Should I add director on my resume

Question

I was a Director in my last role and now I moved to a SW3 (just under senior in my org).I am about to become 29 years old..and I feel like people think it's a joke that I was a director of SWE a year ago when I'm a lowly SW3 now.Should I still put it on my resume? I feel like people tend to toss it out because it looks either pretentious or like a lie.

gregjor · Accepted Answer

Sometimes job titles mean something. M.D. and quarterback, for example. The title connotes specific skills and experience.
Some titles only mean something in a specific context, like SW3 And GS-4. Those refers to an org chart slot or pay grade in an organization but carry little meaning otherwise.
And then some titles mean nothing, like Senior Wizard or Director. Anyone can call themselves a Director of their own company. By itself it means nothing.
A resume should communicate accomplishments, demonstrable skills, and experience. It should not advertise meaningless or pompous titles.

DoreenMichele · Answer

If it's the truth and you can prove it, put it on there.The people who will decide you are a liar and toss your resume in the trash can without so much as making a phone call to check your story probably aren't people you really want to work for.

pesfandiar · Answer

People know that you didn't likely give that title to yourself. Some companies inflate their titles for various reasons (e.g. recruiting, marketing, ...). You could always qualify your experience by explaining what you accomplished. How many people and in what roles did you manage? What projects did you deliver? How much money did you make or at least how much went through your business unit? Hard facts cannot be seen as lies or puffery.

gregjor · Answer

If you're sending out resumes you're already going about it wrong. Ideally companies are recruiting you, and you have friends and colleagues who will refer you to jobs. Most jobs are not advertised, and companies will find a slot for a person that can add value where they need it. Sending out resumes and worrying about how a title is perceived is getting off on the wrong foot -- you're splashing around in the crowded shallow end of the pool with everyone else.Do you think Directors with a list of accomplishments and measurable responsibilities send out resumes to get a new job?

hkarthik · Answer

Just write engineering management and highlight it was a manager role. Most hiring managers and recruiters are aware that titles are often meaningless.

alain94040 · Answer

In what way were you a director? Did you manage people? How many? Who did you report to? How many managers reported to you?

replyifuagree · Answer

Having management experience on your resume is a good thing, assuming you are open to managing again.

rajacombinator · Answer

Never sell yourself short. Others will be more than happy to do that for you.