Does it ever make sense to reject an uplevel in an offer?

Jan 8 6 Comments

Say you're mid level interviewing for senior roles but performed so well you received multiple lead, architect, and staff offers. Does it ever make sense to reject those and counter for the role you originally interviewed for? Concerns could be WLB and/or not being sure you would meet or exceed expectations.

I'm wondering if basically downleveling myself would be viewed as a red flag by the company. Also it will probably hurt me in negotiations. Another thing is I could downlevel myself, get to the job and still be given lead responsibilities anyway. Now with a lower title and less money....

Anyone ever have this dilemma? Or is it a no-brainer to just always take the title and responsibility if they are offering it.

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 TOP 6 Comments
  • Amgen
    random50

    Go to company page Amgen

    random50
    Always take the higher position unless you are intentionally down leveling career and not wanting advancement.
    Jan 8 0
  • Walmart
    QhLP27

    Go to company page Walmart

    PRE
    Amazon
     QhLP27
    It does not happen. The only similar situation I experienced is, I did so well in the interview, they gave me $400k on top of the standard offer but no level change (although way higher tc than applied level and high end of the next level).
    I think if they offered you next level, typically the guy at the next level left the company during hiring you. If no extra money, they just want to make you do more work at the same cost.
    Jan 8 2
    • OP
      Your last sentence is another concern. For some companies it will be obvious if the pay is aligned with the title. Other companies may have less transparency and I could be doing more work for a salary range I could negotiate at a lower level
      Jan 8
    • Amazon / Eng
      De5i

      Go to company page Amazon Eng

       De5i
      What companies are we talking about here, OP?
      Jan 8
  • Meta
    Vd73b

    Go to company page Meta

    Vd73b
    No
    Jan 8 0
  • Groupon
    Telg11

    Go to company page Groupon

    Telg11
    Are you sure levels are perceived the same way at these companies as you think?

    If it happened across multiple companies, you deserve it and should go for it.
    Jan 8 0