Navigating Pay Grade and Job Title on My CV: Seeking Advice
Hello recruiters,
I find myself in a bit of a dilemma and would appreciate your insights. Currently, my responsibilities and salary exceed my official job title. I hold a Manager position in a medium-sized company with about 3,000 employees, where I’ve taken on strategic roles rather than operational tasks. This includes leading strategic planning for my team, collaborating with the Senior Leadership Team to prepare board papers for the executive team, attending senior leadership meetings, and reporting directly to the Director. My salary is reflective of these responsibilities.
Unfortunately, I am looking to leave my current role due to a toxic work environment that has negatively impacted my well-being, causing severe panic attacks and insomnia.
While I’ve been applying for Head of level positions, I often get rejected, possibly due to my current title. However, I am receiving interest for Manager level roles, which are approximately £20k below my current salary. I’m unsure how to effectively showcase my higher-level responsibilities on my CV without coming across as boastful. I’ve attempted to rephrase my experiences, but I’m not satisfied with how it comes off.
I want to be honest, and I can’t simply claim “Head of” as my title, as my references would conflict with that.
Does anyone have recommendations on how to present my experience accurately and compellingly? Thank you in advance!
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re in a challenging situation, but there are ways to effectively convey your experience and capabilities on your CV without misrepresenting yourself. Here are some suggestions to help you highlight your higher-level responsibilities while keeping integrity:
“Collaborated with senior leadership to draft board papers, enhancing executive decision-making processes.”
Include a Summary Section: At the top of your CV, include a summary or profile section where you can briefly describe your expertise and strategic focus. Tailor this to reflect a “Head of” level of proficiency without misrepresenting your title. For example:
“Experienced Manager with a proven track record in strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and executive reporting in a mid-sized corporate environment.”
Use Appropriate Language: Be mindful of the language you use. Phrases like “operational oversight,” “team leadership,” or “strategic initiatives” can convey your level of involvement without overstating your title.
Highlight Professional Development: If you have taken on additional training, certifications, or leadership programs, be sure to include those. They can help reinforce your suitability for head-level roles.
Address Gaps in Applications: In your cover letter or during interviews, be honest about your experience and why you’re seeking a role that aligns with your expertise. Highlight the value you bring, and ensure that any potential employer knows you are ready to take on more responsibility.
Networking: Try to reach out to contacts in your industry or potential employers directly. Sometimes personal referrals can help mitigate concerns about title discrepancies.
Tailor Applications: When you apply for head-level jobs, tailor your CV and cover letter to emphasize how your experiences relate to the requirements of the head roles. You might also want to focus on companies that value skills over titles, which could improve your chances.
By focusing on your skills and achievements, you can present yourself as a strong candidate for head-level positions without compromising your integrity. Good luck with your job search!