Is Google recruiter trying to low-ball me?
Context
I have a potential offer from Google. The job description mentions the following
"The US base salary range for this full-time position is $221,000-$314,000 + bonus + equity + benefits"
I was under the impression that this will be an L5/L6 role. The recruiter didn't really give that information away in the phone-screen. However, just before the team-match call (happens after the onsite), the recruiter told me that the HM had hinted them that this will most likely be an L4 role. During the team-match call, I made sure I demonstrated L5 signals when they asked me about my current job and past experience. The HM even told me that they really see me succeeding on the role and I should hear back from the recruiter shortly on the next steps.
My Question
I am preparing for negotiating with the recruiter. Is this a common low-balling tactic by Google recruiters? Otherwise why is there a mismatch between what is mentioned in the job posting and what they are saying?
![Entry-Level Software Engineer [L3] at Google company logo](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffirebasestorage.googleapis.com%2Fv0%2Fb%2Ftech-career-growth.appspot.com%2Fo%2Fcompany_logos%252Fgoogle.jpeg%3Falt%3Dmedia%26token%3D780356ef-3efc-4728-9eb4-d909b75bb4a6&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
![Entry-Level Software Engineer [L3] at Google company logo](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffirebasestorage.googleapis.com%2Fv0%2Fb%2Ftech-career-growth.appspot.com%2Fo%2Fcompany_logos%252Fgoogle_logo.png%3Falt%3Dmedia%26token%3Dded981a0-71c9-42a4-a03e-a2299a0a11b8&w=48&q=75){kind=logo}
Discussion
(4 comments)- 12 months agoTech Lead/Manager at Meta, Pinterest, Kosei
Google is notorious for down-leveling people. I would wait to hear the offer and ask about comp + level.
If you're not happy with it, you can use the fact that you were a Meta E5 (equivalent to Google L5) as a strong negotiation tactic. Google can move a lot on the equity component of their package, so I'd make a strong ask there. (I share a full example in this YouTube video)
- 0
2 months agoTech Lead @ Robinhood, Meta, Course HeroWas the job posting specifically for a senior role? If not, then this makes sense.
Unfortunately Google is the undisputed king of downleveling, especially if you have never worked for FAANG before at an equivalent level (this is why I specifically call them out in my job searching course). Even if you have, you can still get downleveled. They will only budge if you have a competing offer or work at a competitor like Meta as an E5.
If you are going to try negotiating hard, be prepared to walk away. In this market, there's no shortage of candidates that are willing to take a mediocre offer from Google. Google is still Google at the end of the day, and I personally think the stock is undervalued.
- 1
2 months agoSenior Software Engineer [OP]UnemployedThanks for the quick reply. The posting does not mention Senior (although engineering, it is not a Software Engineering role). In their internal job board there are two listings with the same title (one for L4 and the other for L5). I was an E5 at Meta and have competing offers from TikTok and Amazon. I am attracted to the stock too. So my plan is to try for E5 and if that fails, ask for the highest stock option listed in levels.fyi for the same level and location.
- 02 months agoTech Lead @ Robinhood, Meta, Course Hero
Oh wow, this is a very egregious downlevel then. Definitely mention all the things you just shared here:
- You were Meta E5
- You have TikTok and Amazon offers (both Tier 1 Big Tech companies)
Given this, I think you have a good shot of getting an L5 offer. And if you don't, take TikTok or Amazon (assuming they are senior offers). Don't let Google insult you this badly - It's not a company anymore where it's worth getting downleveled (that era passed like 10 years ago).
