Uplevel after interviewing?

Jan 4, 2020 10 Comments

how often / easy is it for one to be an e4 at a company (eg Facebook e4) switch jobs and become an L5 at another company (eg netflix L5)

10

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
  1. TOP
  2. RECENT
  3. OLD
 TOP 10 Comments
  • Google
    Bagbug

    Go to company page Google

    Bagbug
    Tip: tell the recruiter that you are interviewing because you feel under leveled and you are looking for L5 role
    Jan 4, 2020 1
  • Uber
    +1RndmUN

    Go to company page Uber

    +1RndmUN
    I interview for a different set of skills when considering L5/6 roles vs. L3/4 roles. I might pick up on it mid interview, but the candidate is still at a disadvantage for the higher level if I donโ€™t start that way. IME most people that think theyโ€™re on the L4/5 border are moderate to top L4, but if you think you are L5 then let the recruiter know up front.
    Jan 4, 2020 3
    • New / Eng
      LxxC41

      New Eng

       LxxC41
      Is L5 the first senior level in these companies?
      Jan 4, 2020
    • Uber
      +1RndmUN

      Go to company page Uber

      +1RndmUN
      At L3 I expect someone easy to work with, eager to learn, and holding good founding principles in whatever narrow portion of their field they have experienced. Ie a bright kid straight out of school. Iโ€™ll expect an L3 to be able to do a specific task as assigned, but anticipate theyโ€™ll check in frequently. To make a car analogy you need to be able to fill the fuel tank, get the oil changed, replace the headlights, etc.
      L4 I want a bit more depth. They should be faster, and be able to do a task that requires a bit of external research. I want you to โ€œmaintain the vehicleโ€. You should be able to keep the fuel tank filled without me checking it (although Iโ€™ll still spot check), handle other items like tires, alternator, etc, and change a flat on the side of the road without me teaching you how.
      By L5 I expect you to be able to lead and mentor the L3/4 engs. You should be the best in the group at something, and either be very broad, or well on your way to some sort of specialty. I want you to bring tasks to me, and expect you to understand the system well, not just your components. Going back to cars I expect you to be able to develop the maintenance plan from scratch, know if the current one is incorrect without me asking you to look at it, be thinking about if I even own the right car, and know how your changes to the car impact my household budget and planning even though you donโ€™t understand every aspect of my kidโ€™s weekend activities. At this point Iโ€™m not going to ask you in detail how and when to fill the gas tank like I would a green L3. I expect you could do it if pressed to, but I wonโ€™t waste interview time on the details unless I think you have a gap in understanding, and I wonโ€™t expect it to be as fresh on your mind. People should be seeking you out as much as you seek out others.
      By L6 you should be at least the local expert in a field or sub field, not just a specific topic, as well as expanding on the L5 attributes. You should be able to design the car, as well as critique othersโ€™ cars.
      By L7 as an IC I want to ask you for a car, and have you return with an airplane or an F1 car. IE, the best of something, or the completely different thing I didnโ€™t dream of, but was actually what best solves the problem.
      Jan 4, 2020
  • Uber / Eng
    ๐Ÿ’โ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ’ธ

    Go to company page Uber Eng

     ๐Ÿ’โ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ’ธ
    Relatively easy if youโ€™ve got the YOE and can interview. Even easier if youโ€™re prepared to lie about your previous level
    Jan 4, 2020 2
  • Have a great time at the first place in my opinion. Your skill set is valuable to all
    Jan 4, 2020 0