How to Ask For the Job Title You Deserve?

Do you know what ‘It’s all in the name’ means in the employment context? Well, it means that your job title is important enough to impact your professional standing. It represents the state of your employment- how you fit into the organization, the nature of your work, and the level of authority, to name a few.

Many of us just negotiate the salary during an interview and pay no heed to negotiate job titles, which is not good for our careers. We must focus on the job titles along with salary because a managerial post has a good reputation rather than being an executive. It also decides the criteria of work that you will be doing in the company. But how do you negotiate the title in the first place? Many people become hesitant in talking about the job post but you should not and always take a stand for yourself. 

So in order to help you, in this article we have covered a few crucial ways to help you ask for the job title you deserve, let’s take a look:

Importance of Job Titles

Let’s quickly have a glimpse of how job titles are crucial in your professional journey.

1. Job Titles Define Duties

Being the official designation of the employees, a job title is a broader term for the comprehensive responsibilities that they may carry out.

2. Job Titles Determine Salaries

It is reflective of the salary and additional benefits that employees receive. The lower designation implies lower salaries.

3. Job Titles Lay the Groundwork For the Future

In the long run, job titles play a key role in fetching good opportunities. Captivating designations may increase the chances of capturing future hiring managers’ attention and easier to secure interviews.

4. Job Titles Simplify Collaboration

Having an appropriate job title makes it easy to work on shared projects with other departments. Since each employee will know their specialization and responsibilities, the success rate will increase.

5. Job Titles Reflect Career Advancement 

It outlines an employee’s efforts in his professional journey and makes him feel valued.

Asking For a Job Title

1. Do Your Homework 

For you to negotiate confidently, you must have had your homework done beforehand. Research is imperative when it comes to fully knowing what you deserve and asking your share for it. Invest some time in different job portals and jot down the titles that comply with the industry standards. 

You will find both traditional and alternative titles. However, they must necessarily correspond with your job duties. Moreover, keep in mind that job titles and their meanings differ with every company, so take note of little details during your research.

Do’s & Don’ts: The end goal of your research is to prepare a list of 3-4 job titles that you deem fit as per your job duties. However, do not just go throwing your options at the recruiter’s face and coerce your choice. Bring your suggestions to the table respectfully and communicate before zeroing in on the job title.

2. Convey the Importance 

It is highly unlikely that your hiring manager does know the importance that a job title hold in the professional space. But, they often pretend not to know anything as they are looking to test your knowledge. If you are interviewing for a new job, you must articulate clearly how having a job title would not only impact your professional standing at the current company but lays a foundation for your prospects as well. 

However, for an existing employee looking to change titles, the best strategy is to highlight the necessity and good rationale for the change.

Do’s and Don’ts: Since you simply want a job title that reflects your contribution to the company, you must be upfront from the beginning. However, do not stretch your explanation so much that they may lose interest. Consider discussing no more than 2-3 points of importance.

3. Show Enthusiasm and Appreciate 

Whether you are an existing employee asking for a title raise or a fresher interviewing for an entry-level job, an enthusiastic approach might work in your favor. Before asking for a job title, you must appreciate the work culture and all other benefits that your company provides. It will create a positive tone for the conversation and an impression that you value the company.

Do’s and Don’ts: Having an appreciative tone is fine until you don’t sugarcoat the entire scenario. Hiring managers are sharp individuals who can detect your tone, so don’t speak or express anything that may counter your efforts to ask for the job title.

4. Practice your Pitch 

No one wants their efforts to go down the drain as a consequence of a lack of practice and consistency in perspective. It’s imperative to prepare an outline of your pitch and rehearse it multiple times. This will not only increase your chances of receiving a decision in your favor but add to your communication skill to a great extent. 

You must begin by explaining your research while having a core belief that the job title list is reflective of your job responsibilities. Just similar to how researchers defend their thesis! Additionally, you must pay attention to the tone of your voice- it must be smooth and positive in all cases. Focus on the delivery method to convey professionalism in its best form.

Do’s and Dont’s: Practice in front of the mirror and take note of your nonverbal cues, such as hand gestures and eye contact. Moreover, you may consider asking a friend or a family to hear the pitch and provide honest feedback. Do not be robotic while putting your case in front of the recruiter. Stay honest and natural as much as possible.

5. Don’t Give Up

What if, after all this, the recruiter dismisses your request for the title change? Don’t worry, it is not the end of the world. As a competent employee, you must know that a ‘NO’ from your employer does not necessarily mean a ‘NO’ forever. It might be that the recruiter needs more time for his research, or he may be occupied with other important stuff. 

On top of that, smaller companies have tight policies for job titles, whereas larger companies are comparatively flexible. Whatever the outcome may be, you must prepare your mind well in advance for both scenarios.

Do’s and Don’t: If your manager disapproves of your request, communicate what more you need to accomplish to be eligible for a title change. Openly discuss the measurable outcomes that they are looking for, and start working on them. Remember, all good things take time!

Key Takeaways 

Here is what can be concluded from the article:

• Always be sure of your expectations about getting a raise in a job title
• Be informed of the current standard industry norms
• Prepare a proper outline of the pitch; it should be cogent but precise
• Be appreciative of your employer’s time and show enthusiasm about being a part of the company
• Present your case politely and confidently in front of the recruiter; negotiate based on facts and your capabilities
• Rehearse the pitch before the D-Day

Whatever the decision may be, stay confident and believe in yourself!

FAQs

1. How to tell your manager about the job title you deserve?

Many people are hesitant about talking about the things they deserve in their careers and become hesitant in telling their managers what they want and need in their workplace. But this should not be done and you must take a stand for yourself by taking these steps:

• Have a clear vision
• Find the right time to talk
• Be prepared for cross-questioning
• Practice your answers
• Be persistent about what you want

2. How should I negotiate or talk about my job title?

Talking about the change in your job title with your boss can be difficult because you should have all the possible examples that you can give prominently without wasting time. If cross-questioned you must be able to advocate your roles and responsibilities that you are currently working on and things that you can do in the future. Also, keep in mind that you keep your tone polite and do not push a lot as it may lead to losing interest.