You’re searching through the job boards when you spot an opportunity that looks amazing. But… is the position truly what it seems, or is it just an exaggeration? Here’s how to see past title fluffing and find a job you want.
What Is Title Fluffing?
Title fluffing is the practice of making roles sound more attractive by giving them important-sounding titles. Although these labels appear impressive, they don’t accurately describe the job. Some fluffed titles are very official sounding. They may contain words like ambassador, chief, consultant, executive, director, lead, officer, and manager. Others are more whimsical, such as evangelist, guru, hero, master, ninja, overlord, rockstar, superstar, and warrior.
Tips to See Past Title Fluffing
Consider Context
Even a position with a well-defined title can look completely different in various settings. For instance, a “forklift operator” in large warehouse and a “forklift operator” at a small construction company are two distinct roles. Therefore, be sure to consider not only the job title but also the industry, the organization’s size, and the working environment.
Read the Job Description
Don’t judge a book by its cover, and don’t judge a job by its title alone. Ultimately, the title is meant to grab your attention. So even a position with a fluffed title could be the right job for you. To find out, read the entire posting from top to bottom. A well-written description will give you a complete picture. It should contain information about educational requirements, necessary skills, and on-the-job responsibilities, as well as a brief overview of the organization.
Ask Questions During the Interview
Let’s say you decided to apply for a job, and you received a call for an interview. That’s great. Unfortunately, you suspect title fluffing. Plus, the job description wasn’t as clear as you had hoped. Don’t worry. The interview itself is a fantastic opportunity to learn more. However, you may need to do some detective work and ask probing questions.
Helpful queries may include:
- Can you walk me through a typical day on the job?
- What would I be expected to accomplish in the first 30, 60, 90 days?
- What does success look like in this role?
- Can you show me some examples of current projects?
- What do you see as the most challenging part of this job?
- Would I be able to shadow someone before accepting an offer?
- Do you see this position evolving in the future?
So, what if after all your work, you discover you fell for title fluffing? That’s OK. Fortunately, you identified the problem before you accepted the role. Simply, follow this advice when you don’t want the job after learning more about it in the interview.
Are You Having Trouble Finding a Job You Want?
Identifying the right job can be a time-consuming and frustrating process. Fortunately, Halpin Staffing Services is here to help. Our recruiters place talented candidates with top companies in Racine, Wisconsin, and beyond. We’ll review your qualifications, discuss your expectations and match you with only the best-fit opportunities. Learn more about the advantages of job hunting through Halpin today!
