Hi everyone - seeking your advice.
I’m currently in the process of negotiating my new role. I interviewed with the team and received a verbal offer today from the recruiter. I’m planning on negotiating the job title with the hiring manager i.e. instead of IT Project Manager I’d like them to reconsider the title and change it to “IT Program Manager” due to the job requirements and expectations. Can you please provide me with some examples of the right words to use when I’m negotiating the title with the hiring manager in my upcoming virtual meeting? - thanks in advance
Susan Graye
Global Talent Attraction & Acquisition Leader
153
09/01/21 at 7:22PM UTC
Hi, I would keep in mind that many times job titles are based upon the corporate job architecture and may not be something the hiring manager can change. Key for you is agreement from your new manager (should you accept) on what you will be doing and what success looks like. I recommend keeping the focus on the position versus the title. The other area to keep in mind and understand is how it is internally levelled and where you fall in the salary range to understand opportunities for promotion of level and if the salary offered allows room for merit increases.
Marjorie KalomerisFounder & Interview Coach @ MK Career Coaching
202
08/31/21 at 8:31AM UTC
It's great that you're realizing the parameters of the role are different now, before accepting a role! A lot of folks would just go along with it, so kudos to you for asking and exploring this up front.
How about asking (via phone if possible): "After getting deeper into the interview process (and really enjoying it so far!) the role responsibilities actually feel more similar to a Program Manager than a Project Manager. What do you think? How does the company differentiate between the two roles?"
You're helping to create an accurate representation of the work you'll be doing, both to folks internally in the new company, and to your network. But I would learn more about how titles work in the company to see what's possible. Lead with curiosity and go from there :)
Anonymous
09/03/21 at 12:17PM UTC
Hi there. Thought I should provide an update. I was able to get the title of Program Manger along with my new compensation request! It was a win-win situation and I am glad I asked for the title change before starting the new role. Thank you all for your input :)
Marjorie KalomerisFounder & Interview Coach @ MK Career Coaching
202
09/09/21 at 9:07AM UTC
Great to hear! Congratulations :)
Anonymous
08/31/21 at 2:45PM UTC
Thank you Marjorie :) I will let you know how it goes.
Barb HansenStartup Product, Growth & Strategy
9.66k
08/31/21 at 3:26AM UTC
"After reviewing the job description and our conversations, I'd like to propose that my title for this position is better suited to be IT Program Manager, instead of IT Project Manager. What are your thoughts on this?"
If you want, you would add "... for the following reasons" and then list your reasons for the change before asking for the hiring managers thoughts on the suggested title change.
Emmy Bemmy
470
08/31/21 at 2:50AM UTC
I don't have advice on the right words to say, but I worked with a coach recently, and she told me to "stand up for what I want" vs "ask for". It is a real shift in my mentality, but has already helped me have conversations with superiors that would normally have me uncertain/a bit insecure.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
21.99k
08/31/21 at 2:47AM UTC
Do you know for sure that they don't already have Program Manager positions?
Anonymous
08/31/21 at 2:37PM UTC
Joan, they told me this is a newly created role for the IT Team. They have technical program manager roles currently open, and that job description is similar to what they are asking the IT Project Manager to do. I have a meeting with the hiring manager today and I want to negotiate the title since they look like a company that would be willing to work things out to get you on board.
