Problems with taking on jobs with overrated titles?

[miwashi]

I am wondering if anyone else faces the same problem as me.

I am currently working at a stat board with the job title of "manager". I enclose that in quotes because though that is the formal appointment title, it is only a MX12 grade, and on top of that, it is the default job title for fresh graduates who join the organization. I always thought a manager title was for someone with more experience, a team leader, rather than a fresh graduate. Me, I joined with this title, and this is my third job, not my first, so it was a shock for me to find out that fresh graduates come in with the same title. The job scope is quite menial too, in comparison with my earlier 2 jobs, both of which were junior executive positions. I must admit that I was lured to the job because of the title; as a junior exec 5 years ago, a higher-level title seemed like career advancement to me, but now I know better.

So now the problem is with other people's perception of this title.

I am just one grade up from a fresh graduate, with a salary to match. In the 5 years that I've been searching for a new job, I've received 2 offers only, for executive positions, both with significant pay cuts (around $800-1000 monthly). I did try to negotiate, but their HR people actually told me, "you're a manager now, and you're taking on a more junior position. You must learn to manage your expectations."

On top of this I'm also doing a masters degree now, and I know while it doesn't equate to a pay raise, I feel it shouldn't lead to a $1000 pay cut either. I don't think I should even say that this 'manager' title is what fresh graduates here are called, as that would devalue me even further.

Does anyone have any recommendations on whether it is possible to negotiate salary in my case? Or am I left with accepting pay cuts in this region?

Haha, welcome to the world of inflated titles. "Manager" could mean "a manager of a certain business stream". Doesn't necessarily mean "a manager of people".

Everyone is now a manager or a director. My wife is my domestic manager and director of education at home. I am assistant manager cum assistant director.

Hi miwashi, 3 pointers:

1) Job position - Salary is more or less tied to an employee's position. A janitor will never be paid a salary higher than a senior executive. If the job position doesn't suit you, it may be possible to ask for other openings.

2) How much HR think you are worth - Sell yourself base on your capabilites and experience when negotiating your salary. HR will usually consider potential employees' abilities before their current salary. Current salary is just a tool for HR to estimate and push your salary as low as they think you can accept.

3) Don't use your current salary as a reason for higher pay.

Dun bother with the title lar, no use one.

HR do interview one look at your salary can tell agaration what is your real level. Nowadays too many companies use fancy title like Director, Vice President, Senior Manager etc.

My friend in a US finance company, title was Assistant Vice President drawing $3.5k. After that also go & take up a Associate position in another company.

[miwashi]

I am reminded of the Peter Principle and the Dunning-Kruger effect

Originally Posted by Zero

Dun bother with the title lar, no use one.

HR do interview one look at your salary can tell agaration what is your real level. Nowadays too many companies use fancy title like Director, Vice President, Senior Manager etc.

My friend in a US finance company, title was Assistant Vice President drawing $3.5k. After that also go & take up a Associate position in another company.

How is that possible? AVP drawing $3.5k... AVP is at least drawing $6k+ (assuming back office) and more. Care to disclose the name of the company?

[miwashi]

is it a big organization?