How do I ask for a job title change?

Anonymous

June 19,2022 at 7:20PM UTC

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How do I ask for a job title change? I've worked at my current role for 6 months. Initially I had applied for a senior level role but wasn't given the title. At the start of my employment I asked why and what to be done and the response I received was that I "wasn't there yet, almost" and that my manager didn't know when I'll get to a senior role. Fast forward to today, I was put on a complex project to manage the design standards for a large client. I just had my 6th-month check-in with my managers and I've also been asked repeatedly if I wanted to take on leading a department and help create a process. What I've received and what I'm hearing seem to contradict each other and it's confusing to me what this company is expecting. I definitely want a different job title, I have been in a senior role at previous companies and for this one to say that I'm not there yet seems like a mental mind game. If that's what's happening, I don't know how long I can work here - having survived a toxic boss skilled in psychological abuse.

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AnonymousJune 19,2022 at 7:28PM UTC
I’m sorry this is your experience, please keep a running list of all your senior level activities and assignments. Document in a way that undeniably justifies the role as a senior position. Schedule a meeting with both hr and your manager to address. When they bring up you are not there yet. Ask for them to spell out specifics on what is needed to get there. When it sounds like horse shit, start rattling off activities you did and ask them to explain to you why that is not classified as senior level activities. If they keep giving you the run around, start applying for senior roles. If you do get an offer, use it as a bargaining chip. Say hey, this other company is offering me this title with this much more money, can you promote me in a week? If not give them 2 weeks notice
AnonymousJune 19,2022 at 8:19PM UTC
At times there’s a lot of subjectivity in how these titles are assigned, particularly when they are correlated with compensation. Can be very frustrating! To give the company the benefit of the doubt, look into how other peers are evaluated and their responsibilities. Know that you are not alone. You did not specify the industry you’re in. Male-dominated industries demonstrate gender bias that is difficult to prove. Pressing your point, even when you are right and objective, does not always work and runs the risk of you being called a trouble-maker. Know your audience and how they perceive you. Enlist allies. Start a backup plan so that you have the option of walking away if and when it comes to that.
SamanthaJune 20,2022 at 4:20PM UTC
I would ask for a sit down with your manager & gather as much statistics about your good work as possible. I would ask what does it take to become a senior XYZ? and if they tell you they're not sure, show them why you believe you should have that title.
I have a feeling they don't want to pay you the cost of a senior role - but that could be totally wrong. If you don't get an answer you want to hear and they can't give you a good explanation, I would start looking for a job somewhere that appreciates you.