I've worked in digital & social marketing my whole career. In the process of leaving my current role, which has been a miserable fit (desperate pandemic move) and overall terrible for my health. Was anticipating a short bit of time to find a new role but the world works in mysterious ways, and I've unexpectedly found myself in final rounds (me vs. 1 other candidate) for 2 very different roles. Hoping for some advice. 1) Exec-level agency role at a global but new-ish agency (essentially an agency off-shoot of a larger company, but seems to be a lot of promise and positive PR.) Pros: Exec level and therefore supposedly the ability to have an actual impact and drive brand strategy for both the agency itself as well as a reasonably impressive roster of clients in a vertical I'm familiar with and generally enjoy. Broader type of role than I've had, which could either be great or a red flag. Probably about $15-$20k more in base comp than I'm making now and supposedly they're aiming for an IPO and there could be a possibility of equity. Cons: Company is "growing" so has small current team but huge ambitions, which may mean no resources to get anything done. No name recognition. Somewhat broad JD and ambitions for the role, which could be "fluid" according to those I've interviewed with may mean I'd be set up for failure. Feels a bit like a dice roll. Not FB. 2) L5 marketing contract role at @facebook. Pros: It's FAANG, in my specialty, and while I've been agency and brand side, I've never been platform side so would be a nice round-out to my resume. Possibility of becoming a FT role down the line, maybe? 40 hrs a week so likely much more work/life balance, can WFH a few days a week. Cons: Contract, significantly less total comp, obviously no typical FB benefits as a contractor. Worried I may be get bored and burned out from I'm hoping there are FB folks here who could help me round out my FB pros/cons if there's anything I'm missing. Obviously these are two v. different roles but is the perk of having the FB marketing experience and potentially more opportunity down the line for FT and career growth worth the lower salary and L5 contract role? Thanks in advance for any input. I need to get out of my own head. #marketing #facebook #L5 #contract
But if you contract at Fb you could keep your thumb on the pulse of hiring for FTE and slide in that way. I never worked at FB, though, so Chime knows more than me.
Whats the base salary difference between the two?
I’d vote for option 2. Agencies are meat grinders and it sounds like you’ve had enough of that
Currently at FB right now. I don’t recommend starting as a contractor. FB is one of the few companies where they don’t do a seamless conversion- they need to create the FTE role, and then the contractor needs to apply and go through the interview process along with other applicants. I second Chime’s advice.
Typically contractor role at FAANG is not desirable since conversion ratio is very low. since this is a contractor role, likely you will be getting very junior level work which will not lend it self to show case your advanced knowledge and skills. If at all you converted, you will have very junior level work to make a case for a junior level FTE role. It comes down to, do you need a breather? Take the contract role. For a longer term financial success, contract role is not recommended unless your other role compensation + equity is not materially different from this contract role (within $50k - 80k difference)… if that is the case, you are good with either option
You do get junior work because the senior work requires stakeholder collab and there's no time to build those relationships. It's not impossible to convert and you do get embedded in the company. The rate sounds about right.
I am currently at FB and did the FTC to FTE conversion. My experience is definitely the exception, not the norm. And I got super lucky. You'll need a lot of luck, good manager, and the team needs to be hiring. Plus you go through the full loop so need to crack that.
OP, please listen to us. Do not pick the FTC role if you’re doing it out of hopes for a conversion, cause it just doesn’t happen almost ever. If your dream is to work at FB your best bet is to go get experience elsewhere and keep applying (but keep the application maximum in mind).
Why do large companies like FB choose to make roles like that contract? I had an offer at a similar level at PayPal and they wanted me to leave a full time employee role for a contract role. After looking up the differences in benefits and how easy they can fire you I decided to turn down the role. Question remains, why do they do that instead of just offering you an employee role?
Contractors at FB and Google don't have any obvious benefits once they're out. I know a couple of friends that were contractors but once their contract expired, they had no upper hand of FAANG brand. Recruiters are quick to identify FTC Vs FTE and treat FTCs in a different way. An agency would pay you off in a much better way. You can definitely aim for FTE at FAANG once you're established in brand and strategy.
Can you accept both?
It was rare to see FTC to FTE conversion at FB when I used to work there. I would keep interviewing if you have the time and aim for FTE at FB.