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Deloitte experienced hires, who all received written offers and in process of visa/ onboarding, have you heard back anything about hiring freeze? Or recruiter asked you to delay joining date?
My visa got submitted couple of days back and waiting for decision. When I reached out to recruiter to give her an update and mentioned once there’s decision will discuss on the start date before putting my 2 weeks, she mentioned “Yes, we should talk before you put notice” - Am I overthinking? Deloitte
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This post for relatives thinking 😂
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I would absolutely take a lower title if it had better comp. Means way more headroom.
Right 👍
Title means absolutely nothing. It's usually a made-up scam to get people to do more work and get paid less. "Yeah, my life is hell, but I'm a SENIOR Associate!" All I care about: am I going to get paid enough to be comfortable, are the hours such that it's a job and not a life, and will the work look good to my inevitable next employer? The rest is chasing illusions.
True
The most important question is comp, in my opinion. I recently took a class year drop to join a better firm and make market pay (a substantial increase over my last “senior level” position).
What does title really matter if it’s not backed by better salary, growth potential, etc?
Yes
Agree with commenters so far but one clarification:
Most in-house employers, being comprised of largely non-attorneys, have zero clue about what the appropriate title is supposed to be for a legal hire, and unless you’re GC/CLO the title is made up and the points don’t matter.
Conversely, at a law firm, title is extremely important. Nobody would ever confuse a partner for a counsel or a counsel for an associate.
👍
Everyone seems to think title in unimportant but I will add one caveat: some employers have PTO tiers, or other perks, based on title. For instance, at my company, individual contributors receive 2 weeks, managers get 3, directors get 4. However, senior legal counsel, without any direct reports, is in the manager tier, while legal counsel is in the individual contributor tier. This still ties back into comp but I would make sure to clarify that with your recruiter/hiring manager.
Yes
In order of importance: 1. Comp; 2. Distance from ultimate decision maker; 3. Other things I can’t think of right now; and 4. Title.
Yes
Bowl Leader
Title matters for outward perception and internal hierarchy.
Negotiate title, you can be blunt. I’m extremely excited about this company and role, I view it as a tremendous opportunity for me to add value. That being said, I feel more comfortable if my title reflects this as an upward or lateral move, not perceived as a step back. Would it be possible to reflect my experience with a senior legal counsel or director or whatever you want title.
Worst case scenario they tell you know for whatever corporate reason they have then you have to assess how much it matters to you.
Sounds like a great way to negotiate it
I only care about the title if other benefits are tied to the title. For example, if RSUs/stocks are tied to a title, then I want that title. But all things being equal, I can care less about a title. I am not 15 anymore. I have big bills and want to retire. LOL. After compensations, WFH/Hybrid is the next big item on my list (IMO). And the market is aware of fake advertised hybrid models that are not actual hybrid models. I will not take a call from companies and firms with this reputation.
Yes. Compensation and WLB are the most important factors
After having applied and interviewed for many in-house jobs, I can tell you that title means nothing, Every company makes up their own structure. Instead, ask for the promotion schedule and hierarchy.
That gives them leverage over you. Never give them leverage. Screw titles.
Pro
Good call
In the job market, focus primarily on the compensation, work-life balance, and long-term growth potential over the immediate title. A "lower" title is often acceptable if the overall package provides better financial security and career trajectory. While a title can be negotiated, prioritize the responsibilities and salary, as those have a greater impact on your quality of life and future earning power.