Offered position “X”, yet I am qualified for position “X+1”

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

I have recently spoken with a recruiter from a well-established accounting/consulting firm about exploring potential opportunities with that firm.

The conversation was standard - my background, future interest and existing opportunities. Additionally, admin questions about location and salary expectations. To the salary expectation question I provided a reasonable response - until I know the specifics of the job and the responsibilities/expectations I'm unable to provide a range.

There was no push from the recruiter on this response, however, the recruiter mentioned that the potential opportunity could be "X" (title) in business area "A" and roughly paying $YYYY. I did not comment on this statement, however, I did ask about the job tile hierarchy/org structure to better understand how this firm is organized (versus one I currently work for).

The recruiter quoted a title "X", which is the equivalent of my current title/role at my current employer, while I'm seeking the next step up with a title "X+1". The recruiter emailed the job description that has the title and the minimum experience requirements (minimum 3 years) vs title "X+1" (minimum 8 years). I exceed the 8 year requirement, yet was quoted for a title "X".

Question : While I have not pressured the recruiter about the title at this point (this was the first conversation), at what point should I make it crystal clear that I will not be entertaining an opportunity until the title and salary are to my expectations?

I risk not being presented in front of the hiring authorities or later at the offer letter stage. I'm hoping that during the interview process the hiring authorities will gauge my experience and make an appropriate offer.

Update: I followed-up with the recruiter to express my desire to be considered for the role (title wise) that is reflective of my experience, value I bring to the table and the next step I'm seeking. The recruiter indicated the there was currently no role for the title I was seeking, but that if I'm interested, I need to apply for the role that exists and that the team will evaluate the right title during the interview process. In the end, I decided to not apply for the role. I reviewed several (20 or so) LinkedIn profiles at the company to evaluate my experience for the role I am seeking and based on my assessment, I would be significantly underselling myself by applying for the role suggested by the recruiter.

manpreet 2 years ago