Advice on title not reflecting seniority and responsibilities
My official title was “Senior Product Designer”
Here is the hierarchy at my company:
* Head of Design
* Senior Product Designer
* Product Designer
* Associate Designer
As a “Senior” I was a line manager to direct reports, hired for positions in my team, led the strategy and roadmap for my own vertical and its squads, another vertical and its squads along with company-wide initiatives. I oversaw design and approved design work. Did performance reviews and promotions for my team. Coached and mentored as well as doing my own IC work.
I worked very closely with the Head of Design on design team operations and culture, and when they were on PTO, myself and the other Senior Product Designer would cover them for any decision making and authority.
I feel like I am closer to Lead or even Principal level, but right now as I apply for jobs I feel like my title gets skim read and recruiters may think I’m too junior or inexperienced for those types of roles.
Any advice on how I should approach my title or personal elevator pitch as I look for my next move?
P.S. I’ve asked ChatGPT and Claude this question multiple times but I feel like I could be getting sycophantic and potential hallucinated answers. 😂 Hope some experienced veterans here can give me better market-informed answers! Thank you!