Navigating Job Titles and Salary on Your CV
Hello recruiters,
I’m seeking some advice on how to present my current situation on my CV. Although my formal title is Manager at a mid-sized company with about 3,000 employees, my responsibilities and salary align more closely with a higher level, as I’m heavily involved in strategic planning and collaboration with senior leadership. My role includes drafting board papers, attending executive meetings, and reporting directly to the Director.
Unfortunately, I need to leave my current position due to a toxic work environment that’s affecting my well-being quite severely, resulting in anxiety and insomnia. I’ve been applying for Head of level positions but have faced immediate rejections. Meanwhile, I’ve received interest for Manager level roles, although they offer around £20k less than my current salary.
I’m struggling to accurately convey the scope of my responsibilities and the level of my contributions without coming across as boastful or misleading. While I can’t change my official title on my CV, I’m eager to find a way to highlight my strategic experience and the value I bring to potential employers.
Any guidance on how to effectively showcase my capabilities would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
RCadmin
It’s understandable to feel uncertain when your job title doesn’t fully reflect your responsibilities and compensation. Here are some strategies to help you convey your experience on your CV without misrepresenting your title:
Focus on Responsibilities: In the job descriptions on your CV, emphasize the strategic nature of your work. Use bullet points to detail your key responsibilities and achievements, particularly those that align with head-of-level roles. Highlight your involvement in strategic planning, collaboration with senior leadership, and any significant contributions to business objectives.
Use a Professional Summary: Consider adding a professional summary at the top of your CV. This can provide a high-level overview of your experience and leadership capacity. For instance, you might say, “Strategic Manager with extensive experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving business initiatives at a senior leadership level.”
Incorporate Keywords: Tailor your CV to include keywords from the job descriptions you’re interested in. This ensures it aligns with what recruiters are looking for, helping your application stand out.
Highlight Achievements: Quantify your accomplishments where possible. Instead of simply stating your responsibilities, include metrics or specific outcomes that demonstrate your impact on the company—such as initiatives you led, cost savings you achieved, or percentage increases in team performance.
Add a Skills Section: Create a dedicated skills section that emphasizes relevant skills typically associated with head-of-level positions. This can include strategic planning, team leadership, project management, stakeholder engagement, etc.
Consider a Functional CV Format: If the discrepancy between your title and role is significant, a functional CV format—which highlights skills and experience over chronological job titles—might serve you better than a traditional reverse-chronological format.
Use a Cover Letter: Your cover letter can be an excellent place to further explain your experience and clarify your role. This allows you to address any potential concerns about title discrepancies head-on, framing your story in a positive light.
Network Strategically: Leverage your professional network or platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry leaders or recruiters who value skill sets over titles. A strong referral can often bridge the gap when it comes to job title perceptions.
Seek Position Titles: In your job searches, you might also look for roles that use varying titles for similar responsibilities. For example, some companies may refer to similar roles as “Senior Manager” or “Director of Operations.”
Be Honest in Interviews: If you get to the interview stage, be prepared to discuss your experience candidly. You can explain that while your title may not reflect your responsibilities, your performance has been at a higher level.
Remember, the goal is to present your experience accurately while emphasizing that your contributions and capabilities extend beyond the title. Best of luck with your job search!