numbers and titles

LaFille · #1 10-25-2006, 01:25 PM

i'm looking at job listings... what is the difference between, for example, a 'secretary I' and 'secretary II' and 'secretary III.' there's no definition on the site i am looking at. is a 'I' more experienced than a 'II?' or the opposite?

i'm not looking for a job as a secretary, but it was the shortest title i saw listed with the #s...

CTGirl · #2 10-25-2006, 01:28 PM

In some professions, there are different levels like that. If you go to Salary.com, you should be able to find explanations of what each means.

CityGal · #3 10-25-2006, 01:28 PM

From my job searches the higher the number the more experience the job required. A 'secretary I' would be like an entry level admin and a 'secretary V' would be like the EA to the president of the company.

WorkInProgress · #4 10-25-2006, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CityGal

From my job searches the higher the number the more experience the job required. A 'secretary I' would be like an entry level admin and a 'secretary V' would be like the EA to the president of the company.

That's my best guess too.

LaFille · #5 10-25-2006, 01:38 PM

thanks guys

weary · #6 10-25-2006, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CityGal

From my job searches the higher the number the more experience the job required. A 'secretary I' would be like an entry level admin and a 'secretary V' would be like the EA to the president of the company.

i think it really depends on the company. i say this b/c in the 5 places i've worked - 4 of which i worked in HR and dealt with position classifications/job titles - it varied greatly. at company A, an admin I was lowest (like CG's example) and an admin V was highest. at company B, it's the opposite. in some companies, they may not even bother with the numbering/lettering, but have 3 levels of say, associates that don't even show in actual job titles are are only referred to whe using compensation tables (which HR and hiring managers probably only see).

i'm sorry this probably wasn't helpful at all. but i just don't want you to think that there's an accross-the-board format, b/c you could make some assumptions about potential jobs, in the wrong direction.

WorkInProgress · #7 10-25-2006, 01:46 PM

Good point, weary. Don't the job descriptions/requirements give it away?

weary · #8 10-25-2006, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WorkInProgress

Good point, weary. Don't the job descriptions/requirements give it away?

usually. but it's hard to break down if it's something as close as admin I and admin II...not that much diff between the two. i don't think it'd really matter all that much when applying, to be honest. it's the same type of job. it's not like it's the diff between a law clerk and a partner.

embrassezla · #9 10-25-2006, 01:56 PM

I thought those titles were company-defined as well, which is why I think it's hilarious that my SO's business card has him listed as a "Marketing Analyst II", like anyone knows what the crap a marketing analyst TWO is.

weary · #10 10-25-2006, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by embrassezla

I thought those titles were company-defined as well, which is why I think it's hilarious that my SO's business card has him listed as a "Marketing Analyst II", like anyone knows what the crap a marketing analyst TWO is.

exactly.

i really don't get why jobs are even posted (or in your SO's case, on a card) like that. when i had decision-making power over that kind of stuff, one of the first changes i made was a general rule on all job listings/postings/etc. that would in any way shape or form be seen by outside eyes, be shortened to not include any internal codes or classifications. it only confuses people.

wordsmith · #11 10-25-2006, 02:45 PM

Titles are pretty liquid.

I'm an editor, it's my official title. I have to/get to do things that an editor at another paper would not have among his or her duties and opportunities.

WorkInProgress · #12 10-25-2006, 02:47 PM

To tell you the truth, I'm not sure what my actual job title is. It isn't the one I started with, as I do different things than I did to begin with. I think I'm some kind of assistant.

PenforPrez · #13 10-25-2006, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaFille

i'm looking at job listings... what is the difference between, for example, a 'secretary I' and 'secretary II' and 'secretary III.' there's no definition on the site i am looking at. is a 'I' more experienced than a 'II?' or the opposite?

Titles like that are common in state positions. I is usually an entry-level position; II and III (and sometimes they have a Level IV) require more experience, and have more responsibilities and more pay.

The job I'm still waiting to hear from the state on is titled State Historic Park Specialist II, which requires more organizational ability and more professional skills. They require a BA and a year of experience for it, as opposed to State Historic Park Specialist I, which is an entry-level position. But the II level position pays about 7k a year more.

Paul

WorkInProgress · #14 10-25-2006, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PenforPrez

Titles like that are common in state positions. I is usually an entry-level position; II and III (and sometimes they have a Level IV) require more experience, and have more responsibilities and more pay.

The job I'm still waiting to hear from the state on is titled State Historic Park Specialist II, which requires more organizational ability and more professional skills. They require a BA and a year of experience for it, as opposed to State Historic Park Specialist I, which is an entry-level position. But the II level position pays about 7k a year more.

Paul

You're still waiting on that one? When do you think you'll hear? I'm crossing my fingers for ya.

weary · #15 10-25-2006, 03:32 PM

paul brings up a good point. public service/government/military positions DO have an across-the-board classification system. but i as far as the rest of the corporate/working world...i don't think.