Reddit Experience · Feb 2026

Google: L4 instead of L5. Currently going to 64 in msft

427 upvotes 63 replies

Interview Experience

I interview for L5 SRE-SE: I know 100% that: - coding challenge above level - Linux internal above level -

system design L4 (I didn't express myself as I should have, and I started the interview fro

Full Details

I interview for L5 SRE-SE: I know 100% that: - coding challenge above level - Linux internal above level -

system design L4 (I didn't express myself as I should have, and I started the interview from the wrong direction. ACK) Unknown feedback, but good feelings: - troubleshooting (1 question only, 15 Min left for asking question) - bahavioral (I think went well, telling the answers to copilot I did well). Context: 8y experience in working industry. Working in MSFT, going to L64 in 1 month. I work with the responsibilities of L64 since > 1 year. Got promoted 2 times in 3 years. I work mainly cross team, and I do exactly what an L4 should do. I'm not going to invest time in the future. Proposal from Google

HR "Your are closer to L4, would you like to proceed?" I've a meeting in following days to learn about the feedback more in depth. Question: Challenge the L4 proposal, in MSFT I'm having visibility. Work is not amazing, but I can be successful on this band.

About This Question

This is a candidate experience report from a google interview for a sre role (mid level) during the take home round reported in 2026.

It covers the following topics: System Design .