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Job Offer
I got laid off in June. I've had GREAT freelancing so I'm not suffering financially yet. (Let's talk next tax season. Oof.)
I got offered a job yesterday. Not the job I applied for.
I'm going to take it because it's a job. But I'm not at all happy and I'm not the least bit excited about it anymore. It feels kinda stupid and kinda justified at the same time.
I applied for the "Director of Content and Communication." Today, I was told that "You and one other were the finalists, and we thought she was the better fit for DIRECTOR. So we juggled numbers and eliminated the office admin position we wanted to create job for you at the salary you asked for. But it's content marketing MANAGER."
They gave me the money I wanted at the director level. But not the prestige. AND they upended their budget to find the money I asked for and created a position for me. That's the same title I've had for the last 4 years. And clearly, manager is lower than director. BUT it feels like I'm not good enough. Why tell someone they're second place? "We really liked you and think you're talented so we created a whole new job just for you. BUT IT IS LESS THAN."
I think I should at least ask for a SENIOR title. I've never cared about titles. But taking a title cut HURT me this go-round. I went from director to manager for more money, less stress and a better commute. This is double the commute and less money than I was making (but given the pandemic, I knew a pay cut was inevitable and that's okay). But it feels insulting too. Am I insane?
Claire Crouse
IT sales in the midwest.
60
10/28/20 at 5:12PM UTC
Maybe you could ask for a "Co-Director" title?
Jessica ChristyNew Law Firm Owner
107
10/28/20 at 4:45PM UTC
Perhaps you could also ask if there is a way to change the title to Associate Director or Assistant Director?
Tabitha Stout
12
10/28/20 at 4:21PM UTC
I wish I had this issue. In my opinion - you got offered A JOB period, which is great - especially during the current times. I've always used each "job" I've had as a new opportunity to learn something new, from a different vantage point. I am one that has to keep my mind busy, so I am constantly looking for new ways and things to learn. I agree with some of the above comments, if you don't "feel" it's the right fit for you, maybe try to take some time to grow your own business leveraging your existing experience and expertise!
Anonymous
10/28/20 at 3:41PM UTC
Since freelancing has gone so well and you're not so excited about the position on offer, maybe consider continuing/growing your consulting business for now (while planning ahead for tax season). You can stay in the market and continue to pursue exciting/interesting roles from a place of confidence and relative security. This will give you the flexibility and leverage to go for the role/title you really want, and keep your experience growing and current.
Dana Levin-RobinsonCEO and Co-Founder @Upfront
142
10/28/20 at 3:13PM UTC
Another question I would also ask is if there can be two Directors at the same time. I've seen hiring contracts structured with "If I achieve xyz, a Director promotion will be discussed after six months," but that of course a) depends on whether you are reporting to this person and b) if they can have two Directors.
If not, then definitely ask for Senior. I know everyone keeps saying that titles don't matter. But let's be honest, they do. So it would be helpful for you to show some career progression title wise on your resume, and it's the cheapest thing for a company to give you during negotiation.
Gwendolyn WashingtonCEO in Kansas City, MO
74
10/28/20 at 2:38PM UTC
I understand your disappointment. Your response is fair and legitimate. When we achieve a certain level of success based on hard work, skills and experience, our reward is a title that tells everyone else we are accomplished.
Here's what we know: you work in a field you love, at the pay you requested, with a company who wanted you so much they created a position. This is what we don't know: what 'better fit" really means.
When Corporate America uses that term, it is usually code for something else. In my experience it is used when the decision makers include personal reasons for their selection.
Remember your goal, gain experience and learn the culture of the organization.
Anonymous
10/28/20 at 2:26PM UTC
That's also a good point - the other new hire would start the same day I would.
Anonymous
10/28/20 at 2:24PM UTC
I'm also a content/communications professional. I changed jobs in March and went from a manager to a manager... BUT with more $$ and to a much larger company. I was really looking for director-level positions, but this job comes with increased responsibility and it is a much much larger company. There's no current director position... I report to a senior VP, so it is really a step up.
I also spent 12 years at a start-up ed tech firm, so I understand about wearing multiple hats and just getting the job done.
And quite honestly, I would be more concerned about reporting to/working with someone I had not interviewed with (the other new hire) than the title...
Yanelee Tejera
12
10/28/20 at 2:07PM UTC
If I were you, I would mention you're very grateful and still ask them why, but in a professional way out of curiosity. I would ask why the title change, and why did you not see me as "fit" to be a "Director?" If there are competencies or skills I'm missing I would like to either know now or during my employment as part of your development to maybe one day eventually be a "Director" or "Sr. Manager," etc. Having these conversations upfront, let's the employer know you have standards and expectations and you're being honest about it.
Yvonne Lee
63
10/28/20 at 3:15PM UTC
I agree! I think asking why the title was changed and posing it more as a question (try to avoid being defensive), saying that you want to know for the future on how to improve. Clearly they made an effort to hire you and get to a salary agreement by sacrificing another employee. Oddly, I feel like it would be easier to give the title versus giving more money... so that's definitely weird. While it is a little bit of a slight, I would still take the win with the salary! Congratulations!
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