I am going to interview for the SDE2 position soon. If I don’t clear the bar for SDE2, will they consider me for SDE1? The thing is I want to GTFO the current cesspool but I don’t want to totally undersell either ...that’s why I want to try for SDE2
From the frying pan, and into the fire ?
Two things: 1. If they think you are SDE2 from your current yoe then they will ask themselves "why hasn't this person grown into SDE2 material with his yoe?" For other levels they will consider down one, but I would be surprised if they did for SDE1. 2. Their hiring process is more about leadership principles than technical skills. And that is level agnostic. Either you align with their culture or you don't.
Helpful comments, thanks . What is rough YOE for SDE2? I have 3+ ..
You're right on the line. After 4 YOE it's very unlikely you'd get a down leveled offer, could still happen at 3 though
It depends on your interview
Isn't the main difference between SDE1 and SDE2 the system design round?
No..its a higher bar on leadership and technology
Down-level is a possibility if some interviewers are against it but BR or HM likes you.
From my interviews as an SDE, we bump candidates down to SDE I if they don't meet the SDE II bar.
You mean if they do well in problem solving and ds&a but bad in system design?
Yep! Both SDE 1 and 2 should be strong coders. But we expect stronger leadership principles and system design from level 2s. Given how tight the market is, I have a hard time thinking they wouldn't consider you for level 1 if you don't meet level 2 bar (unless you have enough experience where you should be able to make the level 2 bar).
Sde2 design interviews are easier and practical compared to some stupid algorithmic questions asked to sde1. Giving sde2 interview and then getting leveled down to sde1 felt like it worked out for me. The interview was full of design questions. The reason i got leveled down might be because i had no clue how to use queues, or other essential aws technologies.
Eff amazon. Look elsewhere. The stupid sde 2 bar is so shitty they want all sde 2 be exactly same in terms of behavior without regards to each individual strengths and personality. Ur sde 2, u should disagree and commit more in meetings, ur sde 2 u should ramp up in a new domain in two weeks. Ur sde 2 u should lead the team like a leader. I have seen sde 2 who just quit coz they were introverted but brilliant coders and lack in these LPs
This
If your priority is getting out of thr current place, I would interview as SDE1. Sometimes SDE2 to SDE1 is considered and sometimes it is not. It depends on the hiring manager and the bar raiser.