Notes on Interviewing and Leveling Systems

Introduction

• Discussion on the disparity in leveling systems across companies.
• Concern about being offered a lower level despite potential and skills.
• Importance of joining at the correct level instead of fighting for promotions later.

Speaker Background

• Principal engineer at Meta.
• 15 years of experience at Amazon, conducted over 800 technical interviews.
• Role as a bar raiser and mentor for interviewing processes.

Reasons for Down Leveling

• Companies fill specific needs, hiring at too high a level can have negative long-term effects.
• Can lead to uncomfortable outcomes (e.g., terminations).
• Down leveling is a strategy to mitigate hiring risks.

Understanding Levels

• Levels are relative; companies may assess candidates differently.
• It’s crucial to remain realistic and open to the possibility of being correctly leveled.
• Tools for assessing levels:
  • Levels.fyi
  • Glassdoor

Research Caution

• Be wary of anecdotal evidence on platforms like Blind.
• Ensure self-honesty about your level and qualifications.

Interview Structure and Importance

• Interviews typically have functional and behavioral components.
• Strong performance in both is essential to avoid down leveling.
• Behavioral interviews are particularly crucial; they showcase candidate fit for company needs.

Storytelling During Interviews

• Focus on demonstrating capabilities rather than telling how good one is.
• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) with caution.
• Consider alternative storytelling structures (e.g., U-shape story) to convey struggles and successes effectively.

Crafting Effective Stories

• Start with your responsibilities and context from the job description.
• Layer in challenges and obstacles to create depth.
• The magnitude of the challenge should match the level being targeted.

Common Pitfalls

• Avoid overembellishing or fabricating stories.
• Maintain authenticity and avoid creating unrealistic scenarios.
• Be cautious about describing others negatively; keep it professional.

Conclusion

• Levels are relative; map experiences to target company expectations.
• Focus on effective storytelling that demonstrates real challenges and positive outcomes.
• Authenticity is key; avoid lying about experiences.
• Emphasize personal growth and capability instead of exaggerating achievements.