What is your job title? Why does it matter? Although job titles may seem insignificant to some, they are essential to your resume. The information on your resume is one of the first impressions you make when a hiring manager reads your application. This should be used to your advantage. This article will discuss the basics of a job title and offer some simple advice. Next, we will provide examples of job titles from the most popular industries in the United States.
The basic definition of a job title is pretty straightforward: a name that describes someone’s job or position. However, the professional labels you use are anything but simple. It often determines your responsibilities, salary bracket, and career trajectory.
For your resume title, it’s best to match the exact title of the position you’re applying to, even if you’ve never actually held this title before — that’s what the employer is looking for, after all.
There’s a little more wiggle room when it comes to the job titles in the work history section of your resume. The established best practice is to use the HR-approved job title for each of your past jobs, but this isn’t always the most accurate option. In that case, you should consider swapping out your official title for an alternative that better describes what your role at the organization was, especially if this will make you look like a more suitable candidate for the position you’re applying to as well.
If you’re looking for the perfect job titles to use on your resume, we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at some job title examples below.
The professional and business services industry comprises three sectors, including occupations from legal services to scientific research and company management to waste management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this industry is projected to grow faster than average, increasing by 7% over the next decade. With over 21 million people, this is also one of the most employed supersectors in the country. If you’re looking for a position within the professional and business services industry, here is a small list of common job titles:
| Examples | |
|---|---|
| Accounting Officer | Architectural Draftsperson |
| Bookkeeping Clerk | Litigation Lawyer |
| Management Consultant | Financial Manager |
| Office Administrator | Operations Manager |
| Custodian | Remediation Specialist |
| Landscape Management Technician | Data Entry Clerk |
| Security Escort | |
The healthcare and social assistance sector is under the education and health services umbrella. The BLS reports this industry employs just over 20 million people within medical facilities and social services agencies. This sector tied for second place in projected growth and is expected to see a 12% increase in employment by 2031. Credentialed professionals work to serve the general public exclusively through medical care, social assistance, or a combination of both. Here’s a list of occupations found within this high-demand industry:
| Examples | |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse | Healthcare Administrator |
| Laboratory Technician | Medical Assistant |
| Medical Scheduler | Radiology Technician |
| Home Health Aide | Personal Care Assistant |
| Mental Health Liaison | Child Care Specialist |
| Family Case Manager | Adoption Services Manager |
| Addictions Counselor | |
The most-employed industry in the US is the government, with the total number of federal and local employees exceeding 22 million. Although the BLS has projected decreased employment growth at the federal level, state and local governments can expect to see a 2% increase over the next ten years. Arguably one of the most diverse sectors for employment, the government has occupations for all within sub-sectors such as management, sciences, education, food service, sales, farming, transportation, and more. Here is just a small sample of the types of job titles held within government occupations:
| Examples | |
|---|---|
| Fundraising Managers | Education Administrator |
| Emergency Management Director | Claims Adjuster |
| Project Management Specialist | Loan Officer |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Actuary |
| Civil Engineer | Life Scientist |
| Postal Service Clerk | Postsecondary Teacher |
| Archivist | |
The retail trade industry covers all retail sales environments, from motor vehicle dealers to personal care stores, gas stations, and vending machines. Retailers act as the final step in the merchandise distribution process, with over 15 million people currently working to sell products to the general public. Although the industry is projected to see a slight decrease in employment over the next decade, it remains a top choice for many in the US, with a clear path for upward growth on the retail management ladder. Job titles within the retail trade include:
| Examples | |
|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technician | Commercial Parts Professional |
| Store Manager | Visual Merchandiser |
| Front-End Associate | Warehouse Order Filler |
| Cargo Mover | Freight Hauler |
| Industrial Tractor Operator | Computer Repair Technician |
| Clinical Pharmacist | Floral Sales Designer |
| Call Center Supervisor | |
Employment within the leisure and hospitality industry is expected to increase by 13% over the next decade and is projected to be the fastest-growing supersector in the country. There are over 14 million people currently employed within this industry, and another nearly 2 million are projected to enter the workforce by 2031. This industry has diverse roles through sub-sectors such as performing arts, spectator sports, museums, amusement parks, resorts, and restaurants. If you’re looking for an exciting position within the leisure and hospitality industry, here is a small sampling of common job titles:
| Examples | |
|---|---|
| Athletic Director | Facility Operations Manager |
| Public Affairs Specialist | Lobby Attendant |
| Theater Usher | Preservation Specialist |
| Museum Conservation Technician | Exhibition Manager |
| Mixology Master | Catering Manager |
| Lodging Property Manager | Executive Chef |
| Food Server | |
All manufacturing occupations fall within the category of the goods-producing supersector group. This is a huge industry responsible for producing the abundance of items we buy and use every day. Products manufactured in the US include food, beverages, textiles, paper, petroleum, chemicals, electronics, furniture, and more. Manufacturing can take place in giant factories or right within the homes of assemblers. Over 12 million people are employed in this industry, with occupations available at all levels, from assembly to operation management. Check out our list below for examples of manufacturing job titles:
| Examples | |
|---|---|
| Brewing Technician | Batching Operator |
| Production Manager | Packaging Specialist |
| Sales Consultant | Precision Dyer |
| Sewing Machine Operator | Cabinet Maker |
| Machine Feeder | Process Engineer |
| Quality Assurance Manager | Team Assembler |
| Automotive Machinist | Real Estate Agent |
| Property Manager | |
The finance industry employs over 8.5 million people. Occupations under this industry umbrella include banking, investments, credit intermediation, and insurance. These sub-sectors work to raise funds, provide loans, and underwrite insurance policies, among other money-related activities. The industry as a whole is expected to grow at an average rate of 5% over the next decade, creating nearly 400,000 new jobs. Here’s a list of job titles you’re likely to encounter within the finance industry:
| Examples | |
|---|---|
| Payroll Specialist | Accounting Analyst |
| Bank Teller | Branch Manager |
| Director of Accounting | Client Relations Manager |
| Mortgage Loan Officer | Brokerage Coordinator |
| Personal Financial Planner | Associate in Commercial Underwriting |
| Policy Processing Clerk | Certified General Appraisal |
| Certified Public Accountant | |
Within the last decade, the construction industry saw an explosive growth of over 30%. It currently employs over 7.4 million people and is projected to continue its pattern of increase through 2031. Professionals within construction work for one of three sub-sectors: construction of buildings, heavy and civil engineering, or specialty trades. These experts work on projects within both residential and commercial marketplaces, building new structures and repairing old ones. Engineers construct highways and plan utility systems, while specialty contractors work out the details through trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and wiring. Take a look at some common job titles found within the construction industry:
| Examples | |
|---|---|
| Construction Laborer | Extraction Worker |
| Journeyman Carpenter | Building Construction Estimator |
| Process Operator | Construction Manager |
| Master Electrician | Plumbing Technician |
| Pipefitter | Power Engineer |
| Dump Truck Driver | Site Manager |
| Civil Engineering Technician | |
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