Don't Get Down-Leveled or How to Tell a Good Story (From a Principal at Amazon)

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 พ.ค. 2024
  • Why does down-leveling happen? How can you avoid it and get the salary you deserve instead of battling for a promotion and raise later? Learn how to tell the right story and you just may re-engineer your career.
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  • วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี

ความคิดเห็น • 342

  • @trentconley4374
    @trentconley4374 2 ปีที่แล้ว +403

    dude this channel is so underrated; I'm so glad I found this. All of the advice feels so intuitive, genuine, and logical, something that's hard to find. Thanks for making these Meta.

    • @labyrinth242
      @labyrinth242 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      the channel got down-leveled

    • @jamalsheriff1928
      @jamalsheriff1928 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      no its not underrated, he ownly upload like 1 video every 5 months and getting more views than the amounth of subs he has

    • @renderwood
      @renderwood ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I think TH-cam recommended this to me because I watched few Joma Techs - this isn't maybe equally funny but contains more useful information. I did notice some attempts of comedy here =) US tech life seems to differ quite a bit from Europe, but I still enjoy this content!

    • @JK360noscope
      @JK360noscope ปีที่แล้ว

      @@labyrinth242 This is the kind of quality jokes I would expect from the audience.
      *slow clap*

  • @BbB-vr9uh
    @BbB-vr9uh 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Definitely speaking to your audience with “use star as a linter” at 6:05

  • @duncan94065
    @duncan94065 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I just successfully passed my L6 loop and I used your videos, especially this one, to prepare. Thanks!!

  • @danielliebster3532
    @danielliebster3532 ปีที่แล้ว +73

    I wish I had seen these 20 years ago :) Thank you for crystallizing concepts that had been nebulous in my mind so succinctly and practically.

  • @travis1240
    @travis1240 2 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    When negotiating, don't ever listen if they say they'll consider a promotion after a few months or a year. When that timeframe rolls around they will say "but you've only been here .... "

    • @pedromarques9267
      @pedromarques9267 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I asked them to write in the contract that they give me a better contract in a year. If it's not written, they won't do it

  • @botenjohn1752
    @botenjohn1752 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Wow, lower quality script / video than yours charge like $1000. You are a saint for doing this man. Thank you so much

  • @jackgiunta5715
    @jackgiunta5715 2 ปีที่แล้ว +71

    Ex-Amazon SDE2 here, really appreciate you making these videos. Love the stress on the importance of story telling. As an interviewer I can second how much it matters

  • @muhamadmarifatalhanif8345
    @muhamadmarifatalhanif8345 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Had my first entry-level job interview as a junior dev at a local company in my city, and you've been my guide in understanding what helped me secure the job. It led me to the point where my interviewer and I were negotiating my salary. Thanks a lot uncle Steve😆!

  • @thegt
    @thegt 2 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    Finally, after so many months

  • @tr9429
    @tr9429 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Thank you so much for doing these! I'd love to hear more advice on staff and principal engineering. I find this level to be especially challenging as there is a huge shift towards "leadership without authority", operating without a team, and having much harder time defining your own success.

  • @thorsanvil
    @thorsanvil 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Thanks for the vids! Helped cool my nerves down for the interview. Your realistic approach and sensible arguments really helps keep me/the viewer level headed in our approaches. Got the amazon job, if I ever see you, I owe you a beer!

  • @ishab745
    @ishab745 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Missed you! So happy to see a great new video!✨

  • @FaustoGBG
    @FaustoGBG 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I really appreciate your videos, please keep them coming! There's not enough out there for us more senior engineers.

  • @arvindkumar062
    @arvindkumar062 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great advice. Truly appreciate the effort you have put in to simulate a real interview question. Delivered beautifully.

  • @iulo
    @iulo ปีที่แล้ว +2

    man, this is pure gold.

  • @yanlang6268
    @yanlang6268 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Meta, super grateful I saw this great video while doing interview prep! I literally followed your U story approach! Thank you so much and hope you create more contents on SDE career path!

  • @tarmus6908
    @tarmus6908 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This, is, amazing. This channel needs more subs.

  • @poison99x
    @poison99x 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've waited 9 months to see your next video... and it did not disappoint!

  • @jaehoonlee1
    @jaehoonlee1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for sharing and coming back! Appreciate and learning a lot from your video.

  • @theophanerupin228
    @theophanerupin228 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is by far the most helpful tips about how to nail a behavioral interview I’ve gotten so far. Very well done!

  • @kjkang11
    @kjkang11 2 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    I have only briefly met you once after a meeting some time ago when I was at Amazon. Wish I actually had someone like you around to learn from.
    It is really hard to come by a genuinely good advice in a sea of really bad voices out there. I am so surprised TH-cam actually recommended me to a right person.
    I respect that you prioritize your family and your own life, and when you do get a chance I look forward to your next video.

  • @ItsOkToDaance
    @ItsOkToDaance 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Such an amazing video, as someone currently going through interview processes it's very useful ! I've never heard of the U-shape storytelling framework before, and I love the authenticity of your explanations - Thank you

  • @aravindsarma
    @aravindsarma ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Each word in this video is an actual gem and I've to watch again and again to internalize all of it. Thanks for taking time to come up with the script.

  • @Sefran12
    @Sefran12 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Probably the best channel for those of us who are trying to go from middle to senior and then some more. Thanks!

  • @salmancloud
    @salmancloud 2 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    OMG... this is your third video that I just watched. I have done a lot of prep for my AWS interview already, but, I feel like you are going to help me put an amazing polish on my answers. I have prepped over 30 stories from my experiences already, but, now after watching your videos, I realize that I seriously need to up-level many of them. Also the U method is brilliant. More examples of the U method would be really awesome. THANK YOU! - AMAZING CONTENT!

  • @Aya-ms6lv
    @Aya-ms6lv 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Welcome back! Great video as usual

  • @bfayer
    @bfayer 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Great point about focusing on villains, similarly- when people decide to spend time describing things they hate it's pretty easy to read into that as a toxic personality trait.

  • @AmanJakkani
    @AmanJakkani 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    my friend showed me this channel, severely underrated advice! thanks so much, i really learned a lot

  • @indrajeetnikam5301
    @indrajeetnikam5301 ปีที่แล้ว

    This content is a gold mine ❤

  • @junkyardmonkie
    @junkyardmonkie 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Glad you made another video. It had been a while since the last one.

  • @nullx2368
    @nullx2368 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I was surprised of how much your advise aligns with how I go about the interview process. Learning, Understanding situation and adapting to the vision/needs of a team is how I prepare for an interview.
    If in the interview I get a lot of "random" tech questions that don't relate to the project, It feels like they are doing a terrible job and funny enough even if you do bad aslong you show confidence in solving their actual problems they will still consider you.

  • @bklynkid8890
    @bklynkid8890 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Meta, this is seriously one of the best pieces of advice I have ever heard. I often struggled with answering “Tell me a time where X”. I recently used this video’s lessons with amazing success in my last interview loop which landed me a new job. Thanks and well done on the amazing advice and video!

  • @karthikreddy4083
    @karthikreddy4083 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is one of the most helpful videos I’ve seen on this subject, thanks for uploading!

  • @davidsun9026
    @davidsun9026 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your video showed up in my TH-cam recommendations. I'm not even a developer, but this is great advice/insight. Thank you for sharing

  • @mazenkenjrawi158
    @mazenkenjrawi158 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Amazing! especially the last point!

  • @cocoarecords
    @cocoarecords 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    You are a really great speaker tbh. Enjoyed the no bs video

  • @pablomotta___
    @pablomotta___ ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for your time and generosity in sharing such valuable information!

  • @videosforketan
    @videosforketan ปีที่แล้ว

    For searching over months I reached to the content that helps find the missing pieces of next level. It tells not only what I have to prepare but how also.
    Thank you so much for posting the insightful content.

  • @lokesh00xx
    @lokesh00xx ปีที่แล้ว

    You really have a unique way of narrating stories! It was really helpful. Thank you!

  • @stevefaulkner183
    @stevefaulkner183 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you. Even after years as a Staff engineer, this was very helpful to me

  • @sagarjoglekar
    @sagarjoglekar ปีที่แล้ว

    I think this was the best video I have ever seen dissecting behavioural questions for tech roles. I learn't a lot! I am super grateful you made this video!!

  • @MagicFrisby
    @MagicFrisby 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video, editing, story telling. Great work, keep it up

  • @KevinNaughtonJr
    @KevinNaughtonJr ปีที่แล้ว

    really awesome video Meta! Thanks for sharing!

  • @bombaybhai
    @bombaybhai ปีที่แล้ว

    This is smart , relevant and without any fluff advice. Kudos for the great video!!

  • @skyisblue3847
    @skyisblue3847 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for taking your time to create this valuable video

  • @danjuarez79
    @danjuarez79 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Your "stories" have taught me a bit about how I should tell mine and I thank you for that.

  • @m00semanus
    @m00semanus ปีที่แล้ว

    Genuinely impressed with this video. No bullshit content. Straight to the point and a thoughtful response. And the answers are better than the $700 interview prep course I took. Thank you thank you thank you.

  • @davidde7620
    @davidde7620 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I have often thought that the popular STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method of narrating a story didn't have the same impact I was going for when I would talk about something I have done or accomplished.
    Thanks, A Life Engineered for this great advice. Building a story with the U-Story method and then framing it in the STAR method makes much more sense.

  • @Buchan178
    @Buchan178 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks a lot Meta … this was so true and I try to give a solution while story telling. But as you said “life is too messy” now I am not trying to provide a perfect solution and my Staff level interviews are going great.

  • @snehabandekar9934
    @snehabandekar9934 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for creating this video. This video offered genuine advice that I knew but I guess did not stitch it together. Listening from your experiences helped

  • @pkr619
    @pkr619 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Probably the most underrated dev focused channel on youtube, each video is a gold mine.

  • @nigamshahmusic
    @nigamshahmusic ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Thanks for this video (and the others). I am back to interview prep after getting laid off recently from Meta (aka FB). After 4 years as a senior eng at a big tech company, everything you are saying makes sense... But it is still hard to look at one's own experience with an objective POV, and tell the story in a concise way. My last time around, I prepared all my stories using the STAR method, and I find that I spend too much time telling the facts, and not enough telling the substance -- which is why I am telling this story in the first place. I will try thinking about it with the "U" shape. Thanks!

  • @user-ci4it4yp9v
    @user-ci4it4yp9v ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm preparing for an Amazon interview and found this video is very useful to me. Thank you!

  • @LongForgottenOne
    @LongForgottenOne 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Next week I have an Amazon interview, your videos have been so insightful, thank you very much.

  • @yankunbigcat7925
    @yankunbigcat7925 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for sharing! This video is so good. Examples are great, and the summary part is extremely helpful.

  • @assadullahshaikh2625
    @assadullahshaikh2625 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You're the G.O.A.T. I feel so unlucky to have found your channel so late. But equally lucky that I found your channel at the time I needed it the most.

  • @xingyanglan6836
    @xingyanglan6836 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is phenomenal content. I might not be the intended target audience but your presentation of advice teaches me things that I feel like I can start applying.

  • @EngMohamedRamadan
    @EngMohamedRamadan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm happy that you are back to make videos again. Your videos are great and had many useful information. I understand that you still don't have a lot of subscribers because it still don't have many videos yet.

  • @rriicckkyyss
    @rriicckkyyss 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This video is really really great advice! Thanks for sharing!

  • @AngelAlvarado57
    @AngelAlvarado57 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you Meta for sharing.

  • @BrianMendoza93
    @BrianMendoza93 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for your advices! The video catches you in an instant!

  • @TamNguyen-eg3pq
    @TamNguyen-eg3pq ปีที่แล้ว

    This is really great stuff. Thanks for sharing!!!

  • @utprem
    @utprem ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I accepted the Down-Leveled position for my family and location reasons. Believe me it sucks and is frustrating. Thanks for sharing such details useful for others

  • @offBeatRock777
    @offBeatRock777 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This channel is a treasure trove

  • @vvolfbelorven7084
    @vvolfbelorven7084 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I was told at the firm to develop “story telling skills” so I watched this video with purpose
    Thanks for the tips!

  • @yoloswaggins2161
    @yoloswaggins2161 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like the way this guy thinks and presents.

  • @ehdyn
    @ehdyn 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    To anyone that comes across this.. it's actually worth your time and attention. Saving this one..

  • @Neonb88
    @Neonb88 ปีที่แล้ว

    So so so valuable and practical, all coming from real life experience. Even when we compare you to some of the other best Tech TH-camrs like TechLead, Tina Huang, etc. your advice is so practical, goal-oriented.
    If you started a Patreon or something like that, I'm sure some folks would pay you just from the benefit they got from these videos
    I also liked the cute bit at the end about narratives and struggling with the complexities of life, being trapped in your own perspective, etc. It was nice to know someone else also thinks about these things, but still has optimism and enjoys a great story.

  • @thomasfgooch
    @thomasfgooch ปีที่แล้ว

    Super appreciative of this video! Thanks so much!

  • @djetton1
    @djetton1 ปีที่แล้ว

    Such a golden channel!

  • @jessiz-
    @jessiz- 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks, this is really helpful! Also liked how you gave a couple of lengthy and realistic example responses. I'm trying to think about how to format my responses for upcoming interviews, and a "u-shaped" story does sound compelling - I'll keep that in mind

  • @pedronascimento3491
    @pedronascimento3491 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Dude Really Thanks!!! Each video blows up my mind

  • @anshumansingh9184
    @anshumansingh9184 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Welcome back ❤️

  • @f.u.spammers3846
    @f.u.spammers3846 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Love your videos. Would be fascinated to hear you discuss the various angles of what happened in my last job. The "protected bully" at the office. This is someone who, for whatever reason, has the backing of their manager and maybe even higher. Their position is secure. From their catbird seat, they spot you. You are just trying to do your work, but for whatever reason you trigger their hunting instincts. They go about undermining you, turning people against you, making your work difficult, gaslighting you, etc. My share of the blame would be not reacting well to the abuse, resisting them, and calling them out, but even going the traditional accepted chats with our boss or with HR doesn't work because their interest is to retain the status quo. I would agree this should have been my cue to hit the eject button immediately, however I don't want to be quitting every job where this happens. I ask you because in your videos you seem real and genuine.

  • @davidkezi6086
    @davidkezi6086 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Loved the content, loved the presentation.

  • @hungchau
    @hungchau 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Gold right here. Thanks Meta.

  • @dmitry1589
    @dmitry1589 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video with awesome examples! Packed with golden nuggets. I am interviewing and figuring out how to present my experience in a way that it represents my skills properly. This video is better than whole course on leadership I took on one of the learning platforms.

  • @ssjcosty
    @ssjcosty ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very useful, thanks! I have been downleveled and downright rejected after a few interviews, but there the problem wasn't that I didn't have the skills or the experience, it was that I hadn't really prepared for the interviews (with practised answers etc.).

  • @bhargavreddy6140
    @bhargavreddy6140 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I always look forward to your insights ,unique

  • @bronsonschnitzel7493
    @bronsonschnitzel7493 2 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Ran into this scenario at Amazon. I got hired in a level lower than I should have because of the behavioral portion. My experience well exceeded the level they gave me. I ended up leaving because the promotional path was more political than I cared to deal with and the work I was given was insanely menial with little to no growth.
    Left to go to a company with the level I should have been.

    • @laughingvampire7555
      @laughingvampire7555 6 วันที่ผ่านมา

      yes, these interviewers make too much excuses about why the interview process sucks so bad.

  • @adaeinthelife
    @adaeinthelife 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another hit. Thanks!

  • @frankhu5418
    @frankhu5418 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome. Love the concept of the u story and the lint with star.

  • @Stella-se1lg
    @Stella-se1lg 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Wow! That’s GREAT😊 I love your content❤

  • @SketchbookStudioo
    @SketchbookStudioo 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    extremely valuable insights here my friend

  • @quirkyquester
    @quirkyquester ปีที่แล้ว

    amazing video, thank you so much bro! One of the best video!

  • @patrickdee7365
    @patrickdee7365 ปีที่แล้ว

    Extremely valuable channel, very glad I got here

  • @TonInter
    @TonInter 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video and advice, thank you for sharing.

  • @miralirazakhan314
    @miralirazakhan314 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    this is GOLD

  • @MoizAli-eh9gv
    @MoizAli-eh9gv 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Really Helpful.

  • @sti302man
    @sti302man 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Boy oooh boy!! This was great .

  • @sirajali3815
    @sirajali3815 ปีที่แล้ว

    You have great advice. Thank you!

  • @lurnt5763
    @lurnt5763 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This should be retitled "how to master the behavioral interview." What incredible advice

  • @derrickagyemang1259
    @derrickagyemang1259 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great content. Thanks for sharing

  • @augustineumeagudosi5540
    @augustineumeagudosi5540 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much for this insight

  • @KoberTheObserver
    @KoberTheObserver หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Amazing video! I had some experiences where I can tell a story similar to the example in the video. It is kinda hard to tell a story like that when you are in a interview, specially if you are nervous. However with this video I find it easy to tell a good story with my experience.

  • @subbunat4273
    @subbunat4273 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is great advice, thanks

  • @jezzikah01
    @jezzikah01 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Amazing advice. Thank you

  • @TheodoreRavindranath
    @TheodoreRavindranath ปีที่แล้ว

    Amazing.. real eye opener!

  • @beepbong
    @beepbong ปีที่แล้ว

    Great channel, love the humor

  • @sompamalakar
    @sompamalakar ปีที่แล้ว

    This is very helpful. Thank you