I am at L5 and want to get L6 ASAP (as if no one else wants a promo 🤣). However, I know I don’t have a shot this year but may have one next year. Should I still apply for promo this year? I’ve heard that rarely anyone gets promoted first time they apply, so would applying this time tick the box for next time that I’m not a first timer applicant? TC: 300k (non tech)
You should apply when you have something like a 20-30% chance. There's no rule saying you have to do it more than once. However, it is true that most people get rejected on their first try. There are two reasons for this: 1) strategy/game theory: if people generally apply when they have a 20-30% chance, it stands to reason 70-80% will get rejected at least once. 2) the process is so unique to everything you've ever done, odds are you will need some feedback on what the committee sees as gaps in your packet. This is unique to you, so no amount of reading "canonical packets" can help. Now why shouldn't you apply when you have less odds than that? 1) your own mental health / stress / time. Realistically for a strong packet, you're looking at 70% of your time being spent for a month. 2) personal capital - 2-3 perf clinics, getting your packet reviewed by the village elders in your org (both for their feedback, but also to stroke their egos), asking 4-5 people for full feedback, asking your manager and management chain, etc... 3) if you have a string of rejections, that can work against you. I've been told that it's after 3-4 consecutive rejections that the committees start getting annoyed. Based on what you've said, I think you should do your "reach" packet in 6 months, with a realistic goal of 12 months. The best person to judge your chances is your manager (and even they're not a very good judge).
Thank you, this is helpful!
Great insight. Thanks for sharing! what is the scope of a L5 and L6 PM? I am not sure if I should join as L5 or try hard to join as L6 PM at Google.
It doesn't work that way. You really should talk to your manager, not blind.
My manager is relatively new.
Ah yes, this is exactly why I bring a bomb to the plane, because what are the chances two people will bring a bomb on the plane?
I don’t want a promo. L5 is all the responsibility I need thanks