Job positions and job titles are two terms commonly used in the job market. While they may seem similar, they have distinct differences. Job positions outline the daily duties and responsibilities of an employee, while job titles are labels given by companies to effectively organize employees and provide clarity as to who has which role. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between job positions and job titles, as well as how to accurately describe your job position on your resume.
Understanding Job Positions
A job position is the function an employee serves within a company. It includes the daily tasks and projects the employee completes. Job positions help companies clarify each employee’s role, outlining their responsibilities. Every employee has a job position that includes specific duties and responsibilities that help the company reach its goals. These positions can vary from business to business and even change over time while still at the same company. For example, you might gain more responsibilities in the same position after earning a raise. If you earn a promotion, your position and title change to reflect your new duties.
Job Title vs. Job Position
While job positions outline an employee’s duties and responsibilities, job titles are labels that companies give to employees to effectively organize them and provide clarity as to who has which role. In a larger company, several employees may share the same job title, but the work they do may differ slightly. For example, a customer service representative works in a department with multiple other CSRs, but some of these representatives handle client issues while others process product returns. Though they all work with customers and have the same job title, they have different responsibilities.
When it comes to resumes, it’s important to list your everyday tasks to give the hiring manager a clear idea of your duties. Each candidate with the same job position defines their work slightly differently. Recruiters often look at your job title first when scanning your resume, so it’s important to make sure your job title accurately defines your job position. Consider speaking with your manager or supervisor about changing your title if you feel your responsibilities don’t match it. If you’ve accepted greater duties or more of a leadership role, receiving a new title can be useful for future job and salary negotiations.
Describing Your Job Position on Your Resume
When composing your resume, it is important to be specific so hiring managers know your exact role in your company. Being specific also helps them determine if you have performed the tasks that the open role requires. To accurately describe your job position on a resume, follow these steps:
- Be Specific: Try to add numbers when you can to give the recruiter a clear idea of your work. For example, instead of “Answered incoming customer calls”, you could write: “Answered 30 customer calls daily, responding to requests and transferring to appropriate departments when necessary.”
- Use Active Verbs: Active verbs are a great way to strengthen your resume by explaining what you did rather than the tasks themselves. They put you as the focus of your resume, strengthening the document and projecting your confidence in your roles. Active verbs also form shorter statements, making them easier for hiring managers to scan. For example, instead of writing: “Tasked with leading a group in a multimonth project”, try: “Successfully led a team of seven in a 10-month project.”
- Include Examples: Include examples in each of your job positions to guide the hiring manager in visualizing your accomplishments. To better explain your job position, make sure to include specific examples of the work you did. Think about specific projects you worked on that capture your responsibilities well. For example, “Managed $500,000 budget to renovate and update office space.”
- Describe Results: Describe the results of your work to demonstrate the difference you made at the business.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between job titles and job positions is crucial for both employees and employers. While job positions outline an employee’s daily duties and responsibilities, job titles are labels given by companies to organize employees effectively. It is important to accurately describe your job position on your resume, including specific examples of your work and the results you achieved. By doing so, you can give the hiring manager a clear idea of your role in the company and demonstrate the difference you made in your previous positions. Remember that job titles and positions can change over time, and it is essential to communicate any changes to ensure that your resume accurately represents your skills and experience.
