How to make a case to be at considered at a staff level

Question

I am expecting some news from a company I am interviewing with. They are looking for a Senior II / Staff level position.

I still don't know which level I am considered at, but from the data reported on levels.fyi, there is a pretty big difference in terms of compensation. It's also much less interesting for me if they place me as senior II.

If i'm not considered for staff level, how should I go about changing their minds?

Any questions I should be asking?

Anything else I should do/avoid?

Thanks for the feedback

HankHill · Accepted Answer

Staff is more about scope, soft skills, business alignment, and getting buy-in from stakeholders, and on the technical side architecture, than Senior positions, which are more hands-on-keyboard.

If you've not initiated or driven a significant project or program from the tech side, selling yourself as a Staff level will be difficult.

xou916hhha · Answer

I would avoid getting defensive or sounding entitled. I’d approach it with genuine curiosity and express your commitment to whatever it is Staff level entails. The comp diff is a handcuff. Show them that you’re not interested in going anywhere else and that you want to solve the companies deepest problems.

9yOqyOqn37 · Answer

Easiest thing would be to ask what we’re the requirements for SII versus Staff, especially since they were cross listed.

How to make a case to be at considered at a staff level

About

Software Engineer

Members