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Is my current title hindering my marketability?
Hi, all! I've been an executive level legal admin for 10 years but am wanting to make a change. I've looked for administrative supervisor roles, office/practice manager positions, and coordinator positions because they seem to be a logical next step. I have 2 years supervisory experience so these positions will increase my management experience while playing to my strengths. I've been told my resume is strong and my cover letter focuses on examples of how my current job skills easily transition to the desired role . I have 4 quotes from managers and co-workers and gave a STAR example of how I saw a problem, found the solution and taught myself the necessary program, impressed our senior analyst with the end result, and increased department efficiently. The cover letter ends with the explanation that I am no longer challenged in my current position and am looking for more responsibility.
All that to say I feel like people see "executive admin" as my current title and write me off. How do I get past that? Is there another issue I'm not seeing? Any insight is appreciated.
James Christine ParkerAspiring Writer & Editor
39
02/28/20 at 2:03PM UTC (Edited)
Under my large-fonted name, I've place "Office Manager", as that was the role I most enjoyed. I still have Exec Admin Asst on my resume for the roles in which I played that. But I make sure to emphasis the role I WANT, not the one I have.
Generic Example:
------------------------
: <-- all in normal font size
...did that make any sense?
And if your resumes are going through ATSs, the only way to win is totally change your undesired role titles somehow so that the ATS won't plug you as such.
Paulla FetzekTeacher, Lighting Expert, & Office Professional
2.19k
02/27/20 at 1:25PM UTC
I have a similar issue. My official title is "Sr. Sales Support". Two problems for me: 1) I despise anything to do with selling, 2) In no way does this convey what I do.
I can't discount the fact I do have "sales involvement" at work (I work in the "Sales Team"). Because of this, I struggled for a long time with finding a title. At least, one that would more accurately depict what I do. My day-to-day involves problem resolution, training, program implementation, and account management.
Five years ago I came across it: Problem Analyst. Yes it sounds generic. But the core description of this title touches on every aspect of what I do.
So, nowadays, since I can't shirk my "official" title, when explaining my role I say, "My title is Senior Support Specialist - my specialty is Problem Analysis".
PS: Incidentally, There hasn't been a day in my 16+ years... Where I haven't been aware just how ironic it is... That despite the fact I despise anything sales related, I work for a Sales/Marketing firm!
All the best...
Anonymous
02/26/20 at 8:45PM UTC
Check this guy out, I'm really impressed. I believe he has a title about this. BTW, I'm in the same boat.
Andrew LaCivita on Youtube.
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
858
02/26/20 at 8:27PM UTC
Here is a simple solution that can help people see at a glance beyond the "executive admin" title.
Alongside your actual title, in parenthesis put a title that more clearly defines what you do in relationship to the job you are applying for. For instance,
Executive Admin (Supervisor)
Kiley Marie
21
02/26/20 at 9:28PM UTC
My current resume has my title and then explanation of what/who i assist i.e. - assistant to the CLO, Exec Dir of RCI, Regional Dir of RCI, and supports a 25+ member of a decentralized team of risk managers at t non-profit health care org. Under that I have bullet points for what I do, how I have improved processes, and the department committees I volunteer for (annual fundraising committee) and run (department newsletter editor).
I'm not sure there is a way to succinctly add something to my title but I will definitely think on how to do that. Thank you!
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
858
02/26/20 at 9:44PM UTC
If you are applying online, the screening software (Applicant Tracking System or ATS for short) is looking for keywords. The latest study shows that recruiters spend an average of 7.5 seconds (up from 6 seconds) on their initial review of a resume.
What you want to accomplish with the title is to (1) use a keyword that helps your resume pass through the ATS to a person and (2) have the keyword(s) noticed within those 7.5 seconds.
Recruiters will not be viewing all the information you just wrote within those 7.5 seconds. They will look at your contact information, job titles, employers, and dates.
Therefore, it is in your best interest to find a way to have a secondary title if you think the executive admin is not working.
Maybe you would want to put:
Executive Assistant (supporting 25 team members) or (supporting a team of 25) or, at the very most (supporting the executive director and a team of 25)
