L5 -> L6 Promo at Google

Google
dNRB65

Go to company page Google

dNRB65
May 3, 2019 9 Comments

I am an L5 IC TLM at Google with many reports. I went up for promo this cycle with very good ratings, but did not get it. One of the primary pieces of feedback from the promo committee was that I didn’t have enough evidence of technical depth. There is some truth to this, given that I spend the majority of my time managing and influencing others.

My sense is that this is a pretty common problem amongst L5 IC TLMs at Google, but I don’t know how it is at other companies. Are there similar situations at other FAANG and tech companies?

Additionally, do people here have thoughts on a path forward? Some options include:

1) Try again in a few cycles, consciously prioritizing technical IC work
2) Switch to the eng manager ladder
3) Give up management altogether, focusing exclusively on IC work
4) Leave the company
etc.

I’ve felt pretty upset about this for a couple of weeks now and would really appreciate thoughtful advice, particularly from more senior people.

comments

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TOP 9 Comments
  • What is TLM? I didn't know ICs have reports at google.
    May 3, 2019 1
    • Google
      dNRB65

      Go to company page Google

      dNRB65
      OP
      TLM is Tech Lead Manager. It’s a weird position where you’re evaluated by your technical contributions, but you still have reports and are managing people. It’s very common at Google.
      May 3, 2019
  • Amazon
    awssdm

    Go to company page Amazon

    awssdm
    I recommend #2. The concept of TLM always confused me. This position does not exist in Amazon for example. Once you’re an SDM you’re expected contribute as a leader, not tech IC
    May 3, 2019 0
  • VMware
    ItsAlrite

    Go to company page VMware

    ItsAlrite
    What's your yoe and how many years have you been at G
    May 3, 2019 2
  • Have you looked at the political angles? I have been denied promos before due to not being politically savvy. Learning how to navigate things a lot better now. Suck up to the people responsible for your reviews and influence them instead of your direct underlings. Engineers who believe that everything is a technical meritocracy are quite naive.
    Jun 2, 2019 0
  • Tlm is not a good place to be, for the reason you stated. Not technical enough to get promoted, but if you switch to manager it will probably reset all your experience so you have to start over for the next promo.

    Prioritize technical ic work to get promoted, and find a strong team lead to help offload the other work.
    May 3, 2019 0