4.26k
Why are people so hung up on titles?
I am a GenXer who has held a director role for over 5 years having moved into management thinking it was the next step. What I have learned is that I had no patience for the HR b.s. that I have to deal with being a manager. I want to go back to being a PM and a role was open that would allow me to flex my skills even more than I do now. The projects are big, complex, high profile which sounds amazing to me. I have a role that has morphed into the boring, mundane and not challenging. The PM role actually pays MORE than my current role (it's not with my company). When I was talking to the recruiter about it, she was hesitant to submit my resume because the hiring manager will see I was in management and now am taking a step back. I don't see it that way, I see PM as something I love and I am good at.
Thoughts?
Michele LaCagnina
231
03/06/21 at 3:44AM UTC
I've noticed that there's a tendency with recruiters to frame a job change as negative. As in, "Why did you leave a job?" They never ask why you're drawn to the new job. I recommend that you reframe your answer as a positive. "I'm excited for / drawn to / inspired by" the new opportunity. In my experience that tack usually gets them back on track.
ValerieBe Clear, Be Specific, Be Brief
109
03/01/21 at 4:23PM UTC
This happened to me 10 years ago. I went from 16 years of management (Operations Manager) to an individual contributor (Administrative Assistant to VP). I positioned it as "you get so much more when you hire me." And what do I get out of it? A great way to enter an organization that values employees... I've been here since. I then used my experience in the role and my manager (the VP) included me on many opportunities most AA aren't invited to. I have built a great reputation here and am VERY happy as an individual contributor! It's all how you position yourself. Best of Luck, Sweet Caroline!
Jennifer TaylorCommunications Professional
1.28k
02/27/21 at 5:10PM UTC
I don't get it either. The past few interviews I've had, I've said that even though my last title was "Account Manager" I was really a Senior Project Manager who managed lower level project managers. I also want to add that different levels at different companies can be titled so differently. One of my dear friends who is seeking a new opportunity now is a Senior Vice President at her very small company. She knows that at a mid sized company she would be Director, and at a really large company, she might be a Manager. It's all relative.
MYOWNBOSS
102
02/26/21 at 3:31PM UTC
I agree with the previous comments. I would approach the recruiter explaining where your strengths are and again careers today are no longer linear....they can curve, take sharp turns and turn 180 degrees. The recruiter needs to open their mind and it is going to be your job to sell him or her. Good luck.
Anonymous
02/25/21 at 11:19PM UTC
Roberta has some great advice! I'd add that framing this move not as a step away from management but a step toward expertise may be helpful.
Roberta SchmidtTalent Acquisition in North America
118
02/25/21 at 10:25PM UTC
GREAT questions here. I could have written this myself. Having gone from leading a team to being an individual contributor in a PM role, I can tell you that I understand the dichotomy you describe.
I would recommend that you be open with the recruiter, that you understand the hesitation but that with your background you have had the opportunity to evaluate your passion and that is for PM and you want to focus on that. Take it to the next level with the recruiter and say that if you don't accept this PM role you will accept another because careers don't always go "up," they can go sideways with just as much if not more success.
Totally passionate about this as I've reached the age I am, and I used to be one of the "your career is supposed to go up and up and up," without really thinking about other options. Perhaps the recruiter is in another generation and does not recognize the value of your experience in an individual contributor role.
Keep trying. Talk openly with her, and tell her you know others (like me) who have successfully made that transition and are happier and more fulfilled than they had been in years.
Good luck, please feel free to connect with me here or on LI so I can congratulate you when you land that awesome PM role! :)
Roberta
