Microsoft Lowballed Offer
I received an offer from Microsoft recently from a Hiring Event. I had repeatedly mentioned that I am only interested in SSE position since the introduction to the recruiter. My every interview went great. When they extended an offer, it was for SE - 2 (61). The TC was 158k (Base - 130k, rest - 20k). I felt a bit ridiculous as this is not even the TC when I joined my current company. My level is SSE and TC is 225K. I have requested MSFT recruiter to modify the offer to which they reluctantly agreed and said will get back soon. I am not sure how much they will modify though and how should I take things forward in terms of negotiation. Any thoughts? YOE - 5
YOE? Team? A lot of times offer level is based on how the team managers think you’ll compare with others on the team. It’s often better to come in under leveled and blow away expectations than to come in at a higher level and compare against ppl who have been there for years and know how to get things done across a large team. Msft perf review can be a hard reality for some.
YOE - 5. I understand that point. But I have also heard it’s a great fight to climb up the ladder. Also, they were initially reluctant to push from 61 to 62 as well. Is it that difficult to keep up the reputation at SSE? Are you expected it exceed the expectations in the first year itself?
You’re right, but there’s the inverse as well... I was offered 62 or 63 but advised to take 62. I did and I’ve gotten all 120’s and 140’s on reviews since (even got a 40K SSA last year) but in year 3 of being a 62 I’m being told I need a couple more years at this level. I’ve been senior or principal everywhere else before for 20 years before coming here. (At several Fortune 500 companies, I can’t list so I can stay anonymous) My final stock chunk vests next year in April and then I’m out. I guess what I’m saying is that the hardest promo in the company is probably 62 -> 63
I suggest you look elsewhere OP. Do not downlevel yourself
The offer I received last week was L61 135(0-20%)+ 80/2+150/4 (TC ~ 230). I had a competing Amazon offer though with that TC for SDE2. 3 yoe. They asked me for Amazon offer letter and went through several approvals and matched it in like 3-4 days. So, yes they will match. I have also heard from some of my friends that some recruiters don't bother much. I think finally it depends on the management chain/interview feedback and competing offers. They didn't give me any numbers before this. When they asked me for expectation I told them that this is what I have from Amazon and they asked for supporting docs.
Also depends how you did in interview (will they fight for you and devote time) and whether you have given the Recuiter the info to fight with, and recruiter is on your side. Playing nonchalant and indifferent is not best angle. Be super excited and specific why you really love the role and offer, but concerned that the compensation didn’t meet your minimum expectations. If you handle poorly, even if you are justified In expectations, they’ll pass (for good reason).
Thanks for this info. I was indeed kinda unknowingly being indifferent after I put forth my views. Will try to be more passionate next time I speak with the recruiter.
Are you from amazon? 225k is in Redmond or Bay?
5 yoe to get 63 seems like a stretch unless you’ve got some background to back it up (well respected companies, projects , research, oss contributions). Again, in long term, it is better to be known as someone who is at the top of their peers than as someone who is struggling. If you really deserve sr you’ll get there in a year or two. Hint: it is way more about how you work with others than about what you do as an individual.
Negotiating an offer with MS myself. Your insight is valuable!
I have been working on multiple open source projects and have been on a senior level for quite sometime. Also my interviews went really great, not bragging but the interviewers were very impressed with my contributions so far and technical/coding questions were kinda easy so tackled them pretty fast. That’s the reason I felt a bit off when I heard their initial offer..
Titles vary across companies. Just because you are a SSE where you currently work doesn't mean you will automatically be offered a SSE position at Microsoft. If you were offered 61, negotiating to 63 is going to be next to impossible, especially considering your YoE.
Fight to come in high, getting a promotion is too much butt kissing.
Thanks for the insight. 👍
Reject and try again on a different team. MS usually low balls industry hires unless the team wants you.
I got 138K base, 40K bonus, and 150K stock at 62 Also, I’ve been stuck at 62 (which is SDE2) for 3 years now... it’s a difficult promo from SDE2 to SSE. They make you crawl through broken glass for it. Keep fighting.
Thanks, that does help me get some perspective. I will keep pushing them.
What is your current base after 3 years of increases?