Can I feasibly receive an external L5 offer, from companies such as Meta and peers? I will have 6 yoe at G but still an L4. Due to certain circumstances I will not be able to get an internal promo until 2025Q1 minimum, and 2025Q3 more likely. I've heard that L5 interviews now need you to be much more real-experience focused (i.e. explain why you chose this design option based on your real-world experience with it). However, I'm not an L5. Assuming I pass the coding-only interview portion, would not being an internal L5 be restrictive from getting an external L5 offer now? TC: 280k
Obviously you can. Just have to pass the senior interview
Have you heard of fake it til you make it? You can definitely get an L5 offer if you demonstrate the appropriate skills when interviewing.
should i just pretend i'm an L5 at google and make up stories?
Well - I wouldn’t share my current level. I’d speak to what behaviors, expected from a 5, that you currently exhibit/own on the projects you work on. At Meta, promo is trailing so it’s conceivable that you are working above your level for 1-2 halves before promo anyway. If you are making things up, even if you get an offer, you won’t last long.