I just started preparing for Google. (Gonna spend about the next 5-6 months on LC and System design.) I just wanted to know how YOE are needed to apply for L4. On levels.fyi, I saw that some people got an L4 position with 0 YOE. Is that real? I'm a full stack dev with a focus on the backend. Have 2+ YOE at mostly small-ish startups and I have a BS in CS. Would 1 more YOE be enough to apply for L4 and actually get it?
Extremely unlikely with 1 YOE (regardless of where it is) Unlikely with 2 YOE (but significantly better chances of both years were at another FANG) Lately, I have seen many new hires with ~4-10 YOE slotted as L4, and many <4 YOE slotted as L3
PhD grads often are hired at L4 rather than at L3. So, 0yoe can be L4
Is 3 YOE as a full stack dev enough for an engineer with BS in CS to apply for L4 and get it?
Possible but unlikely at Amazon (L5). Possible and less likely at Google.