Surface level, that sounds like something that could be causing problems for you. People look at your resume and it says senior. Why would they hire you for principal or director? Even a +1 level (Lead?) would need strong justification. Even if you get the interview you need to show that you have done and are capable of doing X level work, which you probably don't have if you are a senior at your current job. Not sure where you are now, but if you are at a smaller tech company applying at FAANG companies, you would be a lot more likely to be downleveled than upleveled. Senior at a small company is likely not equal to a senior at a big company.

Also, network and get referrals. You pretty much skip the line with a referral and if the person referring you has a good rep at the company that will automatically give you more trust and benefit of the doubt.

I'd focus more on the company and opportunities it would give you and less on trying to level up. Sounds like you primarily are just wanting a fresh start somewhere else which I totally get.

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