📄 RESUME ROAST #4

> "2020-2023: Software Engineer
> 2023-2024: Senior Software Engineer
> 2024-Present: Software Engineer II"

Spot the issue before I explain 👇

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The roast: This looks like a demotion, and recruiters WILL notice and wonder about it - even if "Software Engineer II" is actually a level ABOVE "Senior Software Engineer" at your specific company (title inflation and naming varies wildly between companies).

The resume doesn't explain that, so it just reads as a step backward, and most recruiters won't take the time to ask - they'll just quietly deprioritize the resume.

✅ The fix: add a one-line clarifying note, or better, standardize your titles to reflect actual seniority level consistently:

> "2024-Present: Software Engineer II (Senior-equivalent level at [Company]'s leveling structure)"

Or simply pick the title that most clearly communicates your actual seniority to an outside reader, even if it's not your exact internal title - as long as it's honest and defensible if asked about in an interview.

Never assume the reader knows your company's internal quirks. Assume zero context and write for a stranger.

Anyone else dealt with a confusing title change like this? 👇