Job Titles on Resume & Job Search in 2024

When it comes to job titles on a resume there are two main areas of your resume to place the title in:

• A dedicated job title section
• Your work experience section

Understanding how these two types of sections differ is key.

In this section, we will break down the differences to help you gain a better understanding of what “job titles” can mean and where to put them.

Making a Job Title Section for the Job You Are Seeking

A job title section on a resume is a short section used to identify the specific role you are currently seeking.

This is a key element to add to a resume, especially if you face high competition for the role.

They also provide a very brief statement describing their experience level.

Typically, you will find this section listed directly below the name or contact information of the applicant.

This should be a concise statement that conveys who you are and the position you seek.

It is important to note that this section is not the same as a professional objective or summary statement.

Professional objectives are often a bit longer and more in-depth, while a job title section should be as succinct as possible.



Listing Job Titles in a Work Experience Section

A previous position's job title is the second kind of job title you can use on a resume.

These job titles are typically located in the work experience section. 

There are some key elements to keep in mind when listing your previous job titles on a resume:

• Does the job title relay your role and responsibilities?
• Do you have multiple titles at the same company that show promotion and professional progression?
• Are you using the exact title given at the job or have you changed it?

The key to listing your job titles is to always be honest.

Job titles within a work experience section are one of the first things an employer will see, so using the correct titles is crucial.‍

Your job titles have a major role to play in your resume.

They not only convey your work experience, but they also help to give you an edge on the competition if listed properly.

Of course, there are better job titles than others in the eyes of hiring managers.

The key is to relay how your job titles make you the most qualified candidate for the job.

Let’s cover the 3 key factors to keep in mind when listing job titles on a resume:

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- Relevance: The job titles that appear first on your resume should be the most relevant ones to the job you are applying to. Though you also need to keep in mind the timeliness of a past position, listing your most relevant job titles first will showcase your qualifications for the job.‍

- Responsibilities: Once you have listed your job title, you need to list your most prominent responsibilities in the description. These descriptions should be bulleted and as concise as possible. They should help to tie into your job title and provide greater clarity about your role.‍

- Recognition: Higher-level job titles such as “manager” hold more weight with employers. Choosing recognizably important job titles is crucial. It helps to show hiring managers you are capable of professional progression as well.

Aside from prioritizing your best job titles, there are a few key elements of your job title and work experience sections to consider.

These include:

‍Formatting: As you write your resume, you want to ensure your headings and titles have the same format. Consistency gives your resume a better visual flow and makes it easier for hiring managers to skim through it quickly.‍

Keywords: When applying to a job, always comb through the job description for keywords. Including these keywords in your work experience section will help to show hiring managers that you pay attention.

Clarity: Job titles are short – typically between one to two words. As such, providing as much clarity as possible in your descriptions is paramount. Always include your primary responsibilities and achievements within the role.

- Making your job title section relevant and concise

- Placing your job titles in the correct order

- Avoiding dishonest or misleading job titles