Got approached by another agency (media) regarding a Director role. Somewhat nice client and benefits +30%, but when the offer came, salary and responsibility were as discussed but title downgraded to Associate Director.

Hiring manager told me he got pushback against my years of experience, but they still went ahead with salary and task description of a director. Should I consider it?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Hmm I don’t have the wisdom to tell you the right answer, but I can tell you what my thought would be. If they are offering a salary that you thought was fair for director but giving you a lower title that would put you in a better position for raises internally and when you move. Titles definitely open doors, but the money is what really talks

like

Is the reporting structure the same as discussed? Will you have the same boss regardless of title? If everything stays the same except title, ACD1 is right: you’re actually in a better position.

like

Keep in mind it’s unlikely (or impossible) you will be promoted in the first 12-24 months, so if the title bugs you that much you may be annoyed for a while. But the money sounds like it’s worth taking!

Honestly, title inflation is so variable across different agencies that this shouldn’t hold you back from the right level in future jobs. I once “skipped” two levels with a job change because I was coming from an agency with a more flattened structure so had accumulated a ton of experience that hadn’t been reflected yet in my title. It sounds like sort of the opposite is happening for you… if this place is able to pay you 30% more at the same title, it probably means your title is inflated at your current place.

like

If your job description has you performing at a director level that would give me pause to take a lower title, after a while you’ll get annoyed that you’re performing and expected to perform at a level above what you’re getting credit for

like

Agree with AS. But it depends a lot on the agency. A few things to consider… 1 is that raises may actually be harder to get if you’re outside the AD band. Another is that even a promotion may come without a big bump because they’ll say you’re already paid like a Director. And 3rd is if you need to move clients, it may be hard for another account to take you on as an AD without hurting their margin. Though maybe that will be a reason to promote you to Director if you do well in your first role.

On the other hand, a 30% bump in base is a good chunk o’ chock full o’ nuts. So maybe if you’re ok with it, no need to overthink it.

like

Who cares about title. Take the 30%.

like

Our of curiosity, how many years of exp do you have?

like

Money money money, you work in media, plenty of jobs and opportunities to move up eventually. If it doesn’t work out move on because the next role you will have a 30% higher salary to start from.

It’s hard enough to be in media and get that big jump nowadays as it’s becoming more commoditized and in housing.

like

I think the bigger thing that’s being missed here is the red flag regarding a lack of transparency. They weren’t up front before making the offer, they just threw it at you in hopes the money would outweigh everything else. Is that where you want to work? I did this very thing once, and found myself in a miserable, toxic environment.

Related Posts

Is there a job guarantee in MS and do they give a joining bonus?

Any insight on Deloitte SAP Manager/Project Manager salaries? 6 ish YOE

like

If you’re given a low to mid salary range with high range kept confidential and you go through the lengthy interview process, is it appropriate to negotiate more after being given an offer in the mid-range? Don’t want it to seem like I wasted everyone’s time if I “already knew” the range.

like

How should I react to my CD’s boasting of her lavish lifestyle?
I’m never going to relate with my salary.

like

How many agencies give cost of living/yearly raises vs just a “yearly bonus” ?

Can ya guess which one Barkley is?

like

anyone hiring AD? 😂

Hi all! I am former federal government. I resigned due to lack of opportunities and growth. I am interested in a couple of Apple service roles within Pay, Care and SDS. Also, Amazon PM roles under Music, Live Sports and Brand Protection. However, with to the current economic conditions is it smarter to focus on fed roles versus Tech. I’ve never had a Tech role. I have a BS Mechanical Engineering and MBA. Any advice would be appreciated.

like

What’s your take on Lydecker? What is the culture? Market salary? Expectation on billable hours? Mentorship? Etc.?

like

Currently from mainland Europe. Offer from capco at senior, also offer from big 4 as a manager. Both within data n analytics - and in London. I’m interested in strategy (want to branch out into digital strategy in the future) based work and haven’t heard the best things about capco. Can u guys pls give some opinions. Salaries quite similar. Im 35 and the next move needs to be the right one.

Hello! I am an admin professional here with no tech background currently, seeking a position in tech! I am focusing on hr or project/program management for now until I can build up my skill set. Is there anyone who would be willing to offer some suggestions on where to apply/get an interview? I am a woc as well so places that value diversity is important, and I’m really looking to get even just a pinky in the door. Thank you!

like

Does anyone teach in class elementary, middle, or high school and also teaches college level? If so, how did you get the college level job? I have a masters and specialist degree and teach in class. I also want to teach college level online but have a hard time either finding a position available or applying. I’m now in the middle of my doctorate degree though it’ll be another year before I’m done.

like

Anyone from Google or Microsoft? Need a referral for India location.

like

What’s the average salary for EY GPS Experienced Staff?

I want to exit to MBB but if that’s not a possibility what are the next best consulting firms? Looking for at least midsize firms (non-boutiques).

like

Anyone looking for referral in EY India for Data Scientist/ Data Analyst role, please DM me. We are rapidly expanding our data science team. Role will be mostly in Time Series forecasting.

like

Question of the day: would you still refer people to your firm if referral bonus was $0?

like

Tell the truth: are you more productive at home than the office? How much more? How about your coworkers? Are they more productive in your estimation? And lastly, your whole team - is it more productive in a remote environment?

likefunnysmart

I have an offer doing pretty much my same job at a smaller firm. It’s only a 6% base raise but they are giving me a bonus each year to make up for the amount my salary falls short of the salary number I gave them that it would take for me to leave. Would you take the offer?

like
like

More Posts

Curious, what does the "life" part of Work/Life balance look like for everyone else?

like

I am looking for a referral in HR position in Accenture internally. Any suggestions please

like

Good afternoon ,
What is a tool you’ve used to source nurse practitioners and physicians assistants?

Any groups whether on LinkedIn or any other site that I should be a part of?

like

Guys!! Please give me some GTCI ideas. It’s important.

like

Just heard some rumors that there’s a case of Coronavirus at FCB and that Leo Burnett is on CV lockdown. Are these rumors true??

like

Hi all! Is anybody up for some case practice this week? I have done a couple cases myself looking forward to some coming interviews.

like

I’m looking for an alternative to the Gucci oversized cardigan. Suggestions for similar, v button down, or where you get your favourite cardigans?

like

Is there anyone hiring for Information Technology, Analytical or Finance Roles? I was laid off in April no luck on any application as of yet. I am seeking a career change.

Anyone ever go work at the state - department of revenue ?

like

Long Island, NY 🐠: just moved here and looking for a good butcher shop to buy halal meat from. I’m in West Hempstead and open to driving 30mins one way in any direction, would appreciate any recording. TIA!

like

Hi all I look for job overall 7.5 years of experience experience bankign cash management as functional Consultant.

I already dropped paper due to toxic environment and mental pressure.

I am not at all getting any calls.

Please help me for any Referrals.

like

Does anyone work in commercial at abbvie that would be willing to connect with me?

like

Any insight into the work culture, hours etc for the Apple Services team in LA?

like
like

Had a shoot a week back in London and a gaffer left midday because they felt unwell. They weren’t particular helpful at all during the shoot and I’m hesitant to pay the full day rate he has invoiced for. Is it common practice to pay fully even if he left midway? I’ve heard It’s APA guidelines but we’re also not a an APA associated prodco.

like

710 GMAT vs 327 GRE, which is better?
Is it true that adcoms are more forgiving of lower gre scores than gmat as they don't have to report it?

like

Posted 3 hours ago...

Post Photo
like

Does Citi Citi India provide laptop for wfh?

like

How hard is it to go from mid stage VC (A/B) to growth equity or PE? I’m from a financial background before VC(accounting)

like

Hi all, myself and my wife are looking to move to charlotte. We are in Canada and are looking to move to charlotte on TN visa. Are there any job agencies that can help finding suitable jobs?

like

Additional Posts in Advertising

What's your day start time? Let us know if you're in house / agency / HCP or Patient healthcare / onsite freelance / etc

like

Starting my Sprinternship on Monday. Any advice?

like

I just heard the word "edutainment" used 2x in a sentence. What industry slang do you hate hearing?

like

🐠🐟🐡, how do you deal with a recruiter who won’t take a polite no for an answer?

like

What's with the JWT discrimination suit and what's that all about it? Is discrimination really a thing in our industry? 🤔

like

As a creative, what are the best kind of agencies/jobs for higher income? Im tired of the hunt for awards with low $

like

Iprospect New York ... what’s the culture like ? What’s leadership like ? Good place to work? Average ? Just like everything else?

like

To anyone who got hired as a creative team (CW+AD), what questions did the CD ask you and your partner during a job interview?

like

I was recently promoted and will be taking on a supervisory role; any tips for someone who doesn’t have too much experience managing someone?

likeuplifting

I've been working in my role for 4 months straight out of uni. My pay is low and my work is easy. how long before I should look for a new job?

like

I like to keep my age private (I’m under 30) but it seems like some people around my age don’t care about sharing or think it matters. Any thoughts?

like

Getting so over the grind of New York but don’t want to give up the pace of my career. Where should I consider moving (PR necessary, healthcare preferred)

like

Joy Division song titles that go through my head while ideas are being presented to me:
Atrocity Exhibition
Dead Souls
Disorder
Failures
I Remember Nothing
Something Must Break
You’re Not Good For Me

likefunnysmart

Anyone done Austalia's Work and Holiday Visa (the year for adults under 30 thing), and snag an industy or industry-adjacent gig? How hard is it to land one when it's so short-term from the start?

like

It just hit me I havent heard any UGC ideas in forever. Have we collectively given up on the idea that people will make our videos for us (and other people will watch them) or have I just been lucky?

likefunny

Got laid off a week ago and have been slow to get back on the hunt. I feel so demoralized and depressed. This is the worst season to be unemployed. I can’t seem to get a fire in myself again

like

Stop shaming people for leaving on time. Working overtime every nite benefits no one if you’re exhausted. It’s not a badge of honor either. Work on your time management skills.

likeupliftingsmarthelpfulfunny

I’ve been thinking recently that I want to go to Asia. I spent some time in Hong Kong and really enjoyed it there. But I’ve been wondering, should I work over there for a company/agency, or just save for a one month vacation? I don’t want to come back and be forgotten in the work world. Any advice from Ex pats would be lovely.

like

When your CD kills your partners idea that you secretly didn’t like, but didn’t feel like fighting with them about 😮‍💨

likefunnyuplifting

Wheereee are all the ad agencies for ShowUsYourLeave on LinkedIn👀. Haven’t seen a single one post their dismal benefits yet….

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal