LinkedIn Sr SWE promotion or Google L4
I recently interviewed with Google for L5 and cleared HC for L4 (didn't do well in the system design). The recruiter told me without competing offers, I can expect ~325K TC for the first year with no sign-on bonus (~295K over 4 years), and with competing offers it can go up to 375K. I probably won't have competing offers though, as I just did the interviews mostly out of curiosity with Meta and Google and wasn't actively planning to move. Meta froze hiring, so I don't have more interviews lined up. At LinkedIn, I expect to get promoted to Sr SWE this coming review cycle (taking effect in September). Given my situation, which one is a better option both in the short and longer term, Sr SWE at LinkedIn or L4 at Google? Thanks in advance. TC: 235K YOE: PhD + 3 (1.5 at LinkedIn) #l4google #google #linkedin
From a comp standpoint, 235k at 3 YOE is fabulous. You’re going to be alright financially in the future with that. I suggest going with what seems more exciting to you, and disregard the paper chase since you’ve just started your career. You’re already sitting pretty & will likely be at 500k+ by 10 YOE. Getting a team/project you’re really passionate about and can sink your teeth deeply into will set you up for good promotions (and way stronger TC) in the long run.
Thanks, this makes much sense. I probably wouldn't know the answer until after I do team matching.
it's pretty standard for LinkedIn
Whats your base and RsU?
Base 163K, RSU 225K over 4 years.
I think you’re getting a bit lowballed here. Fresh PhDs come in at L4 (as well as bachelors + 2 YOE). Be prepared to have your ego checked at the door. L5 at other companies can easily clear 400K++. It’s your life, so do what you’re happy with but just giving my two cents.
Thanks, I have a little hesitation due to this, since if I had joined Google out of school I would've started as L4. I must say though, my other 1.5YOE is before grad school outside US, so I don't know if it really counts.
What is senior swe salary if you get promoted ?
That I don't know, was hoping to get some clarity here. I didn't want to talk numbers with my manager before having written offer from Google.
Max 280K which I doubt though.
L4 for 3 YOE is good actually. Plus you'll get some extra money for PHD so go for Google in favor of LI. Overtime it will pay of with refreshers which is none at LI.
Why not get Sr. and do some good preparation and interview for L5 again? I don’t know you, but if I were you, my ego will tear me apart if I join as a L4.
Money wise G is probably better due to the consistent refreshers, unless you are a well-valued member of your team at Linkedin.
What were the reasons you were down leveled? Don't join at L4. Wait a year and try again as L5. At LinkedIn you should get 300k TC after the promo.
The recruiter wouldn't give specific feedback, just that they didn't receive enough signals probably from system design and leadership. I heard from some people (including in this thread) that the internal promos don't get 300K right away, and it's adjusted after one year. Do you have/know of any experience on that?
Not worth it to switch for 25-50K diff if you can aim L5 with a senior title already in hand. Once you join at a lower level, you won't get promoted for a few years anyway.
Isn’t it a no brainer ? If you are getting >300k at google, just go. You will anyway hit cliff here in 2.5 years.
Thanks for the response. If I get promoted, do I still hit cliff in 2.5 years? And how much my current TC would increase if I get promoted? I guess the fair comparison is the Google average TC vs LinkedIn Sr TC. And in terms of career growth, how would the 2 compare?
I've heard that you generally get about 10% base bump on promo. Refreshers if you're a rockstar performer