How to hide your current level when interviewing with fb
I don't want to lie, but I don't think my current level should be relevant for FB to ask. I know that once that information is available to them, it's a strong biasing factor where they'll try to hire at the same level as your current level since they consider Google as their peer company. So it's best for me to not reveal my current level and let their hiring committee determine based on interview performance alone. However, I'm really bad at ducking these questions. The last time I interviewed at FB, the conversation went along these lines: Recruiter: what's your current level at Google? Me: it's not important, I'd rather let the process determine my level based on interview performance Recruiter: your current level is important for us to know so we can get the right interviewers with experience and background similar to yours Me: I think for coding and behavioral interview it's ok if our backgrounds differ. For design interviews, anyone with knowledge of distributed systems and database will be able to relate, regardless of their level. If you insist, I suggest an E7 or higher interviewer will have the relevant experience to assess my design choice. Recruiter: I understand where you're coming from, but our experience tells us that matching someone with the right experience gives better candidate experience and better chances to clear the interview Me: um... Ok, but... Recruiter: Are you currently an L6? Me: (not finding ways you say no again and again) Yes Later, I interviewed, aced the interviews (from what I can tell, at least), but got offer at E6. The recruiter couldn't explain to me why, or where I didn't meet E7 rubrics. It felt the decision for level was made the moment I said yes to the "are you L6" question. I can really use some coaching on how to be persistent in pushing back on answering this question as I'm looking to reinterview in the next few months. Irrelevant, but obligatory footer: TC 800k (235k base, 20% bonus, rest in equity thanks to GOOGđ) YoE 15, L6 swe @ Google
Directly tell them you only consider E7+ offer if thatâs what you want.
If you donât give a level, youâll be leveled at L5, or just be honest if youâre targeting a specific level. âIâm targeting an L7 role given my experience, Iâd like to be considered accordingly.â
You should have said your a L7
Current level is essentially a proxy for current compensation, which is illegal to ask about in many states (but of course the candidate can always volunteer this information). Iâm not sure why recruiters walk the line like this as I feel that it may expose them to significant risk for a pay discrimination lawsuit
that's bs. ranges wildly fluctuate with stock equity.
When you remove stock appreciation (which of course you should do since youâre looking to leave), most pay bands are within a 10-15% range within a locale Not everyone is lucky to have worked at a FB for the last 4+ years ;)
unfortunately google has levels by title. You can say you want to be considered for E7 and see what they say.
Agreed. Setting expectations clearly from the start => not wasting anyoneâs time.
Fake it till you make it. Should have said you performing as an L7 and leave it at that. If asked for clarification, repeat the same, and state that it should be clear based on your answer.
I would assume L6 from that response.
Some L4 also claims they do L7 work indeed.
I usually just let them know straight up that Iâm not going to move for the same level. Schedule the next rounds only if they are slotting you for the next level. Itâs a double edged sword though, even if you clear it you should be prepared to carry that roleâs responsibilities well from the start. If youâre close to promo at G for L7, you should be golden, otherwise the ramp up may feel steep. Good luck! Do well!
The loop that interviews candidates for E5 and E6 is not the same as E7. The E4/E5/E6 loop will never make an E7 recommendation. E6 recommendations themselves are very rare in this loop. The person who is making the level decision in this loop, the behavioral round interviewer is an E6 or M equivalent (M1), so consider that, they canât assess you for E7.
This. They have special recruiters for e7+. If you're not in that channel, you'll never be up leveled. I think expecting to go from L6 at goog to e7 at FB is a stretch anyway.
Maybe itâs a prerequisite or part of the interview process for L7 to beat the recruiter at this game to show off your people handling experience ;)?
Damn you get pwned by a recruiter
I did. And I still don't know how to avoid it next timeđ
Tell them that you are interested in l7 only?