Finding the Right Job Titles for Your Job Search This Year

Job Titles

When it comes to your job search, it’s important to know what job titles to search for. You also need to know what job titles to add to your resume and cover letter to make yourself stand out as a candidate. In this article, you will learn why job titles are important and how you should add them to your resume to land that next great job.

Are Job Titles Really Important?

Job titles might not seem like that big a deal. After all, how are a sales associate, a sales representative, and a salesperson different? The truth is, job titles are most crucial for the job search and can speak volumes about your skills and work experience overall.

• Skills

  A job title can tell a hiring manager a lot about your skills. They will know that a web developer is familiar with web design, information technology, software development, software engineering and is familiar with enhancing the user experience without you ever saying so on paper. Additionally, a hiring manager will know that you are a good team leader if you had a senior staff role such as a product manager, vice president, chief technology officer (CTO), chief information officer (CIO), or program manager.

  It can also make entry-level jobs sound much more professional. If you worked in customer support, for instance, you might say that you were a customer service representative. Always think about how to present your skills in a solid job title. Don’t just say you handled your previous employer’s social media. Instead, list that you were the company’s social media manager.

• Work experience

  Job titles can lend a sense of credibility to your skill set and say a lot about your experience in just a few words. They can also indicate your level of expertise within a specific industry. For instance, an entry-level financial analyst or marketing analyst typically has far less experience than a chief marketing officer. Higher-level management jobs are where job titles can matter the most. You can even apply for these senior positions once you gain enough experience.

  Overall, you will want to be mindful of both the job titles you place on your resume and those you search for on LinkedIn or some other job board. Doing so can help you find job openings that match your interests and skill sets.