What if I don’t know my job title?

Not knowing your exact job title can be confusing and frustrating. However, there are steps you can take to figure it out. Here are some quick answers to common questions people have when they don’t know their job title:

Why is my job title important?

Your job title is important because it communicates your role, responsibilities, and position within a company. It can impact your compensation, career progression, and how you are perceived by colleagues and managers. Having an accurate, descriptive job title helps ensure you are recognized properly for the work you do.

What if my job duties don’t match my title?

If your actual job duties don’t align with your official job title, that can be problematic. It can make it unclear to others what you really do. It can also impact whether you are compensated fairly and given proper opportunities. If this is happening, you should have a discussion with your manager to get your job title changed to match your responsibilities.

How do I find out what my job title should be?

There are a few ways to go about determining what your proper job title should be:

• Look at job descriptions for similar roles in your company or industry to see standard titles.
• Speak with your manager about your responsibilities and ask for their suggestion on an appropriate title.
• Research job titles on sites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or job boards to find common titles for your type of work.
• Look at the job titles of colleagues who do similar work as you in your company.

This research can give you insight into titles that accurately reflect your job.

What if my company doesn’t use formal titles?

Some companies prefer to keep job titles informal or do not use them at all. In those cases, you can create your own description of your role to convey your position. On your resume or LinkedIn, you can list your job title as something like “Customer Service Specialist (Unofficial Title)” and then describe your specific responsibilities. Having a descriptive, understandable title will still help give your professional contacts clarity on your work and expertise.

Should I choose my own job title?

It’s usually best not to choose your own job title without input from your employer. Companies typically have a system in place for titling roles, so creating your own title could just cause confusion. You should have an open discussion with your manager and HR department about properly titling your position based on the work you do. If they prefer not to use formal titles, you can create an unofficial title for yourself to use externally for things like resumes and networking.

What if my manager won’t change my title?

If you feel your job title needs to be updated but your manager is resistant, you may need to push harder to make your case:

• Clearly present the evidence showing your job duties do not match your existing title
• Explain how having an inaccurate title is hurting you professionally
• Provide examples of appropriate titles based on your research
• Ask what it would take to get your title changed through a promotion or review

If they still refuse, you may need to accept keeping your current title until a change is possible through a promotion, department move, or new job. As a workaround, you can list an unofficial title on your resume and LinkedIn that better conveys your work.

What do I put as my job title on a resume?

If you’re unsure or dissatisfied with your official job title, you have a few options for what to put on your resume:

• Use your official job title but clarify it in parentheses or the description
• List an “unofficial” title that describes your role more accurately
• Simply put your department name or “staff member” if your duties are unclear

The key is to use a job title on your resume that communicates what you actually do. You want to ensure recruiters quickly understand your experience and qualifications.

How do I ask for a new job title?

Here are some tips for requesting a new job title:

• Schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss it
• Come prepared with evidence to support your request
• Present examples of appropriate titles with data from research
• Explain the business reasons it benefits the company (recruiting, retention)
• Ask what steps need to be taken to get a title change approved
• Thank them for considering and offer to provide any other helpful information

The key is to make a compelling, evidence-based case for why your updated job title is good for both you and the company.

What do I do if I’m asked my job title in an interview?

If you’re asked your job title in a job interview when you’re unsure of the title, there are a few good approaches:

• Give your official job title but explain it may not fully capture your broad responsibilities
• Say your company uses informal titles and then describe your specific role and duties
• Admit you’re unsure of your exact title and focus instead on conveying your experience
• Give the unofficial working title you use that fits your work better

What’s most important is describing what you actually do day-to-day and highlighting the most relevant experience, not getting caught up on the exact job title.

Conclusion

Not knowing your exact job title can be frustrating, but don’t let it hold you back. The most important thing is being able to clearly articulate your skills and experience. Do your research to come up with a title that accurately reflects your role. Have an open dialogue with your manager to get your job title officially changed if needed. And don’t be afraid to take control and use an unofficial title in the meantime that helps move your career forward.

Common Job Titles Organized by Industry and Role

Job titles can vary significantly between different companies and industries. To provide some clarity, here is a table outlining common job titles organized by industry and role:

While individual job titles may vary, this table provides a general overview of common entry-level, mid-level, senior and executive titles across key industries and functions.

Key Things to Know About Job Titles

Here are some additional important points to understand about job titles:

• Titles communicate your position, expertise, and seniority within an organization.
• Standard titles for similar roles exist, but companies also have discretion around titling.
• Titles impact things like compensation, recruiting, and career advancement.
• If your title doesn’t match your role, work to get it updated.
• Do research to find titles appropriate for your experience level and duties.
• An unclear title can be clarified or enhanced for resumes and networking.
• Focus on the experience itself first, then match a title to suit.

Tips for Creating Your Own Job Title

If you need to come up with your own descriptive job title, here are some tips:

• Accurately reflect your core responsibilities and duties
• Incorporate your department name or function
• Use clear, understandable language – avoid overly vague or formal titles
• Convey your seniority level if possible (coordinator, manager, director)
• Align with standards – avoid inflated titles that overstate your role
• Include keywords recruiters or HR would search for
• Keep it concise but descriptive if possible

Some examples of effective customized titles:

• Social Media Marketing Specialist
• Customer Experience Project Coordinator
• Technical Support Team Lead
• Software Design Engineer

The right job title should communicate exactly what you do to internal and external audiences.

Handling Job Titles in Interviews

Here are some tips for handling questions about your job title gracefully in interviews when you don’t have an official title:

• Come prepared with a title that accurately reflects your work
• Explain that your company uses informal titles and then provide yours
• Focus more on discussing your specific job duties and accomplishments
• Say you fulfill many roles and provide the unofficial title you feel is most suitable
• If asked about inflated titles, be honest and explain your thought process
• Emphasize you’re more interested in finding the right fit than a fancy title

With the right preparation and framing, you can have a productive discussion about your background and experience – even without an official job title.

Job Title FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about job titles:

Should I put my job title on my resume?

Yes, you should include a job title on your resume to quickly communicate your role and seniority level. If you do not have an official title, create one that accurately reflects your position and duties.

What if my title has changed but my duties stayed the same?

If your job duties have remained the same but your title has changed, it is appropriate to update your title on your resume and LinkedIn to match your current official title.

Is it okay to exaggerate my job title on my resume?

No, exaggerating or inflating your real job title is unethical and can hurt your credibility. The title on your resume should accurately represent your actual position and responsibilities.

What if I’ve held different titles at the same company?

If you’ve held different titles at the same company, you can list each on your resume along with the associated date ranges. This demonstrates your progression and growing expertise.

Should I include my job title on my business card?

Yes, job title should be included on your business card along with your name and contact details. Your title informs others of your role and seniority in your organization.

Can I change my job title on LinkedIn?

You can edit your job titles on LinkedIn. If your official title does not accurately reflect your work, provide a more suitable title on your profile and summary.

Is job title the most important thing for my resume?

No, your specific job responsibilities and achievements are more important on your resume than your exact title. But an appropriate title does help summarize your position.

Conclusion

Job titles signify your role and standing within a company, so it’s important to have clarity around your title. Research titles typical for your experience level and duties. Work with your employer to adjust your title if it is inaccurate or outdated. And don’t be afraid to thoughtfully create your own descriptive title in the meantime that gives your professional contacts a better understanding of your qualifications and expertise.