Why You Might Want To Change Your Job Title
There are a few key reasons why you may want to update your job title on LinkedIn:
- Your responsibilities have changed significantly. If your role has evolved and your current title no longer reflects what you do, it’s a good idea to update it.
- You got promoted. Congratulations! Be sure to update your title to reflect your new level or position.
- Your company changed your official title. If your employer changed or standardized titles, you’ll want your LinkedIn to stay current.
- You want to optimize your profile for search. Using relevant keywords like “manager,” “engineer,” or “specialist” in your title can help make your profile more findable.
- You’re looking for a new job. Tweaking your title to better match the types of roles you’re targeting can help get your profile noticed.
So in summary, keeping your LinkedIn title up to date is recommended to accurately represent your current role and skills. It can also help with networking, job seeking, and being discovered online.
How To Change Your Job Title On LinkedIn
Changing your job title on your LinkedIn profile is easy:
- Go to your profile and click “View profile.”
- Find the experience section and click on your current position.
- Click the pencil “Edit” icon.
- Update the title field to your new title and click “Save.”
Your updated job title will now appear on your profile.
Here are some tips for changing your title:
- Get approval if required. Check with your manager or HR department to make sure it’s okay before changing your title.
- Keep it professional. Choose a title that accurately represents your role and is in line with other titles at your level.
- Use proper capitalization and punctuation. You want your title to look polished and professional.
- Add context if needed. Consider adding details like “Sr.” or “Manager” to differentiate yourself.
What Happens When You Change Your Job Title
Here are some of the things that can happen when you change your title on LinkedIn:
Your Connections Are Notified
LinkedIn will automatically generate an alert letting your connections know that you changed your job title. This notification will appear in their feed.
However, they will only be notified of the title change – not the specifics of your new title.
It Changes How You Appear in Searches
Having an updated, relevant job title can help you appear in more LinkedIn searches by recruiters and hiring managers. Make sure your title includes relevant keywords.
For example, changing your title from “Sales Rep” to “Senior Account Manager” could get your profile noticed more in searches for account managers.
Your Profile Gets a Boost in LinkedIn Rankings
Freshening up your title tells LinkedIn’s algorithm that your profile has new, timely information. This can boost you in profile rankings when people search on LinkedIn.
It Updates Your Public Profile URL
Your public profile URL will automatically update to reflect your new title if you have that setting turned on.
For example, if your URL is:
www.linkedin.com/in/john-doe-sales-manager
It could change to:
www.linkedin.com/in/john-doe-senior-account-executive
It May Change How You Appear in Google
LinkedIn activity can influence search rankings beyond just the LinkedIn platform. Updating your profile can lead to changes in how you rank in Google as well.
However, this is just one factor among many that can impact Google search results.
Best Practices For Changing Job Titles on LinkedIn
Follow these best practices when updating your job title:
- Keep it honest. Pick a title that accurately and honestly reflects your current responsibilities.
- Stay up to date. Change your title as soon as it officially changes – don’t let your profile get outdated.
- Check with your company. Some firms may have rules around titles displayed externally.
- Use keywords strategically. Include words that hiring managers would search for your skillset.
- Customize your URL. Change your profile URL to reflect your new title too.
- Update other bios. In addition to LinkedIn, update titles on your resume, website, etc.
Potential Issues to Be Aware Of
While updating your LinkedIn job title is usually a smooth process, here are a couple things to keep in mind:
- Company policy violations – Some companies restrict how employees can display job titles externally. Make sure you understand your employer’s policy.
- Job function confusion – Dramatically changing your title could create confusion around your actual responsibilities and experience if not explained in your profile.
- Redundancy – You may need to edit your profile to remove redundancies if your new title includes keywords already featured prominently in your profile.
With a thoughtful approach, you can maximize the benefits of an updated job title on LinkedIn while avoiding potential downsides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing my title on LinkedIn notify my boss?
No, LinkedIn will not directly notify your boss or company if you change your job title on your profile. The only notification goes out to your connections.
Can I get in trouble for changing my title on LinkedIn?
Most companies allow reasonable updates to job titles on LinkedIn that represent your actual position. But some firms may require pre-approval for external title changes or have guidelines against unofficial title promotions. Check your employee handbook.
Do I have to wait for an official title change at my company to update LinkedIn?
You do not have to wait for an official internal title change to update your LinkedIn profile. But make sure any title updates truthfully reflect your responsibilities. Large title jumps without commensurate promotions could raise questions.
How quickly do profile changes show up after updating my job title?
LinkedIn typically processes profile changes and updates search rankings within 24-48 hours. However, connections will see your updated title immediately after you save the changes.
Should I change my title to match job postings I’m applying for?
It’s best not to change your title solely to match a job posting. But evaluating if your current title accurately reflects the roles you are targeting can make sense. Focus on finding a title that honestly represents your experience.
Conclusion
Updating your job title on LinkedIn is a great way to keep your profile current and optimize it for exposure and searchability. When changing your title, be thoughtful, use proper keywords, follow company policy, and keep the rest of your profile consistent. With a strategic approach, a title change can take your LinkedIn presence to the next level.
