The occupation identity crisis – What’s in a name?
Remember the days when it was easy to tell a person’s job from their title? A simple time when the name of a job was clear and uncomplicated, without ambiguity or grandiose descriptions making it virtually impossible to determine what the person actually does?
Some of us can barely remember those days, and it’s no wonder considering how carried away employers are getting with increasingly “creative” job titles.
Window Cleaners are now going by the title of Transparent Wall Maintenance Engineer, while Trolley Pushers are becoming known as Logistical Shopping Cart Technicians.
Whether these titles are supposed to sound more impressive, or simply be memorable and eye-catching, they are causing confusion and bemusement for many.
Employment Office Managing Director Tudor Marsden-Huggins has seen some eyebrow-raising job titles in his recruitment career. Although some inflated job titles may seem creative and fun, he says it’s important for employers to ensure the title accurately reflects the position, and can be taken seriously by clients and colleagues alike.
“A job title’s primary purpose is to communicate what the employee does and who they do it for. It needs to make sense and accurately reflect the job’s responsibilities. A title needs to be functional first and foremost, before you think about injecting a little fun, humour or more impressive language,” he said.
Some companies follow a set formula when assigning job titles, but it’s a growing trend to throw the book out the window and grant employees the power to choose their own title, with mixed results.
“There are obvious issues with professionalism if a job title is outrageous or exaggerated. It can also be overwhelming and confusing to deal with a company where everyone’s job title is ambiguous or humorous. The more complicated the title, the more confusion surrounds the role which could eventually lead to unrealistic expectations from customers, colleagues and even the employee themselves.
“Despite being a nice way to inject some personality into your work, a creative title may not suit every industry or organisation. Be mindful of your company’s branding and reputation, and make sure you present yourself and your role in a manner consistent with the rest of the organisation.
“If you work in a creative role, there is likely to be more scope for an innovative title, but be mindful of the boundaries,” Marsden-Huggins said.
Often, it can be the CEOs and Managing Directors who are the worst offenders, with some branding themselves as ‘Head Honcho’, ‘Chief Troublemaker’, ‘Head Cheese’ and ‘Innovator-In-Chief’.
Here are some examples of interesting job titles that caught our attention at Employment Office:
- Receptionist – Director of First Impressions
- Window Cleaner – Transparent-wall maintenance engineer
- Nightclub Bouncer – Eviction Technician
- Bartender – Beverage Dissemination Officer
- Trolley Pusher – Logistical Shopping Cart Technicians
- Deputy Manager – Grand Master of Underlings
- Counsellor – Problem Wrangler
- Call Centre Manager – Chief Chatter
- Recruiter – Talent Delivery Specialist
