Hi all, I have a Google onsite coming up in 3 weeks (general SWE), and I’m not interviewing anywhere else yet. I wasn't really actively looking yet but got a message from the recruiter and decided to give it a shot. Already did a phone round and a call with the recruiter to go over the onsite, check my preferences, etc. However it seems that Google has been downleveling/lowballing quite a lot these days, and i was wondering if i should also interview elsewhere to get a competing offer, and also as a practice/warm up. I’ve been getting Linkedin messages/emails from Amazon recruiters pretty much every week, so I’m thinking if i should respond to one of them and try to get something scheduled. But some of my concerns are: 1. Things with Amazon may not get processed fast enough and I only have 3-4 weeks (OR, is the verbal offer not given out until after the HC or SVP review? or Team matching? i.e. more time. I heard they’re slow) 2. Onsites are time consuming (already have too many stuff on my plates these days outside of work) and most importantly physically/mentally exhausting, and i might mess up both instead. Also will have to take another day or two off, and may look suspicious (although im guessing not too much) 3. Even if I do get an offer from Amazon, Google may not be willing to match it (heard some cases like this) I’m not super greedy and my focus for the next couple years will be on career growth moreso than TC (coming back as an SWE from another role, pretty much feels like starting from scratch again). However I’ve heard of many stories these days where L3/4s get super lowballed with or without competing offers even in HCOL areas, and some people even had to turn it down. Although the numbers on levels.fyi look pretty good, and would be happy to take the average numbers on it (but i’m assuming most of them are with competing offers from certain companies). Hoping to land an L4 but would take L3 too depending on the offer. I’m not super desperate for Google but I would be willing to take it if the offer isn’t super low and is a livable wage in an HCOL area (i’m single so hopefully it won’t be too bad). I hope I won’t have to turn down the offer after all the time, efforts and stress (it’s really hard to stay focused in this summer weather ha!) Also, I’m in Canada and I’m very looking forward to move south of the border within the next year (also considering an internal transfer to Redmond). I gave my location preferences as the Bay Area, Seattle/Kirkland, LA/Irvine and NYC, in no specific order. What would you do if you were in my shoes? Does Google negotiate at least a little bit even without competing offers? (maybe depending on the interview performance?) without rescinding the offer lol TL DR: have an onsite with G coming up in three weeks, and not sure if i should interview elsewhere too just for negotiating and practicing (Amazon, by replying the recruiter, OR look internally too from Canada->US). Career growth is #1 focus and willing to take the offer with the average numbers for the level (not too greedy), but at the same time don't wanna get super lowballed below the average numbers. Thanks in advance! YOE: 2.5 (5 as non-SWE) TC: 🥜🥜 #google #amazon
Interviews are in person?
Nope still all virtual.
Amazon will move very quickly.
Oh hmm....yeah i guess i'll think about it for a bit more then...
Honestly you'd be able to get to onsite in other FAANG companies too, don't consider just Amazon. If you end up getting an offer, a lot of the other companies will fast track the process quickly and bring you directly onsite.
True...something that i should consider too...although im not sure since i've got so much stuff on my plates outside of work/interview prep :( Thanks!
Highly recommend having competing offers. That and your expectation are basically the only levers when negotiating with G.
Would existing comp come into play as well?
Nope. G doesn’t consider existing comp. I guess because they legally can’t ask for your current comp in many states.