How to handle a situation where my job title is not what I thought it was?

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

I was hired by a technology company as a software engineer. That is what the offer letter stated and that is what I was told. After 2 years, I got to know that I was actually hired as an associate software engineer. Which is a position lower than what I was told I was hired for. Not only I am over qualified for associate software engineer position, but I am just really shocked that I am hired for a different position. Again, as indicated, my offer letter says otherwise.

Unfortunately, salaries in my company are tied to title and I'm at the top of the "associate engineer" bracket so this is now directly affecting my salary. What should be the next step?

[EDIT]

I am not able to merge my two accounts and I cant comment with this account because I dont have enough reputation. I completely disagree that title is not important, and as DLS3141 pointed out, it happened with me as well.. On business cards and everywhere, I was listed as software engineer, it is during review process and hike determination that I found out that I am an associate. Being an associate not only curbs the hike you get, but also your next promotion would put you in a position that you were originally hired for.

My question is, doesnt this breach of trust? Because internally if you have these positions well defined, why won't you make it clear during the hiring process?

manpreet 2 years ago

Are you being paid the amount you agreed to (and in line with being a full software engineer)? If so, then the job title isn't all that important.

If you think you should be retitled (and maybe even paid more), then you need have all agreements or paperwork from when you started that has your job title on it. You also need to be able to show that you actually deserve the full title, and not the associate status (by the work that you have done the last couple of years).

I would possibly take this up with your boss - you might get retitled. You even might get more money. But if you want backpay, then you're getting into legal territory.

Your first discussion with your boss should not be confrontational. Just say "Hey, I was under the impression I was hired as a full software engineer, but it seems I'm actually only an associate - is that right? How do I get full status?". Once you got him listening, talk about the work you have done. Then, show him your offer letter and any other paperwork you have to support your claim.