Make sure your resume uses the right job titles for your career needs.

To craft a truly compelling resume, you need to highlight crucial details that demonstrate your qualifications for the position you're seeking. Those details include vital information about your skills, work experience, and key accomplishments. It's also important to effectively communicate relevant job titles that help illustrate your prior roles and duties. Still, selecting the right job title for your resume needs can sometimes be a challenge.

In this guide, we'll examine the important role job titles play in defining your career, why they're important for your resume, and how to choose the right titles for your needs. Then, we'll provide a comprehensive list of 450 job titles encompassing a wide array of industries in today's workplace.

Related reading: Make the Perfect First Impression With Your Resume

What are job titles?

It's important to begin any discussion of job titles for a resume by defining the term. Simply put, a job title is an assigned term that defines an employee's role within a given business organization. While some may think that job titles are reserved for only upper-echelon roles, the reality is that almost every employee has a job title of one type or another. Take hospitals, for example; even the orderlies and technicians have official job titles that help define their place within the organizational hierarchy.

What can employers learn from the job titles in your resume?

Of course, it's one thing to define a job title; it's quite another to understand why employers care about the job titles you've held in the past. What does the average hiring manager learn about you when they see your previous job titles in your resume?

Obviously, those titles provide insight into your prior positions, the type of work you've done, and your previous level or levels of seniority. But what else can they do? Why include them in your resume?

  • When you list the right job titles in your resume, you can provide employers with quick context about your previous job roles. Accurate and descriptive job titles can be one of the quickest ways to offer insight into your overall experience, duties, and responsibilities. That list of positions can help demonstrate your ability to operate at a high level of effectiveness.

  • Job titles also provide a clear illustration of your overall career progression. This is especially true if your career path has seen you gain multiple promotions over time. For example, if your resume includes a series of job title promotions – from Sales Associate to Assistant Sales Manager to Sales Manager – employers will be able to quickly identify your proven value as an employee and your commitment to personal and professional growth.

  • Finally, it's important to include the right job titles for your position and industry to help increase the chances that your resume gets past employer applicant tracking systems. These automated resume screeners scan resumes in search of specific keywords related to skills, experience, required job titles, and more. If your resume fails to highlight those required keywords – including job titles, then your candidacy could end before it effectively begins.

 Related reading: 27 Great Resume Summary Examples to Get Hired

Tips to help you choose the right job title

To help you learn how to optimize your use of job titles within your resume, we've compiled some useful tips from our resume experts:

1.      Be accurate when describing your job title history

It's vital to be as accurate as possible when you choose job titles for your resume. If you were provided with a specific job title by a previous employer, list it. If you have no defined title, then try to select a title that accurately conveys the scope of your job duties and responsibilities. As you do so, make sure you avoid the temptation to inflate your role and title. It's always better to be honest.

2.      Focus on aligning your work history with the job description

Wherever possible, try to match your previous job titles and duties to the job you're seeking. That can help you craft your resume narrative in a way that demonstrates a natural alignment between the roles you've held in the past and the one you're now seeking. That alignment can make it easier for employers to recognize your qualifications and experience, helping sell you as a great candidate for the job.

3.      Be consistent and clear

Focus on consistency so that your chosen job titles are listed in the same type of format throughout your resume. For example, if your work experience listings begin with the job title followed by the company name, use that format throughout your resume. That consistency will make it easier for hiring managers to follow your resume narrative and help demonstrate your professionalism.

You should also try to be as clear as possible when citing your job titles. If your official title was Sales Floor Manager, make sure that you use that full descriptor. This attention to clarity and detail will help ensure employers are provided with the best possible illustration of your previous roles and unique value proposition. Remember, your goal is to make the best possible impression!

Related reading: 47 Accomplishment Examples for Your Resume: Expert Picks

450 job titles you can use to boost your resume success

To give you some idea about the types of job title choices available to you, we've compiled 450 common and industry-specific titles. Chances are that you'll be able to find great job titles that accurately describe your prior job roles.

Accounting and Finance job titles list

The accounting and finance fields employ a wide variety of talented professionals who help maintain a stable and thriving financial sector – and the broader economy. We've included a list of 20 different accounting and finance job titles below that illustrate the depth of these professionals' expertise.

  1. Accountant

  2. Accounting Analyst

  3. Accounting Director

  4. Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk

  5. Auditor

  6. Benefits Manager

  7. Budget Analyst

  8. Commercial Loan Officer

  9. Controller

  10. Credit Authorizer

  11. Credit Counselor

  12. Economist

  13. Finance Director

  14. Finance Manager

  15. Financial Analyst

  16. Financial Planner

  17. Financial Services Representative

  18. Payroll Clerk

  19. Payroll Manager

  20. Tax Accountant

Administrative job titles list

There are a wide variety of different administrative positions within any company's organizational hierarchy – with positions ranging from entry-level data jobs to various managerial positions. We've compiled a list of 25 of the most common job titles for the administrative field – some of which may accurately describe your past job history.

  1. Account Collector

  2. Account Executive

  3. Administrative Analyst

  4. Administrative Assistant

  5. Administrative Manager

  6. Administrative Specialist

  7. Auditing Clerk

  8. Bookkeeper

  9. Branch Manager

  10. Business Analyst

  11. Business Manager

  12. Data Entry Clerk

  13. Executive Assistant

  14. File Clerk

  15. Human Resources

  16. Office Assistant

  17. Office Clerk

  18. Office Manager

  19. Program Administrator

  20. Program Manager

  21. Quality Control Coordinator

  22. Receptionist

  23. Risk Analyst

  24. Risk Manager

  25. Secretary

Advertising and Marketing job titles list

There are also a host of marketing and advertising positions and corresponding job titles. We've gathered a list of 10 of the most commonly used advertising and marketing jobs below to showcase some of the job title examples you may want to use when describing your history in this area of industry.

  1. Advertising Manager

  2. Brand Manager

  3. Content Marketing Specialist

  4. Content Strategy Manager

  5. Creative Director

  6. Marketing Manager

  7. Marketing Research Analyst

  8. Media Buyer

  9. Public Relations Manager

  10. Social Media Manager

Animal-related job titles list

If you work with animals, it's important to know how to describe that work with the right job title. Here are 10 examples of the type of job title that could be right for your resume and job search needs:

  1. Animal Breeder

  2. Animal Control Officer

  3. Animal Shelter Manager

  4. Animal Shelter Worker

  5. Animal Trainer

  6. Dog Walker / Pet Sitter

  7. Farm Worker

  8. Service Dog Trainer

  9. Veterinary Assistant

  10. Zoologist

Artistic fields job titles list

There are many different types of jobs in the creative field, so it's important to list your previous roles in a specific way. To help you identify the right title for your creative job, we've created this list of 16 artistic and creative job titles:

  1. Actor

  2. Artist

  3. Camera Operator

  4. Computer Animator

  5. Director of Photography

  6. Graphic Designer

  7. Interior Designer

  8. Motion Picture Director

  9. Music Producer

  10. Musician

  11. Novelist/Writer

  12. Photographer

  13. Playwright

  14. Sound Engineer

  15. Video Editor

  16. Video or Film Producer

Construction job titles list

America has long been known as a country that builds things – and many of the jobs involved in that building process have traditionally paid quite well. However, there's more depth to the construction fields than many people understand. For example, the following brief list includes 20 potential job titles that may describe your work in the construction industry.

  1. Boilermaker

  2. Building Inspector

  3. Carpenter

  4. Construction Worker

  5. Crane Operator

  6. Electrician

  7. Handyperson

  8. Heavy Equipment Operator

  9. Iron Worker

  10. Mason

  11. Oil Rig Welder

  12. Pipefitter

  13. Plumber

  14. Roofer

  15. Sandblasting Operator

  16. Sheet Metal Worker

  17. Solar Photovoltaic Installer

  18. Taper

  19. Vehicle or Equipment Cleaner

  20. Well Driller

Corporate and business job titles list

How do you describe leadership and management roles? The employees who hold these critical positions are responsible for the security, vitality, and growth of their departments, teams, and businesses – but there is a dizzying array of words and titles used to describe those vital positions. Below, we've included a list of 22 of those possible job titles.

  1. Administrator

  2. Business Analyst

  3. Business Development Manager

  4. Chief Compliance Officer 

  5. Chief Customer Officer (CCO)

  6. Chief Data Officer (CDO)

  7. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

  8. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

  9. Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

  10. Chief Information Officer (CIO)

  11. Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)

  12. Chief Operating Officer (COO)

  13. Chief Product Officer (CPO)

  14. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

  15. Director

  16. Founder

  17. Human Resources Manager

  18. Managing Partner

  19. Marketing Director

  20. Owner

  21. Project Manager

  22. Sales Director

Cosmetic and beauty job titles list

Cosmetology-related jobs are diverse, and the possible job titles reflect that broad diversity. Our list of 10 cosmetic and beauty-related job title examples may help you identify the right title for your resume needs.

  1. Barber

  2. Beautician

  3. Cosmetologist

  4. Esthetician

  5. Hair Stylist

  6. Makeup Artist

  7. Manicurist

  8. Nail Technician

  9. Salon Manager

  10. Skin Care Specialist

Counselor job titles list

There are many different types of counselors with a wide range of focuses. Some deal with family problems; others tackle mental health concerns, addiction, or even disability-related issues. Counselors work in schools, medical facilities, government offices, and large companies. Here are 10 examples of job titles that may describe your role in this invaluable industry:

  1. Addiction Counselor

  2. Counselor

  3. Couples Counselor

  4. Guidance Counselor

  5. Life Coach

  6. Mental Health Counselor

  7. School Counselor

  8. Social Worker

  9. Speech Pathologist

  10. Therapist

Customer Service job titles list

For long-term success, companies rely on excellent customer service. These days, however, there's more to customer service than just meeting someone in a store and guiding them through the sales process. Today's technological advances have forced companies to meet customers where they live and shop – and, in the process, created entirely new kinds of customer service roles and positions. We've put together a short list of 10 common customer service job titles that may describe your previous roles.

  1. Account Representative

  2. Client Service Specialist

  3. Concierge

  4. Customer Care Associate

  5. Customer Service

  6. Customer Service Manager

  7. Customer Support

  8. Help Desk

  9. Technical Support Specialist

  10. Virtual Assistant

Cybersecurity job titles list

As technology threats continue to grow, cyber security professionals play a vital role in protecting systems, equipment, and data. Below are 13 key job titles used by professionals in this industry.

  1. Application Security Engineer

  2. AWS Cloud Architect

  3. Cybersecurity Manager

  4. Chief Information Security Officer

  5. Cyber Security Analyst

  6. Cyber Security Engineer

  7. Digital Forensic Examiner

  8. Information Security Manager

  9. Information Security Specialist

  10. Information Technology Auditor

  11. Security Architect

  12. Security Engineer

  13. SOC Analyst

Driving and transportation job titles list

Any driving in your work background? Whether you've transported goods or people, it's important to use the right title to describe those positions. Here are 10 examples of driving and transportation job titles:

  1. Bus Driver

  2. Cab Driver

  3. Courier

  4. Delivery Driver

  5. Mail Carrier

  6. Recyclables Collector

  7. School Bus Driver

  8. Tow Truck Operator

  9. Truck Driver

  10. UPS Driver

Education job titles list

When most people think about educational jobs, they probably think about teachers. However, there is a wide array of key jobs in this industry – including the 17 positions and job titles we've included in the following list:

  1. Academic Advisor

  2. Assistant Professor

  3. Curriculum Developer

  4. Education Coordinator

  5. Guidance Counselor

  6. Instructional Designer

  7. Librarian

  8. Online ESL Instructor

  9. Preschool Teacher

  10. Principal

  11. Professor

  12. School Psychologist

  13. Substitute Teacher

  14. Teacher

  15. Teaching Assistant

  16. Test Scorer

  17. Tutor/Online Tutor

Engineering job titles list

Engineers are the beating heart and brains of the modern economy, channeling math and science-based ideas into truly marvelous works of modern technological innovation. Of course, there are many different areas of engineering expertise, so it's important to be as specific as possible when you're listing your Engineer job titles. We've listed 21 examples of possible titles below:

  1. Aerospace Engineer

  2. Assistant Engineer

  3. Biological Engineer

  4. Biomedical Engineer

  5. Chemical Engineer

  6. Chief Engineer

  7. Civil Engineer

  8. Drafter

  9. Electrical Engineer

  10. Engineer

  11. Engineering Technician

  12. Geological Engineer

  13. Maintenance Engineer

  14. Mechanical Engineer

  15. Mining Engineer

  16. Nuclear Engineer

  17. Petroleum Engineer

  18. Plant Engineer

  19. Production Engineer

  20. Quality Engineer

  21. Safety Engineer

Healthcare job titles list

Year after year, healthcare continues to be one of the fastest-growing and highest-paying industries in the United States. It's also an industry that provides nearly twenty million jobs across the country while helping keep more than three hundred million Americans alive and healthy. As you might expect, this industry is also home to a wide array of job titles. Consider, for example, the 27 titles we've included below:

  1. Caregiver

  2. CNA

  3. Dental Hygienist

  4. Doctor

  5. Health Educator

  6. Healthcare Administrator

  7. Massage Therapist

  8. Medical Administrator

  9. Medical Assistant

  10. Medical Laboratory Tech

  11. Medical Transcriptionist

  12. Nurse

  13. Nurse Practitioner

  14. Nutritionist

  15. Occupational Therapist

  16. Orderly

  17. Personal Trainer

  18. Pharmacist

  19. Pharmacy Assistant

  20. Phlebotomist

  21. Physical Therapist

  22. Physical Therapy Assistant

  23. Physician

  24. Registered Nurse

  25. Speech-Language Pathologist

  26. Telework Nurse/Doctor

  27. Travel Nurse

Hospitality industry job titles list

Across America, the hospitality industry continues to be vibrant and diverse. Its businesses include everything from travel organizations to lodging operations, as well as gambling establishments, spa resorts, and more. For some job title examples, consider the 25 hospitality titles in the following list:

  1. Bellhop

  2. Casino Host

  3. Concierge

  4. Cruise Director

  5. Cruise Ship Attendant

  6. Director of Maintenance

  7. Entertainment Specialist

  8. Event Planner

  9. Events Manager

  10. Flight Attendant

  11. Front Desk Associate

  12. Front Desk Manager

  13. Group Sales

  14. Hotel Front Door Greeter

  15. Hotel Manager

  16. Hotel Receptionist

  17. Housekeeper

  18. Lodging Manager

  19. Meeting Planner

  20. Porter

  21. Reservationist

  22. Spa Manager

  23. Travel Agent

  24. Valet

  25. Wedding Coordinator

Information Technology job titles list

As technology has taken root in every sector of the economy, IT positions have become extremely important in many industries. There's more to information technology than simple programming and network management, however. To illustrate the importance of this industry and the wide variety of roles and job titles that can appear on an IT resume, we've gathered a list of 26 great Information Technology job titles examples:

  1. Application Developer

  2. Artificial Intelligence Engineer

  3. Chief Information Officer (CIO)

  4. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

  5. Cloud Architect

  6. Cloud Solutions Architect

  7. Computer Programmer

  8. Computer Scientist

  9. Cybersecurity Analyst

  10. Data Entry

  11. Database Administrator

  12. DevOps Engineer

  13. Help Desk Worker/Desktop Support

  14. Information Security Analyst

  15. IT Manager

  16. IT Professional

  17. IT Project Manager

  18. IT Support Specialist

  19. Mobile Application Developer

  20. Network Administrator

  21. QA Tester

  22. SQL Developer

  23. Systems Administrator

  24. Technical Specialist

  25. UX Designer & UI Developer

  26. Web Designer

 Related reading: 11 Best IT Skills for Your Resume + Examples

Legal profession job titles list

The legal profession is made up of a wide array of talented legal professionals. Here are 10 of the most commonly cited job titles used by applicants in this exciting industry.

  1. Arbitrator

  2. Attorney

  3. Compliance Officer

  4. Contracts Manager

  5. Court Reporter

  6. Law Clerk

  7. Legal Administrator

  8. Legal Secretary

  9. Mediator

  10. Paralegal

Manual labor job titles list

While many manual labor positions may not come with easily identifiable titles, you should still know how to describe those roles in your resume. The following 10 job titles offer some clear examples of how to achieve that goal.

  1. Automotive Technician

  2. Custodian

  3. Landscaping Assistant

  4. Landscape Technician

  5. Landscaping Worker

  6. Maintenance Technician

  7. Mover

  8. Painter

  9. tWarehouse Worker

  10. Welder

Nonprofit and Social Service job titles list

Need to describe your experience working for a nonprofit? Below, we've compiled a list of 10 examples of nonprofit and social services job titles that could be perfect for your resume.

  1. Advocacy Specialist

  2. Case Manager

  3. Community Outreach Coordinator

  4. Executive Director

  5. Fundraiser

  6. Grant Writer

  7. Non-profit Program Manager

  8. Program Director

  9. Volunteer Coordinator

  10. Youth Mentor

Operations job titles list

No business can survive and thrive without talented operations personnel who keep everything running in a smooth and efficient manner. No matter how large the company might be, strong operations teams can help make sure that resources, personnel, and processes are organized and managed to achieve optimal results. Here are 10 examples of Operations job titles that would be great additions to any operations-focused resume:

  1. Continuous Improvement Consultant

  2. Continuous Improvement Lead

  3. Operations Analyst

  4. Operations Assistant

  5. Operations Coordinator

  6. Operations Director

  7. Operations Manager

  8. Operations Professional

  9. Scrum Master

  10. Vice President of Operations

Phone-related job titles list

If you think that there's only one way to describe a job where you spend most of your time on the phone, think again! Below are 10 job titles that describe distinct roles related to phone work.

  1. Call Center Representative

  2. Customer Service

  3. Customer Support Representative

  4. Dispatcher for Trucks or Taxis

  5. Mortgage Loan Processor

  6. Over the Phone Interpreter

  7. Phone Sales Specialist

  8. Phone Survey Conductor

  9. Telemarketer

  10. Telephone Operator

Researcher and Analyst job titles list

Whenever you're dealing with data, you'll always find good researchers and analysts carrying the workload. Together, they identify data sources, meticulously research and gather desired information, and conduct exhaustive analysis to better understand fact patterns and gain new insights that can be harnessed for a variety of purposes. Below are 10 job title examples that can help to describe your role and achievements in these exciting fields.

  1. Biostatistician

  2. Business Analyst

  3. Data Analyst

  4. Market Researcher

  5. Medical Researcher

  6. Research Assistant

  7. Researcher

  8. Senior Researcher

  9. Title Analyst

  10. Title Researcher

Restaurant industry job titles list

Everyone has to eat and drink – and there's nothing quite like engaging in those pastimes at an establishment committed to providing you with a truly stellar dining experience. That simple truth is one reason the restaurant industry continues to be such a dynamic force around the world. Here are 11 job title examples that may help to describe your role in this industry.

  1. Barista

  2. Bus Person

  3. Cafeteria Worker

  4. Chef

  5. Fast Food Worker

  6. Line Cook

  7. Restaurant Chain Executive

  8. Restaurant Manager

  9. Server

  10. Wait Staff Manager

  11. Waiter/Waitress

Sales job titles list

There's an old saying in business that nothing happens until someone sells something. As proof of the important role that salespeople play in the business world, we present the following list of 24 sales-related job titles. Whether you've been a line salesperson or a higher-level sales manager or executive, there's sure to be at least one sales job title in this list that fits your resume needs.

  1. Account Manager

  2. Account Specialist

  3. Area Sales Manager

  4. B2B Sales Specialist

  5. Business Development Representative

  6. Cashier

  7. Direct Salesperson

  8. Director of Inside Sales

  9. Inside Sales Representative

  10. Market Development Manager

  11. Merchandising Associate

  12. Outside Sales Manager

  13. Real Estate Broker

  14. Retail Worker

  15. Sales Analyst

  16. Sales Associate

  17. Sales Consultant

  18. Sales Development Representative

  19. Sales Engineer

  20. Sales Executive

  21. Sales Manager

  22. Sales Representative

  23. Salesperson

  24. Store Manager

Scientist job titles list

Scientific roles come in many forms – ranging from those who study the deepest mysteries of the cosmos to analysts who specialize in organic food or political trends. If you're a scientist who needs to choose the right job title for your resume, consider one of the 14 titles listed below.

  1. Astronomer

  2. Atmospheric Scientist

  3. Biologist

  4. Chemist

  5. Conservation Scientist

  6. Data Scientist

  7. Environmental Scientist

  8. Geologist

  9. Materials Scientist

  10. Molecular Scientist

  11. Physicist

  12. Political Scientist

  13. Research Scientist

  14. Sociologist

Software Developer job titles list

If you're a software developer, you're likely more than just a generic programmer. Here are 10 examples of software-based job titles that can showcase your programming specialties:

  1. Android Developer

  2. Front End Developer

  3. IOS Developer

  4. Java Developer

  5. Network Engineer

  6. Salesforce Developer

  7. Software Developer

  8. Software Engineer

  9. SQL Developer

  10. Web Developer

Volunteer positions Job titles list

Do you have volunteer experience that you want to include in your resume? Here's a list of key volunteer job title examples that you can use to help describe that experience:

  1. Animal Shelter Board Member

  2. Animal Shelter Volunteer

  3. Church Volunteer

  4. Community Food Project Worker

  5. Community Volunteer Jobs

  6. Conservation Volunteer

  7. Emergency Relief Worker

  8. Food Kitchen Worker

  9. Habitat for Humanity Builder

  10. Homeless Shelter Worker

  11. Hospital Volunteer

  12. Meals on Wheels Driver

  13. Office Volunteer

  14. Red Cross Volunteer

  15. School Volunteer

  16. Sports Volunteer

  17. Suicide Hotline Volunteer

  18. Women's Shelter Jobs

  19. Youth Volunteer

Writing job titles list

Do you want to list writing experience on your resume? If so, then it's important to use the right job title or titles to accurately convey the nature of your work. Our list of 20 writing job title examples is a great place to start as you try to identify the right titles for your resume.

  1. Columnist

  2. Communications Director

  3. Content Creator

  4. Content Strategist

  5. Copy Editor

  6. Copywriter

  7. Editor/Proofreader

  8. Film Critic

  9. Ghostwriter

  10. Journalist

  11. Proposal Writer

  12. Public Relations Specialist

  13. Screenwriter

  14. Social Media Manager

  15. Social Media Specialist

  16. Speechwriter

  17. Technical Writer

  18. Translator

  19. Travel Writer

  20. Video Game Writer

 Include the right job titles in your resume to optimize job search success!

By using the right job title selections in your resume, you can ensure that you make the best possible impression on any hiring manager. These titles can help you focus attention on key skills and experiences, align your qualifications with the employer's expectations, and sell yourself as the best candidate for the job!

Want to make sure that your job title selections are adding the right value to your resume? Get your free resume review from our team of trusted experts today!

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