Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Are Job Titles Negotiable?
Q. I've been out of work for a while and have recently interviewed for a senior editor position for a Web site funded by major media companies. I believe they are interested in me because my background is a good fit for them. It is of interest to me because with the reduction in print publications, I thought it would be beneficial to get a better foothold in the online market.
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My question relates to job titles. My last position was a managing editor position. (My title was managing editor, but I was effectively the editor-in-chief since there was no managing editor position.) It was a management position that also included budget work, personnel management and other duties.
I'm concerned that if they offer me the position and I accept, it will be regarded by potential employers as a "step down." Is there a way to negotiate a title change before accepting an offer? The person in this position would report to a director of business development.
Thanks.
A. Titles may or may not be negotiable. I know of one case where someone getting a promotion asked for more money and a different title. She settled for the title change. In other cases, titles are locked in by the titles of other people in the organization.
Before you ask whether the title is negotiable, consider two things: Is negotiating the title as important as bargaining on other points such as wages and vacation?
As you move from print to new media, do you also need to recalibrate your thinking about the suitability of titles? Your change in focus should assure people that you have made a step up.
Coming Wednesday: His paper has deteriorated rapidly, and editors are keeping him from better opportunities. He thinks he should leave but worries because he has only been there for 10 months.
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