What the labels mean.
WHAT TITLES INDICATE
Very little, across organisations.
WHY
There is no standard, and inflation is common.
WHAT EXAMPLES LOOK LIKE
Senior at a small company matching mid-level elsewhere Lead meaning anything from technical direction to management
WHAT TO ASSESS INSTEAD
Scope of responsibility Independence expected Who you influence
WHAT TO ASK IN INTERVIEWS
What distinguishes this level from the one below What someone at this level is expected to do independently
WHY
It reveals the actual expectation.
WHAT TITLE INFLATION COSTS YOU
Difficulty moving, when the next employer assesses you against their definition.
WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE
Being offered a lower title elsewhere.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
Focus on capability, and describe scope rather than title.
WHAT A TITLE IS USEFUL FOR
External credibility Client-facing roles Some visa and procurement contexts
WHAT TO NEGOTIATE
Title, where it matters to you, since it frequently costs the employer nothing.
WHAT TO BE CAREFUL WITH
Accepting a senior title without the underlying experience.
WHY
Expectations follow the title, and falling short is visible.
WHAT TO TRACK FOR YOURSELF
What you can actually do independently.
WHY
It is the honest measure, and it is what interviews assess.
