When leaving a high-level position at one workplace, many people make the mistake of expecting to land an equally high-level position at another place of employment. While some might see a transition from an executive position to a midlevel job as a major step down, there really is no standardization when it comes to labels like “entry level” or “senior level”—making it extremely important for those seeking new employment to understand just what the labels in job descriptions actually mean. Here is a breakdown that defines job experience levels, courtesy of CareerBuilder:

  • Entry Level. While this label sounds made for those new to the workforce, it is actually more appropriate for employees new to a company or area of work. Entry level positions are all about proving a hard work ethic and getting familiar with your professional environment, and should be considered a fresh start for those back in the workforce.
  • Midlevel. Midlevel jobs often require more education and experience than entry level jobs, and should be seen as an opportunity to show how your past experience can benefit your present employer. Midlevel jobs are a bit more demanding and might require employees to take on a managerial position, so consider positions in this area as an opportunity to show your supervisors that you have what it takes to move up in the company.
  • Senior Level/Executive. This is one of the more misleading title descriptions, as having an executive position in one company could mean something completely different in another. Because some companies, like large corporations, leave less room for senior level positions, those looking to land one of those top spots should probably consider an entry level or midlevel position in that company first. However, going to a smaller company from a midlevel corporate job might provide you with the opportunity to show off your skills in a higher ranking position—simply in a smaller work environment.

However, when it comes to applying for a higher position, what matters most is what you managed—a department, part of a department, yourself, etc.—and how well you handled your responsibilities. Look at whatever job you land as an opportunity to prove yourself in a new environment, and you’ll see that job level descriptions have no universal standard. If you’ve ever jumped from a senior position to an entry level job, or have struggled trying to find a job that matches your previous position, let us know how you made it through in the comments section!