How to be great at system design - G L5/FB E5/Amz L6 levels
Interviewed with bunch of fang and non-fangs at these levels and all the companies down-leveled me to one level below. I prepared a lot for System design (system design primer, grokking system design, ddia) and feedback everywhere was that I'm a strong candidate at one level below and they are bringing me in as senior person at the lower level. In my opinion my interviews went well and I can't pinpoint the reason why I wasn't offered the desired level. Recruiters were not really forthcoming with the feedback. Looking for advice on how to show Calibre for such levels in the interview. Would appreciate feedback from folks on what they look for in candidates at such levels.
Just to clarify you were aiming for E5 at FB and received E4?
Didn't interview with FB but this happened with G and Amz
G downleveled me because of yoe. Is that a factor here ?
I think downleveling is a trend nowadays.
This ^ . If you just meet expectations in the interviews at those levels, you will be down leveled and be expected to prove your ability to get promoted
At Google, or in general?
I don't have any fang or higher tier company on my resume. Just amex and chase. Does that make at difference?
Yes, hm and hr won't admit but it matters
In the system design rounds, how much you have driven the interview vs the interviewer? 80-90% of the time you should be taking and driving the interview.
Yeah I was the one driving the interview most of time