L4/L5 through leetcode

I think it used to be more possible at G as they dont ask much about experience. Other Faang do ask about past projects and how you handled them for L5 positions

For you, L4 is very achievable with only leetcode. L5 is difficult to get with your yoe.

You can try and see where you land. If you couldn't articulate a design and lack experience, that will land lower band. If you have many years of exp without proper matching skilss that will be no offer

Can you explain the extent of your projects so far? Im trying to compare to what I have as a new grad right now and if it gets any better. How big of an impact did your projects have etc

Trying to find ways to game the interview process isn't a good idea, here. Getting the job is one thing; keeping it is another. > I don't think I have good answers for what is the most challenging project you've worked on etc. That's hardly an ambiguous question. What are you going to say when your team's intern or college hire comes up to you and asks you how you would handle a choice between design X and design Y? If your answer isn't any more satisfying or useful than what they would come up with on their own, what do they need you for? They aren't dumb, and if they think you're clueless or don't have any reason to lean on you for advice and information, they'll lose respect for you. Without respect, you have no influence, and without influence, you can't lead. For a senior, that's a straight shot to a PIP in almost any company with a respectable performance bar.