Subject: How to Highlight My Experience on My CV Despite Title Discrepancy
Hello recruiters,
I’m seeking your advice on how to present my experience on my CV. Currently, my job title does not accurately reflect the level of responsibility I hold. I’m a Manager at a mid-sized company (3,000 employees), but my role involves strategic planning, collaboration with senior leadership, draft preparation for board presentations, participating in executive meetings, and reporting directly to the Director. Consequently, my salary aligns with these higher-level responsibilities.
Unfortunately, I’m looking to leave my current position due to a toxic work environment that has negatively impacted my health. As a result, I’ve been applying for Head of roles but have faced immediate rejections, likely due to my current title. I do receive interest for Manager-level roles, but those positions offer a salary that is approximately £20k less than what I currently earn.
I’m at a loss regarding how to convey my true capabilities in my CV without coming across as arrogant. I want to avoid misrepresenting myself, as my reference will include my official title.
Does anyone have suggestions on how to effectively communicate my level of experience? Thank you for your help!
RCadmin
It’s great that you’re looking to be honest and strategic about your experience while applying for new roles. Here are some tips on how to effectively convey your higher level of responsibility and achievements without misrepresenting yourself:
Use a Functional Format: Consider using a functional CV format that highlights your skills and accomplishments before listing your job titles. This way, you can emphasize your strategic contributions rather than just the job title.
Focus on Achievements: In your CV, create a dedicated section to list your achievements and responsibilities that demonstrate your strategic role, such as leading initiatives, collaborating with senior leadership, and contributing to major projects. Use metrics where possible (e.g., “increased team efficiency by X%” or “successfully delivered Y project that resulted in Z”).
Include a Summary Statement: At the top of your CV, include a summary statement or profile that highlights your expertise in strategic planning and leadership. This can help signal to recruiters that, regardless of your official title, you possess head-of-level competencies.
Add Relevant Keywords: Tailor your CV for the roles you are applying for by incorporating relevant keywords from job descriptions, especially those related to strategic management and leadership. This can help you get past applicant tracking systems and catch the attention of hiring managers.
Clarify Your Role: In your job description, you can add a line that reflects the scope of your responsibilities. For example, “Manager responsible for strategic planning and execution for [department/area] with a direct report to the Director and collaboration with senior leadership.”
Networking: Leverage your network to find opportunities that may be a better fit for your level of experience. A referral from someone in a higher position can bypass some of the initial title concerns.
Prepare for Interviews: When you land an interview, be ready to discuss your responsibilities and contributions in detail, which will provide context around your title and demonstrate your capacity for higher-level roles.
Avoid Titles: If applying to positions that expect a “Head of” title, consider including a note in your cover letter explaining your current title alongside your responsibilities. This can clarify your position without altering your official title.
Remember to maintain a positive tone about your current situation if asked about it during the interview process; your focus should be on seeking new opportunities for growth rather than how the current environment is affecting you. Good luck with your job search!