Context
I did a few interviews in the last months for some software engineer, and in the end it came down to 2 companies: Google (started loop as L4 but got downleveled to L3) & DoorDash (L4). I'm L3 at another tech company (smaller than these), already scheduled for promotion for L4 as I've been performing accordingly for some time. Per my understanding, levels (L3/L4/L5 or E3/E4/E5) are similar between these companies.
I have around ~4 YoE now and graduated 2 years ago, though only 1.5 YoE on larger projects at US companies (i.e. roles that I suppose would be closer to a FAANG environment), as I worked on smaller local products and consultancies before. This is my first time actually preparing for this format of interviews, so I'm kind of glad that I at least passed L3 for Google.
Offers
DoorDash already extended an offer and Google said that HC approved for L3, but still have to go through team matching. DD's offer has significantly more TC (like >30%).
Doubts
I really wanted to join Google at first since I have tons of friends and family working there, but at L3, seems that I would be taking a step back just for the sake of being able to say that I worked at Google, so I'm actually biased towards going to DoorDash, here's my rationale:
What flaws can you find in my train of thought? I find this very confusing to take a decision, seems that it is a common situation as I searched for it a lot and everyone seems to call FAANG in general as "kings of down-leveling".
In general, it's good to take a down-level to go to FAANG or a FAANG-adjacent company:
That being said, you are in an amazing position as DoorDash is definitely a FAANG-level company and you got leveled properly at L4 (4 YOE definitely shouldn't be leveled at L3). To me, this is a no-brainer - Just take the DoorDash offer!
I have seen so many engineers go crazy about working for Google due to its historical clout, but it's not worth the downlevel if you have a competing offer like DoorDash and Google frankly isn't the innovative company it used to be (it's still great to work there though, just not the absolute best).
If you haven't already, try to negotiate the offers up. Just say you have a competing Google offer (the Google name will strike fear into the hearts of any negotiating company, haha), and don't reveal the level obviously. Here's our negotiation course: [Course] The Insider's Guide To Negotiating Your Tech Salary And Compensation
Congrats on the offers!
Hi Alex, thank you for the detailed explanation!
I'm leaning towards DoorDash as well, here's my rationale, in case someone ends up in a similar situation (already following the onboarding course 😂):
On these two points you mentioned for usual cases downleveling being a good idea, I can see how my case would be an exception:
Besides that:
On an alternate reality where Google's TC was higher, then I would consider it over DD, personally.
Eager to finish other courses to accelerate my tenure at DD, then!
fwiw, 4 YOE = definite L4. If you only had 1-2 YOE, then taking an L3 downlevel could make sense, but certainly not at 4 YOE. I'm making a L3 -> L4 course soon where I'll outline the differences between the 2 levels in great detail.
L4 is also a level where even if you aren't acting at that level, you can feasibly catch up to it within 3 months, at most 6 (and with Taro, this becomes even easier). L5+ is when things get dicey - If you join as L5 for example but are operating at L4 or even L4 Exceeds Expectations, catching up within 6 months will be very hard.
Lastly, it's so Google of Google to downlevel you to L3 with 4 YOE. They did the same thing to Rahul. Classic Google being the absolute 🤴 of downleveling...
I would pick DoorDash: it's of the same caliber as other FAANG jobs, but the higher level (mid-level instead of entry-level) makes it the winner.
If you already have a big name brand on your resume (e.g., a top university or a large company), this becomes an even easier choice! Since Google won't have too much marginal value on top of your existing background.
Thanks for your response Rahul!
I don't have such a big name brand on my resume yet, definitely some good tech brands, and I suppose DoorDash would be a good addition to it, maybe not as top tier, but perhaps close?
DoorDash is 100% comparable to FAANG level prestige imo
I think DoorDash is better than Google actually as you'll have more scope there. Actual FAANG is almost completely exhausted of meaningful scope. When you hire 100,000+ amazing engineers, they're going to run through your impactful problem pool pretty fast...
Wow Alex, that is exactly what my friend that referred me for this interview process at Google said. Spot on.