Google downlevel offer
Thanks to the googlers for their advice so far. TC 190, almost 6 yoe. Recruiter said an L4 offer would not happen, but they would extend an L3 offer. Said they'd likely match current salary. But if I take this, I'll be gathering other offers first. Problem is, I am getting amazing experience at AWS building scalable and popular services. Our design decisions MATTER in a very tangible way. Recruiter said I'd probably not get sexy projects to start, but would likely be exceeds expectations first year and then get promoted before I would have gotten my next promotion at AWS (to L6 / SDE III). I am likely to hit that promo at AWS in about 2 years. I feel like I'll probably stay because the education and experience is so good. But would like to hear thoughts from Googlers who have accepted this path. Downsides? Upsides? What is comp change like if you are at higher level L3 and get promoted? Any newly minted L4s out there? Was hoping to get in at around 240 at L4. I mean, the nice thing would be that my L3 Google salary would probably be my L5 Amazon salary. And same with 4 and 6. Want to hit 300 TC within 5 years. That's the long term goal.
Don't do it. You would regret the lower level. Same with me, even with a high TC. Won't get enough refreshers just because initial Grant was high My manager is supportive of promo but there is an unsaid minimum tenure requirement for promo even if you are performing over and beyond.
What made you interview in the first place? Unhappy where you are or just want an increase in total comp?
I would have tried L5 with 6 yoe. L3 is laughable. Are you saying you with 6 yoe and that new grad who just finished his undergrad are going to perform at the same level? Also, never trust recruiter or hiring manager’s words on future promotion; once you join the company it may depend on factors outside your control such as manager changing team/company, reorg, grunt work etc.
Sounds like it is not yet a good time for you to leave AWS.
Yup. That's what I'm heavily leaning toward. The experience I'm getting here is more valuable than cash. With zero guarantees that I'll get similar opportunity to develop these skills just because I got an interview question or two that I couldn't arrive at the optimal solution to in 55 minutes? Nah. I really want to work at Google someday just to give it a try. But lol, not like this.
Agreed. Every company has fun jobs and okay jobs. If you can do the fun ones, don't compromise for okay ones. Crash a Google interview next time and choose whichever team you want.
Don't accept a downlevel to L3 that's absurd, I was L4 at 22yo with 1YOE. Try to get a counter offer from Amazon instead
Yeah, that's a GREAT analogy. Not only that, I have 6 years real world experience *at a very similar company* in terms of scale, projects, etc. I'm not interested in changing companies to do new-grad work.
6 YOE? Demand at least 250K plus signing bonus irrespective of levels.
Yeah, it feels a bit ridiculous. I have actual, real world experience at a very similar company and getting the same offer as a new grad with a few competing offers?
You probably didn’t do very well in interviews and got downleveled. Some ppl in your situation might still take the offer so that’s why Google keeps doing this.
lmao don’t ever listen to recruiters when they try to promise fast promos
OP, ask recruiter if you can give additional interviews to reconsider for l4 ...
That's a good idea! I'm not hard up for a job change, so I don't think I'll try this right now. If I was in serious need, I'd try this. What's weird is that I thought my design interview went very well based on our interaction. That's typically the separator between levels.
I'd stay where you are. Don't take promises of anything in future over something you have now!
Thanks!! Definitely leaning towards that. If TC isn't going to change (or only change a bit) it's low to no cost to try again for L4 next year. Get a bit more distributed systems work under my belt. Definitely not bored here.
Worth it for the free food
It was actually pretty good! I liked that they had significant variety as well.