your fitness to the role, not arbitrary leveling.
Yes current level is a valid question. Certain roles are meant for senior experienced candidates. Sometimes recruiters are not even carefully looking at resumes and that’s what the recruiter screen is for.
"Company asking me uncomfortable questions: how soon can I declare myself a victim and demand reparations?"
The recruiter/company is being lazy or is incompetent. They probably don't have the ability to judge your abilities so they're basing it on Microsoft's estimation of your abilities.
For senior level roles companies are looking at your prior experience and not only performance on interviews. If you haven’t had senior level role and scope before you likely wouldn’t be considered for such a position in other companies.