Kimberli Lowe-MacAuley* says lacking a specific title will not automatically stop workers achieving their career goals.
Many professionals at one time or another find themselves in a position where their job title and their skill set isn’t aligned.
Sometimes your current or previous title doesn’t match the title necessary to catch a recruiter’s attention.
So, what’s more important: having the right job title, or being able to showcase a diverse set of skills?
Each approach has pros and cons, with professionals firmly in each camp.
On the one hand, having a specific job title can make you stand out on a resume and give you an edge in the hiring process.
On the other hand, if your skills aren’t a good match for the role, you may find yourself struggling to perform well or advance in your career.
Balancing your skills and your job title
From personal pride in achieving a specific title to those who argue that more focus on skills creates a more equitable human-centric workforce, both sides have compelling points, so let’s look at them.
Your experience matters
You begin to build your career’s foundation when you enter the workforce.
That first job creates the starting point that proves to potential employers that you have the theoretical knowledge to perform the next job.
However, as any seasoned professional will tell you, how you apply your skills truly defines expertise.
While your title provides a broad overview of your chosen role, initiative and continued learning determine what you can bring to the next level.
As a result, employers often emphasize tangible skills when reviewing candidates for open positions.
So, while your title may be your ticket into a phone screening or an interview, your experience will help you actually land the job.
Employers value soft skills
While most people are familiar with the concept of hard skills, soft skills are often less understood.
Hard skills are job-specific skills gained through education, certifications, or training programs.
In contrast, soft skills are personal attributes needed for employees to succeed in their jobs.
Examples of soft skills include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
While hard skills are essential for performing the tasks required by a specific job, soft skills are what allow employees to interact effectively with others and navigate the challenges of work life.
As the world of work becomes increasingly complex, employers are placing a greater emphasis on soft skills.
Developing both sets of skills is essential to succeed in today’s workforce.
What’s in a title?
That doesn’t mean that job titles shouldn’t be given some consideration, however.
Job titles show recruiters the type of work you do and your experience level.
They’ll be better able to understand what your role involves and whether the job you’re applying for is an appropriate next step.
Often, your job title acts as a badge of achievement and proclaims that the prospective employer should consider you.
Suppose you’re aiming for a promotion or vying for a role in management.
In that case, a job title can give you the boost you need to stand out from other candidates, which means that a title can often be beneficial in negotiating a higher salary and benefits package.
Choosing which to prioritize
The answer to this question is not always clear-cut.
In some cases, it may be more beneficial to focus on developing your skills, while in others, it may make more sense to pursue a job title.
The important thing is to be aware of the value of both skills and titles and how each can impact your career.
When deciding whether to prioritize your skills or title, it is essential to consider your long-term career goals.
A job title may be more critical if you hope to move into management or earn a promotion soon.
On the other hand, if you are hoping to switch careers or freelance, transferable skills can be highly beneficial.
It is also essential to keep in mind that your job title does not have to be static.
As you gain experience and develop new skills, you can always negotiate for a new title.
In some cases, creating your own title that more accurately reflects your responsibilities and expertise may even be possible.
Creating your career path
At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong answer when deciding whether to focus on your skills or your title.
The most important thing is to know your current value and research how your choices can impact your career growth.
Ideally, you’ll create a long-term career plan and then work backward to consider what you need to achieve it.
Realistically, you’ll probably discover that you need to balance both.
Your next move might be to gain some skills that are lacking, which can set you up for a more impactful title down the road.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to realize that lacking a specific title will not automatically limit you from your career goals.
While a title might make it easier for a recruiter to see what you’ve accomplished at a glance, you can tip the scales in your favor with a focus on gaining tangible skills.
*Kimberli Lowe-MacAuley is a Content Coordinator for FlexJobs. With a background in recruiting and training, Kimberli spent the majority of her career in leadership with Fortune 500 companies before joining the FlexJobs team.
This article first appeared at flexjobs.com
