One for the career shifters: how do you assign yourself a 'level' fairly?

Hi folks!
I'm trying to build my profile here and I am unsure as to how to do this properly. So, if you're a Senior in your current career, but a Junior in the one you're starting, how do you decide what is your 'level'?
Thanks!

Replies3

  • Hi Alex,

    I would say it very very varies about the amount of transition. Generally what makes a senior senior is not program skills or so, but overseeing and managing certain situation. If you think about on the top level most of jobs doesn't require any skill but decision making and seeing the bigger picture.

    However for employers it's a different kind of thing, they basically take a bigger risks for hiring someone with different background between one main objective who will be hired is who is the smallest risk for the company.

    I would say keep your options opened from junior to senior, don't be picky but be honest that you would be keen to progress further for senior if you get a junior position / interview.
  • Hi Alex
    Totally agree with @Katja Alissa Mueller. The only thing I would add to this is – in terms of building a progressive profile or CV – if the transferable skills you already have under your belt contribute to your new role, clearly state how.

    If they do, you're bringing much more to the table than untrained enthusiasm – there's continuity in your progression even if the new job is tangential to the old. You're adding new skills to the ones you already have, increasing your value all the time.

    If not, then you can present yourself as someone who wants new challenges, and to discover new skills and capabilities. This is also incredibly valuable; you're not locked in to a profression or role, you're being bold, fearless and agile. All things employers love, and certainly doesn't mean you're 'flakey' or undecided in your career.

    Hope that helps and good luck!
  • Hi Alex,
    Great question.
    I’m unsure as of what kind of shift you’re planning but there will be a lot of transferable skills. Have a think about hard skills but also soft skills that are valid and important for both.
    Another idea would be to search various job descriptions of similar roles out there and see what skills and requirement they have for different levels. This should help you being able to get a clearer understanding of your positioning and making sure that you’re not undervaluing yourself in the new role.
    Best of luck with the new adventure.

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