Should You Use a Professional Title or Job Title in Your Resume?

When it comes to writing a resume, one of the most important decisions you'll face is what to include at the very top—specifically, whether you should use a professional title or your most recent job title as your resume headline. Both options have their merits, but choosing the right one can depend on factors like your career stage, the job you're applying for, and how you want to present yourself. In this article, we'll explore the differences between a professional title and a job title, helping you make an informed decision on which to use in your resume.

What Is a Professional Title?

A professional title is a more generalized description of your career or role that sums up your skills, expertise, or the type of work you do. It's often broader than a specific job title and is designed to showcase your overall experience or career focus.

Example of Professional Titles:Project ManagerMarketing SpecialistSoftware DeveloperGraphic DesignerFinancial Analyst

Professional titles are ideal when you want to present yourself as an expert in a particular field, or when your most recent job title doesn't fully reflect your expertise or the role you're targeting. For example, if you're applying for a senior position but your last job title was "Junior Marketing Associate," a professional title like "Digital Marketing Specialist" could better align with the position you're aiming for.

What Is a Job Title?

A job title refers to the specific position you held at a particular company. It directly reflects your role and responsibilities at that organization. Job titles are useful when you want to show continuity and progression in your career or highlight a specific role you held.

Example of Job Titles:Senior Accountant at ABC CorporationSales Manager at XYZ Ltd.Full-Stack Developer at WebTech SolutionsMarketing Associate at Creatify AgencyCustomer Support Lead at CallPro Services

Job titles are great for showcasing your professional experience and specific roles you've held, making it clear to hiring managers what you've accomplished at different points in your career.

When to Use a Professional Title

You're Changing Careers
If you're transitioning into a new field or role, a professional title can help reposition your experience in a way that aligns with your new career goals. For example, a former teacher moving into HR could use the professional title "Training and Development Specialist" instead of their most recent job title as an educator.

Your Job Title Doesn't Reflect Your Responsibilities
In some cases, your official job title might not fully reflect the scope of your responsibilities. If you held a managerial role but had a junior title, using a professional title like "Operations Manager" could better communicate your experience to potential employers.

You Want to Emphasize Your Expertise
If you've built a strong reputation or body of work in a particular field, using a professional title can help you present yourself as an expert in that domain. This is especially useful for freelancers, consultants, or individuals with extensive experience in a specific area.

When to Use a Job Title

You're Applying for a Similar Role
If you're applying for a job similar to your most recent position, using your actual job title can highlight your relevant experience. It shows continuity and progression, demonstrating that you're a strong candidate for the role because you've already held a similar position.

You Have a Prestigious or Recognizable Title
If you've held a prestigious job title at a well-known company, using that title can lend credibility to your application. For example, if you were a "Lead Software Engineer" at a top tech company, showcasing that specific job title can help you stand out to hiring managers.

You Want to Highlight Career Progression
If you've advanced through various roles at a company, using job titles can showcase your career progression and growth. Listing titles like "Sales Associate," "Sales Manager," and "Regional Sales Director" demonstrates a clear upward trajectory.

How to Choose: Professional Title vs. Job Title

Ultimately, the choice between using a professional title or job title comes down to how you want to position yourself and what you want to emphasize. Here are some key considerations:

Align with the Job Posting
Review the job description carefully. If the job posting mentions specific skills, certifications, or roles, you might want to choose a professional title that reflects those requirements, especially if your most recent job title doesn't quite fit.

Highlight Key Skills
If you want to focus on your skills and expertise, a professional title might be the better option. On the other hand, if you're looking to highlight your experience with a specific company or role, stick with your job title.

Consider Your Career Path
If your career path shows clear progression within one company or industry, using job titles can demonstrate your growth and experience. However, if you're making a career change, a professional title can help you bridge the gap between your previous roles and your new career goals.

Combining Both in a Hybrid Format

In some cases, it's possible to use both a professional title and a job title in a hybrid format. For example:

"Digital Marketing Strategist | Former SEO Manager at XYZ Corp""Project Manager | 5 Years as Senior Coordinator at ABC Inc."

This approach allows you to combine the benefits of both titles, providing hiring managers with a clear sense of your expertise and specific job history.

Conclusion

Deciding between a professional title and a job title on your resume can impact how hiring managers perceive your experience and qualifications. If you're transitioning careers, want to emphasize your expertise, or have an ambiguous job title, using a professional title can give you an edge. However, if you're applying for similar roles or want to highlight your progression and experience at a particular company, sticking with your job title may be the best approach.

If you need help creating the perfect resume, try HireQuotient's AI Resume Builder to streamline the process and ensure your resume stands out in today's competitive job market.