After all, job titles are important. According to one 2022 study, job titles can impact an employee’s overall job satisfaction. Another study showed that inflated job titles with unfulfilled high expectations can leave employees dissatisfied. So what does this mean for you if you’ve discovered your employer changed your title? Learn more about what to do when your job title gets modified, from finding out what the change means in your daily work life to how to discuss the change with your manager.
Can You Dispute a Job Title Change?
If an employee isn’t happy about their title change, they may want to request it revert to the previous title. While it’s generally possible to dispute a job title change, that doesn’t mean the employee’s dispute will be effective. “If your job title is changed and you don’t like it, you might be able to dispute it,” said Sarah Doody, career strategist and founder of resume and coaching business Career Strategy Lab, via email with The Balance. “However, there are many reasons why your job title might change. So before you dispute a change to your job title, it’s important to understand why the change happened in the first place.”
Talking To Your Manager
First, find out why the job title changed from the person who communicated the new title to you. If Human Resources told you about the job title change (and not your boss), then ask HR why the job title change occurred. If your manager told you about the job title change, ask your manager. “Speculating about what a job title means will only lead to unnecessary stress and assumption-driven thinking,” Doody said. “If your job title changes, use it as an opportunity to start a dialogue with your manager about your role and responsibilities both now and in the future.” Questions to ask your manager or HR:
Will your day-to-day responsibilities change?Will your salary or bonus structure be affected?What does this title change mean for your potential career progression at the company?Will you report to a new supervisor?Will you be responsible for supervising anyone new?How will external stakeholders perceive this title change?
Then examine whether you’re unhappy with the job title or any changes in your responsibilities and role. If you’re dissatisfied with just the title, it’s important to recognize that job titles don’t mean all that much in the grand scheme. Job titles mean different things at different companies. “This is why it’s crucial that you articulate your skills and experience on your resume, LinkedIn, and cover letter,” Doody said. Before speaking with your manager about a title dispute, it can help to keep the following tips in mind:
Know what you hope to achieve during the conversation.Schedule the conversation so your manager has time to discuss the issue with you.Write down what you wish to discuss and bring that list with you to your meeting.Actively listen to your manager’s explanations and take them into consideration.Be open to any feedback given.Be honest about how you feel about the title change while reassuring your manager you’re on board.Share what you think might be necessary to achieve a workable solution.
Other Considerations When Your Job Title Changes
If your job title is a deal breaker for staying at your current company, Doody recommended you start job searching immediately. “If you are unhappy in your role, it will start to impact your performance and emotions,” Doody said. “The sooner you leave the company, the better, for everyone involved.” If the job title isn’t a deal breaker, consider negotiating things such as a raise or benefits such as flexible working hours and location, professional development budget, or more vacation.
