3 YOE at MSFT as SWE 1, move to SDE 1 at AMZN?
I have a bit over 3 YOE at Microsoft (Redmond), still level 60/SWE 1. I'm looking to move to the BA and did a phone interview with Amazon (advertising) and while I got a no for SDE 2, the recruiter just messaged me saying the interviewer said "yes" for SDE 1. Would it be a bad idea to move from SWE 1 to SDE 1 after 3 YOE? I feel like I'm on the lower end of candidates with 3 yoe, no real design experience or leadership experience yet, so interviewing has been tough. Obviously no guarantee that anything changes at Amazon, but curious what you all think.
Of course no...
TC?
no
No. I did a similar mistake during my recent move. I still feel bad for not negotiating / trying for better grade elsewhere even though I have had promotions since then. You can never escape the feeling of lagging behind.
I feel like faking my way into SWE 2 isn't gonna help that much though, as I don't really feel that I have SWE 2 abilities.
I had faced the same situation, being SDE 1 with 4+ years of experience and it sucks. And even when you perform as SDE-2 in the new company, they will wait for atleast a year minimum or maybe more. Had to switch again for that reason.
You should try some other companies. 3 YOE still being SDE1 on your resume makes you look bad. Promotion at Amazon is highly depending on the manager. Don't take the risk of being SDE1 when you have 5 YOE.
I've been interviewing with others as well, I don't know if they've been for SWE/SDE 2 or senior positions or whatever though.