AWS L5 - L4 downlevel negotiation

Question

Hi everyone,I recently received a verbal offer from AWS - however I interviewed for L5 (I have 3 YOE) and was down-leveled to L4. I have my first negotiation with the client lead to discuss the offer details tomorrow, and I was curious if there were any general tips for trying to get to top band of the L4 position.It seems like based off of the information here on levels, the L4 position can still land around ~230k (in the top-band) - I want to make sure I can end up here and I'm hoping having 3 YOE can help with thatP.S. -&gt; Should I mention I have on-sites later this week and want to see how those go before verbally accepting anything?Thanks for your help!

19g6yl30tcuz0 · Accepted Answer

I am a former L7 SDM at AWS -- the minimum time to promo from your start date is 1-year. Don't think you'll have a realistic chance to get promoted in 6 months. I was able to relevel someone after 6 months, but that is rare and I had to write justification as to why the interview loop "got it wrong"... I say this so you don't go in thinking you'll get your foot in the door and can quickly get to the level you expect when in reality that's incredibly rare.

Good luck

refer61614 · Answer

I think it's fine for you to mention you have on-sites later this week. Competitive candidates will have them and won't be throwing them away at the first offer.

When they start discussing the offer just say that you appreciate the generous offer, but you won't be able to get back to them until you're done with your other on-sites this week. Don't let them push you to provide a range. It's very reasonable not to know since you're expecting other offers.

Hopefully you nail the other on-sites and can use them as leverage. Levels also has a negotiation service that people seem to like. If you use it, let us know how it went.

v10001n · Answer

Keep the number private and if they are adamant about L4, ask about the promotion process. Is the l4 just a probation?

19g615l3eolwdq · Answer

You are realistically L4 given the 3 YOE and the interview performance shows

19g616l0sc18nw · Answer

I've never worked at Amazon, but if I go to the salary data and search SDE I (aka L4) with at least 3 years of experience, I get pages and pages of results, so being leveled that way doesn't seem too surprising/terrible.

AWS L5 -> L4 downlevel negotiation

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