Different Job Titles in 2024
Different Job Titles – Each position within an organization is assigned a job title associated with certain tasks and responsibilities. The title itself may indicate these responsibilities or reflect seniority level.
Employable job titles can vary by industry, with different terms denoting positions at each level. The same position may also have a different title depending on the size and location of the company.
Despite the differences, job titles sit within a clear hierarchical company structure in both large and small businesses.
Each job function will occupy a position in the company’s organizational chart.
Job titles are useful to employers because they aid in HR and recruiting processes, indicate compensation levels, and create a chain of command (reflecting reporting and line management relationships) and career progression paths. Display.
For employees, job titles help accurately reflect their work and contributions to the company.
Continuity is important because job titles are used to evaluate an individual’s job history – an incorrect or ambiguous job title may lead to an oversight in application screening processes.
Knowing the importance of job titles can help job seekers research jobs more efficiently, demonstrate career progress, and write a strong resume and cover letter to beat ATS software. And get noticed by recruiters.
What are job titles?
Job titles are names or designations given to company roles. Linguistically, they usually perform the following functions:
They describe job levels – Job titles may be assigned to demonstrate the seniority of a position and indicate how it fits into the overall company structure—for example, Director, supervisor, manager, or assistant.
They describe job function – Job titles can serve the main purpose of revealing the role’s responsibilities. These titles are self-explanatory, revealing an employee’s daily or most prominent function—for example, receptionist, event coordinator, programmer, plumber, or accountant.
They reflect both of the above – Some job titles reflect not only rank but also role responsibilities. For example, Marketing and Communications Manager, Senior Accountant, Head Chef, Customer Service Manager, or Paralegal.
Within organizations, job titles are used to classify roles, create structure, and aid in governance. From the outside, job titles help connect clients and customers with the most appropriate person to meet their needs.
A title that reflects the job’s level and function are most beneficial for customer-facing roles.
Why are job titles important to employees and job seekers?
As an employee, it’s important to understand the specifics of different job titles and their implications. With this knowledge, you can ensure that your job title accurately reflects your responsibilities at your current place of employment.
If it doesn’t, your title could hurt you as you search for your next opportunity. When your resume is considered for a role, your previous job titles will likely be the first to attract attention.
A job title should accurately reflect your level and role within the organization so that it can contribute meaningfully to your resume. Your previous job titles should reflect the progress you’ve made throughout your career.
Remember that any references you get from the company will also show your job title, so make sure it’s accurate and helps you sell yourself.
It’s also important to understand job titles when looking at career development. An awareness of what job titles represent in terms of level, responsibility, and remuneration will help you target your job search for the roles that best suit you.
How to Use a Job Title as a Job Seeker
If you’re looking for a new job, finding and securing your desired role can be easier and more efficient using the proper job title.
Job titles can be used meaningfully by job hunters in the following ways:
Job postings contain keywords to reach the audience they want to attract – one of these key steps is the job title itself, to help with the search for a job opportunity. When searching for opportunities on career sites, using the job title as a keyword will refine your search to return opportunities of interest at the appropriate level.
It’s important to use appropriate job titles on your resume because they represent the breadth of responsibility you’ve had in previous roles – condensed into a few easily-consumable words – to reflect your job history accurately. The job title of a role gives an impression of its level, complexity, talents, and skills required. Maximize your job titles to ensure that recruiters get the right impression of your suitability for a role.
To beat Applicant Tracking System (ATS) technology – it’s important to indicate the title of the job you’re applying for in your resume and cover letter. Most organizations screen applications using ATS technology, programmed to recognize keywords and phrases, such as matching job titles.
To conduct scoping research into jobs: Sites such as Glassdoor allow employees and job seekers to research average salaries by industry, role, and location. They also provide information about people’s experiences in similar roles across companies or employees within a certain company.
Why are job titles important to employers?
Job titles are important to employers for three main reasons:
They show progress and can outline a career path – When hiring, employers will review job titles of candidates’ previous roles because they are easy indicators of career progression, demonstrating an ability to handle increasing responsibility. Huh. They are also beneficial for showcasing the career ladder within an organization, attracting new talent, and encouraging employees to strive for the next promotion. Having a structured organizational set of job titles with clear progression paths will help highlight future career paths within the company.
They determine compensation – Job titles are often used to indicate job level. These levels help track employee progress and are also linked to salary brackets. A job title specifies the level of compensation for the role. Tracking employees in this way helps to ensure that labor vacancies are filled through the recruitment of the appropriate position level in terms of both the company’s budget and the candidate’s experience.
They are useful for administration – during the recruitment process, assigning a role to a specific job title helps identify a vacancy and track applications, among others. A job reference can also be added to aid in this process.
Common job title example
In large companies, a formal set of job titles is used to indicate status levels and provide clear advancement opportunities.
The table below gives examples of common, progressive job titles within a typical company, alternative titles, and a brief description of each role.
Note that smaller companies may not follow such a set structure and that not all roles will be found within all organizations.
The role of the CEO is usually above the roles of other sector heads.
Other C-Level Officers / Chief XXX Officers Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Innovation Officer (CIO), Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Chief Human Resource Officer ( CHRO) ), Chief User Experience Officer (CUEO) heads each major department within the company. They are the majority equity holders and owners of the company. They are the main authority figures for the company from both internal and external perceptions. Smaller companies may only have a few roles: the COO, CFO, and CIO.
XXX Senior Director, Managing Director or Director of Operations, Director of Marketing, Director of Human ResourcesDirectors of departments of the company. These roles report to the relevant Chief XXX Officer for their department or, if these roles do not exist, directly to the company’s CEO. These titles are not considered appropriate for company owners, who must have the title roles from the first two brackets.
Assistant Director, Assistant Director XXX, Assistant Director XXX, Assistant Director of Finance, Assistant Director of Marketing, and Assistant Director of Operations support the role of the Director. If directors exist for each company department, there may be an assistant director role under each of these.
The Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President, Vice President (VP) of Finance, and Senior Vice President of Marketing roles report to the relevant Director or, if there is no director, to a C-level executive. These roles are usually only seen in large companies that require a strong management structure. A company may have only one or a selection of vice president roles.
The assistant vice president provides support for the role of the associate vice president—reports to the Vice President of the appropriate department.
Manager Supervisor, Lead, Team Leader, Individual responsible for managing a team within a company department. They will be line managed by a senior staff member within the department.
XXX Manager Community Engagement Manager, Social Media Manager, Customer Relations Manager The title ‘manager’ may also be used to refer to someone who manages the application of a particular function or process.
Associate, Representative Marketing Associate, Customer Service Representative, Finance Associate Roles with these titles are entry-level positions with no management responsibilities. They will likely report to a line manager within a specific department.
Clerk, assistant administrative assistant, office clerk assistant, and assistant roles often perform a specific function within a company for a certain department or executive (such as an admin assistant to the COO).
Intern, Associate, Marketing and Communications Intern, Accounting Intern, Fundraising Intern, Nurse’s Aide, XXX Minister’s Aide. Intern roles are for students or recent graduates looking for experience to build their resumes. These positions may be full or part-time and paid or voluntary. A person who assists the holder of a particular role is given the title of ‘associate.’ Intern titles tend to be more functional or process-oriented.
Industry Job Title
Different industries follow different conventions and structures when it comes to job titles.
Below is a summary of the major industries, their employment growth prospects in the US, and common job titles within each.
All employment growth figures are sourced from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Agriculture
Work in agriculture involves the production of crops and livestock for consumption in the supply chain.
This can also include land management, horticulture, and plant scientist roles.
Employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow by 6% through 2029, while employment of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is projected to decline by 6% over the same period.
Job titles in agriculture include:
- Farmer
- planter
- forestry manager
- gardener
- tree surgeon
- food scientist
- animal geneticist
- different job titles
- different job titles
Animal Science / Care
The animal science and care field includes a wide variety of animal-related jobs and has a wide variety of titles to match. Veterinary medicine is often the first field to come to mind, but many other care roles exist.
Employment of animal care and service personnel is predicted to increase by 22%, employment for animal trainers by 13%, and opportunities for veterinarians by 16% by 2029 – much higher than the projected average across all occupations. There is a fast growth rate.
Animal care job titles include:
- caretaker
- zookeeper
- animal trainer
- animal control officer
- breeder
- veterinary technician
- rehabilitation specialist
- veterinary radiologist
- Veterinarian (often attached to a specialization; for example, vet, aquatic vet)
- veterinary chiropractor
- veterinary specialist
Construction
Construction roles are available on residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects. There is a range of unskilled and skilled roles in this sector, which require varying degrees of training and education.
Employment in the construction sector is projected to grow by 3-4% by 2029.
Construction industry job titles include:
- construction worker
- Installer (e.g., flooring, glazier)
- ceiling
- operating engineer
- plaster
- plumber
- electrician
- carpenter
- site manager
- Assistant Project Manager
- project manager
- building manager
customer service
Customer service roles are customer-facing roles within an industry that maintain the relationship between a service or product provider and its customers.
They may provide assistance with purchases, answer questions, provide technical support, or handle complaints.
Customer service roles are found in most industries but are most commonly associated with the retail and hospitality sectors. Employment in customer service is projected to decline by 2% by 2029.
Common job titles in customer service include:
- cashier
- help desk technician
- online customer support
- customer relations officer
- customer care operator
- retail associate
- Customer Service Ambassador
- Account Coordinator
Education
There are job titles in education that represent a clear structural hierarchy based on level of experience and educational qualification.
Various positions are available in education – beyond teaching roles – within primary, middle, or high schools, colleges, and universities.
The demand for education roles is forecast to grow by 4% by 2019.
Job Titles in the Education Sector (School):
- academic assistant
- guidance counselor
- resource coordinator
- special practice teacher
- speech and language pathologist
- business teacher
- major in English literature
- head of the year
- academic Director
- vice principal
- Theory
- Job Titles in the Education Sector (College/University):
- teaching assistant
- research assistant
- postdoctoral researcher
- research associate
- lecturer
- assistant professor
- Visiting Assistant Professor
- associate professor
- Head of Department
- VC
- chancellor
Engineering
Engineering job titles vary depending on a person’s area of engineering.
The main engineering fields are mechanical, civil, chemical, electrical, and environmental.
Engineering roles are expected to grow by 4% by 2029.
Engineering job titles include:
- aerospace engineer
- materials engineer
- biomedical engineer
- quality control engineer
- construction engineer
- Petroleum engineer
- plant engineer
- chief engineer
Hospitality
The hospitality industry is broad and includes roles in restaurants, hotels, and other recreational or leisure facilities.
Common areas in the hospitality industry include concierge, food operations, event planning, and hotel management.
Employment in event planning is projected to grow by 8% through 2029, employment in food service management by 1%, and opportunities for chefs and cooks by 6%, while hotel management opportunities are projected to decline by 12%.
Hospitality role titles include:
- waiter Waitress
- hotel receptionist
- guest service supervisor
- chef
- front of house manager
- events Manager
- Sales and Marketing Manager
Human resource
Individuals who work in human resources (HR) manage the relationship between a company and its employees. They oversee recruitment, training, development, legal compliance, and employment law.
The employment of human resource specialists is projected to grow by 7% through 2029. This is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations, which is 5% over the same period.
Human resources job titles include:
- human resources administrative assistant
- assistant human resources manager
- human resource manager
- employee relations manager
- director of talent
- director of employment
- Vice President of HR
- Director of Human Resources
- chief human resources officer
Information Technology
IT jobs involve all aspects of computer and infrastructure support – software, hardware, servers, and networks.
Employment of software developers is projected to grow by 22% by 2029, employment of developers and digital designers by 8%, computer systems analysts by 7%, and computer and information systems managers by 10%.
The employment of information security analysts is projected to grow by a whopping margin of 31% by 2029.
Common job titles in IT include:
- IT support manager
- network Engineer
- developer
- Web Developer
- programmer
- Application Developer
- UX designer
- software Engineer
- cloud architect
- computer systems analyst
- information security analyst
- senior network engineer
- IT manager
- IT Director
- director of technology
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Hospitality
The hospitality industry is broad and includes roles in restaurants, hotels, and other recreational or leisure facilities.
Common areas in the hospitality industry include concierge, food operations, event planning, and hotel management.
Employment in event planning is projected to grow by 8% through 2029, employment in food service management by 1%, and opportunities for chefs and cooks by 6%, while hotel management opportunities are projected to decline by 12%.
Hospitality role titles include:
- waiter, Waitress
- hotel receptionist
- guest service supervisor
- chef
- front of house manager
- events Manager
- Sales and Marketing Manager
Human Resource
Individuals who work in human resources (HR) manage the relationship between a company and its employees. They oversee recruitment, training, development, legal compliance, and employment law.
The employment of human resource specialists is projected to grow by 7% through 2029. This is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations, which is 5% over the same period.
Human resources job titles include:
- human resources administrative assistant
- assistant human resources manager
- human resource manager
- employee relations manager
- director of talent
- director of employment
- Vice President of HR
- Director of Human Resources
- chief human resources officer
information technology
IT jobs involve all aspects of computer and infrastructure support – software, hardware, servers, and networks.
Employment of software developers is projected to grow by 22% by 2029, employment of developers and digital designers by 8%, computer systems analysts by 7%, and computer and information systems managers by 10%.
The employment of information security analysts is projected to grow by a whopping margin of 31% by 2029.
Common job titles in IT include:
- IT support manager
- network Engineer
- developer
- Web Developer
- programmer
- Application Developer
- UX designer
- software Engineer
- cloud architect
- computer systems analyst
- information security analyst
- senior network engineer
- IT manager
- IT Director
- director of technology
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Final Thoughts
Job titles are important because they either explicitly reflect or are synonymous with a certain job function, its responsibilities, and its level of seniority.
They create the organizational structure within a company and pave the way for career advancement – both within companies and across industries.
Job titles can be used on career sites to aid job searches by using relevant industry titles as keywords. This speeds up the process and increases the number of relevant roles returned by each search.
Regarding job titles, using the right language strengthens a resume and cover letter, helping your application beat the ATS software. In addition, making sure that the job titles listed on your resume accurately reflect your previous roles will inform recruiters of your comparable or foundational experience, which will help you secure a new role at the next level.
When used correctly, job titles help you sell yourself while demonstrating your career progress and potential.
What is the difference between job and career?
Knowing the difference between a job and a career can be difficult.
To many, they sound like the same thing, and it’s easy to understand why. Some people may find that a role that started as ‘just a job’ can become their career, while others may start a role as part of their career planning and find that it becomes a temporary job.
Generally, a career is a path you will follow throughout your working life.
A job is just one of many steps on that path. Some jobs may only be for a short period, while others will last years of your life.
However, the important thing about all jobs is that they will help guide you while contributing to your career.
What is a career?
A career is a term used for your lifetime employment path.
It can be composed of different jobs or similar roles in different environments.
Your interests, passions, and skills usually guide your career. You may need additional qualifications or training to achieve certain positions within your career journey.
Some of the roles that can be considered careers are:
- teacher
- plumber
- doctor
What is a job?
A job is generally a short-term employment role. It can provide a steady income and an opportunity to learn skills.
Job is the term used to describe a role within your career path.
Some roles that can be considered a job are:
- seasonal employment (usually temporary)
- supermarket checkout staff
- fast food restaurant staff
All these positions are jobs in themselves and have the potential to become careers.
Even if you only do them for a short while before moving on to the next step on your journey, they can add valuable skills and experience as you progress in your career.
What are the Similarities Between Job and Career?
It cannot be easy to figure out how a job and a career fit into your life because they look very similar.
They are both paid jobs, can be enjoyable, and provide an opportunity to learn new skills.
To Pay
A job and a career can offer a steady income that provides long-term financial security. Exact pay rates and ranges will vary from job to job and career to career.
Joy
No matter what you do, it should be enjoyable. Whether it’s a temporary job you love because of the people you work with or a long-term career that’s enjoyable because it allows you to do something you’re passionate about.
Skill
All forms of employment will teach you skills.
A job in retail taught you valuable customer service skills, or your career as a self-employed electrician may teach you how to budget and create spreadsheets.
All skills are adaptable and can be transferred from one place to another.
What is the difference between a job and a career?
Job and career have some things in common, but understanding the difference makes it possible to learn how the two fit together in our lives.
Not Limited To One Post
A career is often made up of a variety of positions and roles that help you progress through your career.
It could be the part-time job you took to help you get through college while you trained as a doctor, or it could be the three different teaching jobs you took to become a principal.
Ability
Often, people who have a career will need a qualification.
Sometimes, a college degree is required. Other times, you’ll be able to learn the job and progress by gaining workplace-relevant qualifications and working your way up from the bottom. This enables you to gain experience at every stage of your career.
Values
Your career should reflect your values and align with what you find important.
That way, you’ll stay passionate about what you do and stay motivated when you reach a dead-end or need to change your strategy.
A career path is rarely a straight line, and you must be prepared for bumps in the road. Focusing on a career that embodies your values will help keep you going even when times get tough.
short-term vs. long-term
Often, a job is a short-term thing. You can do many jobs in your lifetime. In contrast, a career is a long-term undertaking. Individuals will often spend their entire working lives seeking and achieving their career goals.
Inspiration
What is it that motivates you to go to work every day? If the need for a paycheck drives you, chances are you’d rather work at a job than a career.
People working toward taking the next step in their careers are often driven by a desire to achieve their goals and a passion for what they do.
Revenue
As you advance in your career, there is stability and a pay increase. There could also be bonuses and additional benefits with your career.
This is less likely in a job role. Many jobs are paid hourly, without the possibility of bonuses or significant pay increases.
Can you turn your job into a career?
No matter what type of job you have, you will find that it can offer tools that can be used to build a career.
Even if you don’t see yourself in that role for a long time, you will have gained skills and experience that will be invaluable as you take the next step on your journey.
If you currently have a job but need help to turn it into a career, there are a few things that can help you decide your next steps.
What do you enjoy?
A career should be something you love. If you’re currently working, think about areas of your job that you enjoy. Are there other jobs with similar characteristics that could offer more long-term growth?
If you’re currently in school or unemployed, consider things you enjoy doing in your spare time. Do you have a hobby or area of interest that you are passionate about? Can this be turned into a career?
What are you good at?
If you have a natural passion for something, the obvious choice would be to find a career that uses the skills you already have.
If you have a natural love for math, a career in accounting or bookkeeping may be a good fit.
If you’re good at history, consider a career as a history teacher or lecturer.
Choosing a career that makes the most of your abilities will make it much easier to stick with when you stumble.
Take the career quiz.
When deciding on a career path, it isn’t easy to decide which one to choose.
There can be many things that you are passionate about. You may have a wide range of hobbies or knowledge in many areas. You may have already followed a career path and are now looking for a change but unsure where to move.
Taking a career questionnaire can help you decide which direction to choose.
They can highlight your skills and abilities and suggest specific career paths for which you might be a good fit. Questionnaires often give you information about how to build a career, any special skills you may need, and your career progression.
Find an advisor
Having a mentor helps you stay focused and on track.
Most mentoring relationships will involve regular meetings, emails, or phone calls to discuss your progress and how you’re feeling and consider whether any changes need to be made.
A mentor is someone other than someone who will hold your hand and tell you how to get from one step to the next. Rather, a good advisor will talk with you about your options and help you reach your decisions rather than telling you what to do.
While hiring a professional advisor is possible, you don’t have to. A mentor can be a friend or colleague who understands your chosen career path and can help guide you.
Ideally, a mentor would be someone above your career path and able to use extensive experience to support and advise you. They can help you decide what steps to take and motivate you to keep going when things get tough.
Consider an internship
If you’ve decided on a career path but don’t have any experience in that field, it’s worth considering an internship.
Most internships will start at the bottom of the career ladder in an entry-level position but allow you to learn valuable skills working in your chosen field while earning a salary.
An internship can also allow you to study for a relevant qualification to your career, as well as learn from people who have worked in the industry for many years. Many people who complete an internship go on to make progress in their chosen field.
Final Thoughts
It is always possible to decide what you want to do as a career. Whether you’re just starting to think about your future career or are looking for a change, taking the time to reflect on your journey can guide your decision-making process.
Even if you have had a career of many years and are now looking to change paths, options are available.
When you find a job or career you love, you will feel rewarded and have a great sense of accomplishment.
