Microsoft offer in hand vs prepare for Google PM internal transfer
Dec 19, 2020
18 Comments
I am in Google L5 TPM with strong trajectory.I got an opportunity in Microsoft Sr. Program manager.I am alsi preparing for PM ladder transfer in Google.Not able to decide microsoft 64 Or try for PM transfer internally from Google.Thougts?
comments
As it stands now, your current question is about risk. You have an offer in hand for Microsoft, but not a guarantee to move up within Google. If the decision is between your current role at Google or the offer at Microsoft, which would you choose? I'll assume for argument's sale it's Microsoft. Okay, what would you pick if the internal move was already set? Given that it isn't, how likely is it that it'll happen? If it fell through and you turned down the Microsoft role, how would you feel and what would you do next?
I'm always floored when people ask questions about which offer to accept or whether to stay/go without providing any context about why they would choose the different options. It's really about what is the best option for YOU.
With that said, I have no insight on how difficult it is to change job profiles within Google so I'm assuming that is somewhat high risk.
Stay at Google if you want PM career, it's a better brand and harder to get.
When I went through the internal process and passed PM ladder conversion was down-leveled from L5 to L4. I was furious, but played the game. Stay at G for 1-2 years as PM, launch something, then leave and use it as leverage (max L5 or L6 equivalent) FAANG.
You likely will get no pay bump (if you're within band else they move you to bottom of band, but you're TPM so pretty similar pay I think), no refresher, no bonus etc. You will be recalibrated on the PM ladder and get that refresher in Jan 2022.
The interview process is tricky. I did like 20-30 mock interviews. Your brain will switch and you'll get into hyper-structured PM mode.
If you can pass G PM you can get any other job. FB's is just an easier version of that, and pays more. Unicorns are either easier or identical in process.