I wonder if it is possible to level up from amzn L5 to MSFT 64/65 with 14 yoe?
Sorry, I mean SDE
63-64 is certainly possible
L5 -> 63/64 is definitely possible with your yoe. L5 is a wide band. But 65 is out even with top of band. 63/64 is an upward jump from l5 and will beat l5 comp. L6 is more like 64/65. I would not take 62 for l5 that’s a lateral. Source have been at both companies. 66/67 is more like l7 equivalent.
I have 20+ yoe and just suffered with an SDE2 L5 level at Amazon for 2 years (it was my first big tech so I went with it). I am in the running for a what’s listed as SSE, but my application shows as Principal SE Lead role, which will level me at 65 or 64. Someone I know there (similar experience, but no big tech) was told he was actually offered either level, his choice. He chose 64 to minimize risk, and hit 65 within a year. So, yes, your L5 could easily be 64 at Microsoft if you have depth for the given role. I guess the As App will decide after your on-site. I just wish I could get the on-site scheduled, I met the HM 10 days ago and replied to the team’s recruiter with the basic HR info. I just want to get it done and am already wondering if this will be one of those cases that takes months.
63 probable with a decent interview. Possibly 64. Very unlikely 65 unless position is 65 and you really impress the interviewers, especially the AA. I haven't been at Amazon but I've been a manager at ms and know many managers and ICs that have worked at both. 64-65 promo (to be clear 64 is a stretch for l5 though certainly not unheard of) is a big, important promo at ms. The time frame depends on the position, visibility and performance. I've known people that have gone from 64-65 in one year (rare), and people that have been 64 15 years. I dont know the average time data for that level but my guess would be 4ish years on average. That is highly dependent on group. In some groups 2.5 years would be closer to average.
Cool, ty! Is it ok to discuss desire to be promoted and ask for promotion track with recruiter before accepting an offer?
You can, but recruiter has no bearing on promotion and may tell you overly aggressive timelines. If the hm is your AA you may get an opportunity to ask questions and you could broach the subject (you want to tread carefully there, some people might find it presumptuous that you want to talk promo when you dont even have the job. Others wont care, and you can keep it general too).
It's all about how confident you are.
Highly unlikely, check http://levels.fyi
Sde2 to 64 looks ok due to the link. Another point: Amazon is very greedy with job offers on events in Eastern Europe for many reasons. We all understand what leveling is not a very accurate indicator.
L5 to 64/65 is a really far jump, L5 is like 61-62 at Microsoft. But the 14 yoe is way more than 62. If you interview well and don’t talk about your level 63-64 Senior PM is possible
Hm, according to this link https://www.levels.fyi/?compare=Amazon,Facebook,Microsoft&track=Software%20Engineer L5 is between 62 and 63. In terms of compensation it looks like even 63 cannot beat L5
Thank you for your reply, hsgvabs. Just wonder how hard it is to get promoted 64->65 in Microsoft? In AWS promotions are really hard for many reasons.