Negotiating between Google and FB

Amazon
warp42

Go to company page Amazon

warp42
May 12, 2020 98 Comments

Got offers from Google and FB, both L5 (E5). Roles will be in ML, and I am currently talking to some teams at both companies. MS also offered but haven't given me any more information beyond AS 2 in Team X (poor communication all in all).

Google wanted me to propose how much compensation I expect which seems standard.

FB was more forthcoming, and my recruiter said they'll come in with 205k/600k/100k, but are open to negotiation depending on Google's response. However, Google wants me to get those numbers in writing before they can counteroffer. It's been weird since FB has been texting me, almost as if they know I want an official email.

How should I navigate this situation? I find this quite awkward but don't wanna take a hit on compensation just because the conversation made me uncomfortable.

Current TC: 270K
YOE: 4+, all at Amazon
Education: PhD in machine learning
Location: Seattle

#compensation #google #facebook #negotiate #catch22

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
TOP 98 Comments
  • Facebook / Eng
    lowzie

    Go to company page Facebook Eng

    lowzie
    FB can go upto 205/700/100 and don’t bother negotiating with Google. They won’t be able to match the FB comp. Even if they match now, remember FB refreshers are WAY higher than Google.
    May 12, 2020 19
    • 7-8% of FB is E6. Median is no way 2 years. Only Top performers makes it there in ~2 years. Median is like 4 years for those that even makes it to 6. Remember 5 to 6 requires years of sustained performance.

      Google is probably a bit longer, maybe 5 years is median. Google is bigger, more scrutiny, more difficult to make impact. FB is smaller, easier to grow to 6.
      May 22, 2020
    • Amazon
      warp42

      Go to company page Amazon

      warp42
      OP
      Thanks folks! I want to do work that has impact and make some difference. But I also derive a lot of joy from doing things that are intellectually challenging in general. At the end of the day if I feel proud of what I did and I can carve out time to pursue other things in life, I'm happy. Getting promotions is of course nice but I wanna try and be cautious and not let that become the biggest focus in life.
      May 22, 2020
  • Amazon
    warp42

    Go to company page Amazon

    warp42
    OP
    Update:
    FB came back their max offer 205/15%/100/700
    Google came back with 192/15%/50/900.

    I'm having a couple more chats figuring out the teams, career growth and wlb. Hope to make the final decision soon.
    May 22, 2020 8
    • Amazon
      warp42

      Go to company page Amazon

      warp42
      OP
      Thanks! Initially Google insisted that I would need a written offer from Facebook for them to be able to match. But once I educated myself more on negotiation tactics and put my foot down they managed to relax that requirement. The only proof I provided was the fact that I had an offer from Facebook (email screenshot), but there were no numbers.
      May 22, 2020
    • Amazon
      Zsfhrsbj

      Go to company page Amazon

      Zsfhrsbj
      Wow super useful info. Great work not even needing a written offer.
      May 22, 2020
  • Microsoft
    eirnsje

    Go to company page Microsoft

    PRE
    Microsoft
    eirnsje
    How was the interview?
    May 12, 2020 13
    • Amazon
      warp42

      Go to company page Amazon

      warp42
      OP
      System design primer. Facebook recruiter shared a collection of videos that was useful I also just Googled machine learning system design problems and went through material as it came up. I think the central lesson is to provide the full framework for a large system and not get too carried away with just the modeling. That can affect the leveling too I would think.
      May 20, 2020
    • Oracle
      fSIW60

      Go to company page Oracle

      fSIW60
      Ya makes sense totally I saw the FB design videos and they were more production oriented pipelines ... good to know u also did read things as they came by in google search
      May 20, 2020
  • Amazon
    warp42

    Go to company page Amazon

    warp42
    OP
    Update: still in the stalemate phase. My Facebook recruiter tells me that they will only give me a verbal offer. And my Google recruiter tells me that they will only be able to match if I have a written offer from Facebook. How do people proceed in such a situation? I'm getting a little frustrated.
    May 18, 2020 18
  • PayPal
    HBjz25

    Go to company page PayPal

    HBjz25
    It’s ok to be awkward and it’s supposed to be uncomfortable
    May 12, 2020 4