Correcting Job Titles on Your Resume: Importance and Steps

Are you hesitant to inform your recruiter if a job title on your resume is incorrect? Read on to discover why it's essential to maintain transparency and accuracy in your application materials, and the steps you should take to correct it.

Why Should You Correct It?

Providing accurate information is crucial not only for ethical reasons but also to avoid misunderstandings and maintain a professional image. Here are key reasons to ensure the job title on your resume is correct:

Integrity

Being truthful in your job application materials demonstrates your honesty and professionalism, which are highly valued by potential employers.

Avoid Miscommunication

An incorrect job title may lead to misunderstandings about your experience and qualifications, potentially hurting your chances of landing the job you're applying for.

Consistency

Maintaining consistency across your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other professional documents helps in building a strong, professional personal brand.

How to Correct the Error

When you need to inform your recruiter about an incorrect job title, you can take the following steps:

Explain the Error

Simply explain why the title is incorrect and provide the correct title. This will ensure that your recruiter has the most accurate information to present to potential employers.

Correct Future Versions

If the title is a simple typo or cut/paste error, you should correct the typo in future versions and inform the recruiter that you found the typo and have corrected it. This proactive approach will prevent further misunderstandings.

Provide a Clear Explanation

For titles that are inflated, such as using "Manager" when you were actually a "Lead," you should explain the actual situation to the recruiter. Failing to do so could result in your application being withdrawn as it may appear that you misrepresented your role or level.

Examples from My Career

Here are a couple of examples from my own career to illustrate how to handle incorrect job titles:

"Enabler" to "Tour Guide"

Initially, I had the title "Enabler" on my resume because the term within my company meant something entirely different outside the organization. I changed it to "Tour Guide" to reflect the actual role more accurately.

"Global Talent Business Partner" to "HRBP"

The term "Global Talent" in most tech firms often refers to recruitment, which is not what I did. I changed it to "HRBP" (Human Resources Business Partner) to clarify my role accurately.

When to Withdraw Your Application

While it is acceptable to adjust your resume to reflect industry norms, it is unethical to inflate your job title to misrepresent your role or level. If you have done this, you should inform the recruiter and consider withdrawing your application. Dishonesty on a resume can result in being blacklisted by the company, and any offers made to you may be revoked.

Conclusion

Correcting job titles on your resume is not just a matter of being accurate, but it is about maintaining integrity and professionalism. Follow these steps to ensure your application materials are truthful and consistent, thereby increasing your chances of securing the job you deserve.