Too much experience outside of FAANG?

May 8, 2021 5 Comments

I have 8 years of UX experience and I currently lead a team of 12 people. I have excellent references, have created curriculum for General Assembly, etc. and been a Lead for a household name brand, as well as Head of UX for an international brand, and founded a start up. I struggle with feeling confident and with understanding what level to apply for. I really want to work with smart, curious people on interesting problems. I’m not sure how to frame my background or what level to apply for at more prestigious companies. UX TC seems all over the map. Im seeing people with 2 years experience making $200k. My current TC is $170k. I would love to find someone who has made the leap to FAANG (or found a happy home at a promising startup) to chat with and get advice from. Any leads very appreciated! I’m happy to give back in anyway I can. Thanks in advance.

5

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
  1. TOP
  2. RECENT
  3. OLD
 TOP 5 Comments
  • New / Design
    rogerhere

    New Design

     rogerhere
    Hi- you are probably a great designer and someone that would excel in a senior or staff role- you should target these. If the interviews go well and the company thinks your experience lacks slightly but are a good fit you will be leveled to a lower tier and likely get a promotion later on down the line. You can negotiate your TC but for L5 (or similar) and up at FAANG type companies, 200k is no problem to attain and you’re likely falling above that easily- salary stock and bonus. Confidence can be a slight hinderance but you should try to overcome that. Have a good portfolio, know your projects, know your strengths and weaknesses- tell some good stories and you’ll likely get offers. You got this!
    May 8, 2021 1
  • Google
    hvbsn

    Go to company page Google

    hvbsn
    As a reference, 8yoe can get you a L4 - L6 job at FANG, pending performance at interview. Most likely you’ll get L5. Pay differs by region, check levels.fyi for benchmarks. If you are in the Bay Area, you’ll get a higher TC than 170k almost for sure (even at L4). Mgmt roles typically start at L5. External mgmt and title are not that relevant; as FANG may view them as “inflated”. Good luck.
    May 8, 2021 1
  • Facebook / Design
    Djwo10

    Go to company page Facebook Design

    PRE
    Microsoft
     Djwo10
    Google is right that 8 YOE is generally L5. However, since you don’t have a previous background in FAANG, I think there’s a higher chance you will get downleveled to L4 unless your interview performance is truly outstanding. That said, even L4 at FAANG should definitely be an improvement in TC
    May 13, 2021 0