Google L3 Starting offer/Negotiation tips

New
ibNx13

New

ibNx13
Oct 28, 2021 10 Comments

Through HC and team matching at Google and on to the compensation part. I’ve never negotiated on my compensation before so I’ve been doing a lot of research and the consensus seemed to be let them bring the first offer and don’t give up any number expectations until then. So when my recruiter asked about my expectations (actually her first time asking was once I confirmed the team), I gave the speech about having been focused on interviewing and not having time to think about number. She said that was fine but said that she wanted to warn me that when they don’t give an expectation the number will come in really low and she didn’t want me to be alarmed.

Is that true or is it just another tactic to try to get a number out of you? Also if the number does come in really low, does that limit me to how much I can negotiate? I’ll be remote working and my technical address is in a very low cost of living area, but my recruiter knows I actually travel instead of living there permanently and said she would discuss that with the compensation analyst. My plan is to try to high anchor at 250k TC when she comes back with the initial offer (would actually be happy with 200), but if it comes in really low it might feel weird trying to raise it significantly.

Any negotiation tips are appreciated! Note I don’t have any competing offers because I was recruited to google and was not looking to leave my job. She knows that so I dont think she’ll be expecting other offers, but my company did go through series A recently so I am getting a raise, more equity, and the equity value is rising because of the new valuation. I also was downleveled from L4 to L3 in the in HC, but my startup doesn’t have levels so it’s not like I’m moving down levels from where I’m currently at

YOE: 2.5
TC: hard to calculate at startup, 130k base + equity

#engineering #software #swe #google #l3 #offer #negotiate #negotiateoffer #negotiation #compensation

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TOP 10 Comments
  • New
    lotto19

    New

    lotto19
    It’s probably true - literally just interviewed with Google and initially got a low ball offer that I turned down. Then they came back with something very solid I accepted. Couple negotiation tips 1) ask for what you would expect to make in 3 years 2) if you’re not willing to walk away, it makes it harder to be firm 3) don’t accept a down level 4) if you’re not happy with the initial offer, ask the hiring manager if you can talk to THEM and discuss the commercials with THEM. Negotiations with recruiters often don’t work well. 5) you never have as much leverage to get great pay as you do before you sign an offer. You have to use it.
    Oct 28, 2021 6
    • New
      lotto19

      New

      lotto19
      Contesting a down level is possible. If they really want you they will make it happen. Not just at Google but other places too. As a hiring manager myself I know it’s possible seeing it first hand.
      Oct 29, 2021
    • Do you contest with the Hiring manager after team matching? Or with the recruiter before starting the matching process
      Oct 29, 2021
  • Google
    nizuma

    Go to company page Google

    nizuma
    Google generally will give you a number and will not budge unless you have written competing offers.
    Oct 28, 2021 1
    • New
      ibNx13

      New

      ibNx13
      OP
      My recruiter knows I’m not interviewing anywhere else because I wasn’t looking to leave my job, but she still mentioned she’s willing to go “back and forth” to get something we’re both happy with so I think she expects to negotiate
      Oct 28, 2021
  • Intel / Eng
    kiGp65

    Go to company page Intel Eng

    kiGp65
    If you have counter offers at hand then you don’t need to give up numbers. Hold it. If you don’t, at least have an idea what to expect vs what’s market trend at the moment. Tell the recruiter you want to discuss their numbers with friends and family to get an idea before countering.
    Oct 28, 2021 0