Scared. “Failed” as mid level FAANG eng now have offers at senior level

Question

I’m very scared right now. I was labeled underperforming as a mid level at a FAANG and was on my way to being PIPped but shortly thereafter was part of one of the mass layoffs that happened.

Now after a LONG time of interview preparation I have secured an offer as a senior engineer at another FAANG

I realize maybe I shouldn’t have gone for senior level positions but they were the ones with the most headcount so I was advised to do so based on my years of experience. I was never asked my level at the previous company

Now the company I’m going to doesn’t know I was underperforming as a mid level and yet I’m going to have to meet expectations as a senior.

The silver lining is that my interview performance was amazing so at least they trust that I pass that bar even if I don’t

I plan on following advice to be the “code machine” but I don’t know if I have it in me to actually perform as a senior, both code wise and also the expectation to provide some level of mentorship to junior engineers

Sorry for the very long post but any advice?

Alex Chiou · Accepted Answer

Congrats on the offer... I think? Regardless, getting a senior FAANG offer is quite impressive - You should be proud!

Do you mind revealing the FAANG companies, at least the one you're going to? That will sharpen my response a lot. FAANG isn't a monolith, and their cultures (especially PIP culture) are very different.

Tactically, I highly recommend going through the mid-level to senior course to understand how to make it at FAANG senior: [Course] Grow From Mid-Level To Senior Engineer: L4 To L5

Here's another relevant thread: "When should I down level myself on purpose at a new company?"

Scared. “Failed” as mid level FAANG eng now have offers at senior level

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