Your job title matters. A recent survey of 1,500 office workers by the recruitment company, Office Angels, found that 70% would chose a more motivational role or job title over a pay rise. According to the report, Filing Clerks would prefer to be known as Data Storage Specialists and Post Persons, given the choice, would describe themselves as Office Logistics Co-ordinators. Is this just vanity or are there advantages to having a job that sounds professional rather than bog-standard?

Think how much notice you take of what a job is called when you’re scanning vacancies. Titles are usually as good at catching your attention as the salary. When prospective employers are looking at your CV they will react in a similar way to your current job title. Make sure it does you justice.

Bad fit
Sandra, a Senior Administration Assistant in a large local authority, feels her official title does nothing for her. ‘It doesn’t reflect the level of responsibility I have or the variety of work I do. I manage six clerical staff, deal with enquiries from the public and am responsible for a sizeable budget. I particularly hate the word senior, it makes me sound old rather than able!’ She always describes herself as the office manager when telling people what she does, ‘It’s a more accurate reflection of the responsibilities I have. I think having the word manager in my job title would give an application for a higher level post more credibility.’

As well as affecting motivation, an inspiring job title can increase your confidence. If you feel valued by your employer and proud of what you do, you will be more positive about your work and believe in your potential to develop further.

Next page: getting the name right

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What's in a title?