Apply for Google SWE L3 or L4
Hi all, Is it normal to apply for L3 Google SWE while having a ML PhD + 4 yoe? I am not good at programming and designing systems as I am doing research. Meta and Amazon are conserving me for senior level but I know that maybe with 100000% of chance can clear the interview but will never survive! I have seen one open position at Google France for SWE at YouTube department. I want to apply but I don’t know how to justify that to the recruiter! Please give me Feedback, I really need to change a job!
Definitely L4!
Even though I am not good at coding? And have no experience at system design ?
Google doesn’t require sys design for L4 interviews. Also, don’t be intimidated by not being good at coding. Imo, are you a good problem solver? Coding/Sys design can be cultivated or taught.
Google will try to downlevel you anyway. Aim for L4 and hold your ground if they lowball offer or try to hire you at L3
Ok thanks. So, I can ask for L4 round?
@google can I dm you?
Just practice system design and go for L5 honestly. Phd is worth like 2 YOE by itself and shows you can be self directed. That alone is good enough for L4. Your 4 YOE means that you’ve gone a bit further. Don’t short change yourself. Practice system design for like 10 hours per week and it could literally be the difference of 100’s of thousands of dollars. Where else can you get that kind of low risk ROI? TLDR: practice system design and go for L5
Yes, I am preparing for Meta E5 MLE and Amazon L5 AS, I want to try also Google L4 SWE as there is no opened MLE position.
But honestly, all what I did during these 5 years was managing and leading project. So, my coding skills are not good.
L4 of course!
Is it ironical? Or you are serious?
I want to skip system design! Or at least do a simple one! I have no experience at all