Hi, how long do I need to wait at Amazon before applying for a job that is level above mine (considering I am at the top of my current level)? One month after hire, 2 months? Coming in I was supposed to have split loop for current level and one above, however recruiter miscommunicated and didn’t setup the split loop and interview was only for current level. The team I am on has been searching for more than 6 months to fill the slot I came in so I feel they shoed me into this level to address their resource needs (not buying the whole we hire for Amazon and not team bs) Based on my YOE, 12+, and professional experiences I feel if the loop was split I would’ve easily qualified for level above. I didn’t find the interview challenging at all. TC even for level I came in on was too good to turn down offer. At this point want to know how soon I can apply. Should I reach out to HM for above level that the split was supposed to be and see if they are willing to consider me? YOE: 12+ TC; 250k
I'm afraid it doesn't quite work like that. You need to get promoted. Internal transfers are lateral moves only.
I am an SDM and I know that up level can happen within 6 months of joining. But the case need to be prepared by your current manager
This is not how leveling works. If you genuinely believe you should've come in at a higher level you can see if your manager will initiate a relevel. This will involve your original bar raiser and proof that something was missed during the interview. There is no such thing as a loop split by level. The loop can, however, change level during the debrief. If you didn't actually come in at the wrong level and can't relevel, you'll need to be promoted. You can't just internal transfer to a higher level. Download the moving up guides, find your gaps and figure out what you need to do to be promoted. It's going to take more than a month or two, though. It'll take at least a year depending on your current level to get appropriate data for a promotion.
How long ago did you join? If you move teams it will probably make it even harder!
Prior comments are correct. It doesn’t work that way. Now, what you CAN do is apply for an internal posting that is a level above where you are and convince the HM that you’d be a good fit for the role. That would give you the opportunity to do next level work, but you still need to deliver results and make the case for promo. You won’t immediately get leveled up if the HM agrees to take you on. And with no prior experience at Amazon, it’d be hard to make the case to the HM that they should give up the headcount and take you for that spot.
What level did you get? SDE 2?
I got L6 but definitely felt L7 was achievable had the loop been setup right. Posted TC is previous TC, not Amazon
I got L6, but felt L7 was deserved and definitely achievable
You cannot move internally in Amazon and uplevel. Amazon ONLY allows a lateral shift. You need to uplevel in your role before you can move. Also, you cannot move internally before an year. So upleveling within 2-months of joining is about as likely as Bezos inviting you to his marriage 😁
Theres no rule on when one can move
Agreed with above comment that dxsichk is wrong about time limitations on internal moves- there’s no limit. I’ve seen many people move with <6 months at Amazon