What is the difference between performance ratings and promotions at Meta, according to Simon Kindström?

Simon Kindström said ratings at Meta mainly reflect what you achieved, especially impact at early levels, while promotions reflect how you achieved it and whether you already show the behaviours of the next level. That is why he received a Redefines Expectations rating as an IC4 without being promoted: his revenue impact was exceptional, but he was not yet responsible for other engineers' success, which IC5 requires.

• Simon Kindström said Meta promotions are lagging, so you must demonstrate next-level behaviour before the promotion arrives.
• Simon Kindström said a promotion needs at least six months of trailing performance.

▸In their words

“Ratings is more so about what you achieved and promos are more so about how you achieved it.” Simon Kindström · at 4:05 — open in the transcript →

Source: our own transcription of the episode. The full conversation is on Ryan Peterman (2026-10-23). Read the whole episode summary →

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