Job titles are evolving fast. Every year, around 10% more unique titles appear, according to recent LinkedIn data. From “AI Adoption Specialist” to “Revenue Operations Lead” and “Sustainability Reporting Manager” — new roles increasingly combine different disciplines.
This trend shows how dynamic work has become, but it also brings new challenges. How do you make sure your job vacancy still stands out — and is actually understood?
In this blog, we’ll explain why job titles matter more than ever, where things often go wrong, and how you can make smart, effective choices.
Why clear job titles are more important than ever
The job title is often the first (and sometimes only) thing candidates see. Research shows that most job seekers filter vacancies based purely on the title, before they even read the description. If your title isn't clear, you're losing potential talent before you even get a chance to introduce yourself.
A recognizable, straightforward job title ensures the right people feel invited to apply. A vague, overly creative, or unfamiliar title, on the other hand, can cause confusion, doubt — or simply make candidates move on.
What's happening right now
In many sectors, hybrid roles are emerging — jobs that combine multiple disciplines.
Think finance blended with sustainability, marketing merged with data analytics, or HR roles incorporating employee experience.
The titles attached to these new roles don't always follow traditional patterns. New names like "Workplace Experience Coordinator" or "AI Adoption Manager" sound modern, but don't always make it immediately clear what the core of the role actually is.
For candidates, this makes vacancies harder to interpret. For employers, it means you have to think even more carefully about how you position your roles.
Where it often goes wrong
Creativity has its place — especially in employer branding. But when it comes to job titles, clarity should always come first.
Too many companies invent internal titles that simply don't resonate externally.
Candidates still search for traditional titles like “Business Controller,” “Marketing Manager,” or “Logistics Planner” — not for trendy combinations that leave too much open to interpretation.
Additionally, combining multiple responsibilities under one vague title often leads to frustration. Someone applying for a "Finance & Innovation Officer" position may expect a very different role than someone who is looking for a pure financial controlling job.
How to define a job title that works?
A strong job title is clear, recognizable, and appealing to the target audience. That means:
- Use terms that are widely understood and match how people actually search.
- Highlight the core of the role: where the main focus lies.
- Save your creativity for the subtitle or the job description — not the title itself.
- Think about visibility: job boards and search engines read your title too.
Choosing the right job title helps you reach the right audience, makes candidates recognize themselves in the role more quickly, and shortens your time to hire.
Clarity always wins
In a world where job titles are becoming broader and more creative, it’s tempting to join the trend. But if you want to attract real talent, clarity should always come first.
A clear title isn’t a limitation — it’s an opportunity.
Curious what we can do for you? Feel free to reach out!