I interviewed with Amazon for the L6 PM-T role but was down-leveled to L5. The interview went well, the recruiter told me that I did good and mostly had a hire decision 4 v 2 for L6 and all hire for L5, so they decided to down-level me. I have 7 years of experience 5 in strategy analytics and the last 2 as a PM. Apparently, for L6, I have less PM experience, which is true. I have a solid technical background, and I know for sure I did the technical round well. The department I interviewed for also has an L5 PM-T role open, so they offered it to me. L5 PM-T Verbal Offer - Seattle $205K - I do not have the breakdown and will update later. This is what the recruiter said she could get me and mentioned that $210 is the max for L5 PM-T in the Seattle area. I asked for a TC of $240K and was told this is not possible and asked me to come with a number close to $205K. I currently do not have any other offers but have Apple final loop rounds for Technical Product Manager (Could be ICT3, not sure will have to confirm with the recruiter) coming up and just started with FB (Senior Data Scientist Product Analytics). I am still in the early stages of my job search, I have only applied for 4 companies so far Amazon is the first company I applied to and started the interviews with Lol :). I am aware of Amazon’s reputation in Blind, and the reason I am still considering it is because it’s easy to transfer to India down the lane (at least 5 years). Amazon has the largest office in my home city. Do I accept the offer? If yes, what’s a good range?. $205K feels like a lowball. Do I continue my job search and wait for a better offer?. My current TC is low as I have been stuck wit JPMC for a long time because of GC process. Current TC ~150K (Adjusted to Seattle COL) Thoughts on the Amazon Interview process: I did not like the Amazon interview process for the PM-T role. None of the rounds tested me on product strategy, design, estimation, and product sense - which I feel is some what relevant. I was only talking about the work I did - again and again with different stories. If you have enough subject knowledge, I feel this can be cleared with enough prep. So far, I did 2 rounds with Apple and I felt they tested me more than what amazon did with 5 rounds. I was asked product strategy and case questions which I really enjoyed. They actually made me use my brain and tested my critical thinking. Yes I have less PM experience but I feel Amazon purposefully down leveled me. The position only asked for 3 years of PM experience and one of the interviewer has similar background as me and has been a PM for 3 years. #productmanagement #pm
Do both. Accept & continue your job search
This thought crossed my mind - if I accept and reject Amazon later will they blacklist ?
Why would you care either way?
If the goal is LT transfer consider it. Otherwise, secure a solid next role and then come back to Amazon before you want to transfer
I have time at least 4 years
People out of MBA get hired at l5. I think you should reject it
Yes I read this - I never worked for FAANG so it’s a little tempting.
I made the same mistake. Don’t do it. At least ask for 240
Looks like you're inclined towards Apple. Follow your heart.
Maximize your base and stock. Don’t fall for the sign on bonus unless you want to leave in 2 years
Makes sense, any thoughts on TC for L5 PMT ? Is the recruiter right ?
How long will the Apple final loop rounds take? Are they scheduled within the next week? You could try to negotiate further w/amazon recruiter after the breakdown of your offer comes through, which would drag out the process. That could take up to a week or two— from there, it might take another two weeks to actually get an offer letter (it did for me)
They are scheduled for mid oct. This seems to be the best course for now. Thanks
210 for L5 seems right. L6 pmt band starts at 210 I think. I was a former L5 PM (not pmt) and never got anywhere close to 200. After L6 promo I got 195, so this is definitely not a lowball offer by any means.
I thought this is a low ball offer because I saw another post on Blind - L5 technical program manager had an offer for 220K Seattle. Isn’t product 20% higher ?
No. At Amazon pmt and TPM are similar pay band. And pmt is higher than pm.
Just interview for a different PM role... Sounds like you have the background to get L6.. it is a pain to try to get up levelled after joining... You need all kinds of feedback from peers.. if you can wait another few months, just be patient for right role. It will be well worth the wait..
I did not know this was an option, are you saying I can apply for other L6 positions ? And do the interview again ?
Yes, I can wait till early next year. Won’t the previous hiring committees decision have any weight ?
Recruiter is bluffing and this is a lowball. L5 PMT/TPM can hit $240k without any approvals.
Thanks for replying, yes I heard the same from an other Amazon source. I was told $240K was the ceiling for L5 PM-T
Amazon has no increases for the first 4 years unless you’re promoted and stock stops performing so what ever you sign now is your best bet. I wouldn’t join unless it’s a minimum of 240k.
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You just started. I would see what else is out there.