L6 Google -> L7 FB manager.. How likely?
Currently at Google on the eng management ladder, I manage a 20+ people team including 2 TLM (L5), 2 TL (E6). Strong perf record of Exceeds (EE) & Strong Exceeds (SEE) expectations in past 2 cycle. Expecting SEE in current cycle as well. 90+ people manager review (PMR) scores. Promotion to L7 (in near future) is out of question here due to several org changes and politics. Several of my management chain familiar with my work left or moved recently, so I'm left with very little relationship above me. This is the primary reason I'm considering switching too, since it's a reset for me either way. I had a L6 equivalent EM offer from Facebook 2 years ago, but I decided to join Google instead. What are my chances to get in at L7 manager at this time? TC = 605K, YoE=17
It is likely if you perform well in interview. But you probably need to make sure you will enjoy manager role in Facebook. It is very different from Google and I personally will not want to be a manager at Facebook.
Could you elaborate?
Facebook managers spend majority of their time on a few things: (1) meetings/reviews (typically without much value similar to other places) (2) weekly 1:1 talking about goal and growth etc (typically without clear defined org goal) (3) collecting feedbacks and writing promotion packets (quite long and detailed) (4) writing vision and roadmap without much substance (5) responding to posts at workplace (likes are fine, but comments takes time.) (6) Contributes to all kinds of team activities such as hiring, offsite. (7) dealing with reorganization Very little time is left for managers to learn useful technical or business stuff. I personally wouldn’t enjoy spending my time doing most of these stuff. I haven’t been here for long, so maybe it is just my org.
Are in in SW?
Yes, SW eng mgr, if that's what you're asking
I think you have the experience needed. Someone with 20 reports and 2 TLMs is exactly promo track to M2. What happened to you at google is unfortunate. If you are able to articulate your experience in the interviews, it might be possible.
Thanks. Are you a manager at fb? Honestly, no complaints. People leaving is outside my control, and I generally don't worry about things that I couldn't have changed/influenced. With my perf history, I am sitting on significant unvested equity. I can easily "rest and vest" at L6 if I want... It's just not aligned with my work ethics and aspirations.
Could you share how much stock grant you were given when hired?
How is the work life balance like at google ?
I honestly believe wlb is something you control. I work really hard from 8am to 6pm at work, hardly get time to breathe. But once in home, I rarely open my laptop (other than perf time). There are others in my org who work much longer, by choice.
Got it Thank you for the honest feedback
I reached out to my recruiter to check. Let's see what I hear back with!
Op - any updates from FB recruiter?
Recruiter put me in touch with a few directors to discuss further. Recruiter was skeptical if hiring committee will agree, so wanted me to talk to few experienced directors to see if my current responsibilities fit at Sr M. However due to COVID-19 I decided to delay this process since I prefer to meet them in person rather than virtually.
Good luck! If I were you I would prefer meeting people in person too. And thanks again for your great comments on this thread.
Op, slight detour from this thread but based on your experience, how did you promote people in your team and what would you advice for someone who is trying to become a first time manager within the team ? Thank you
TC and yoe? Yes, you can get L7 from Fb, being L6 st G. Fb is really good with promotions (and upleveling external hires from G)
Added TC & YoE to op. Gr8 Thanks. That gives me some hope to reach out to my recruiter again.
Definitely do and ask upfront for L7 interviews.