Should You Capitalize Job Titles? Here’s What Grammar Experts Say

Whether you’re writing a resume, an email, or a LinkedIn post, you may have wondered: Should job titles be capitalized?

It’s a common grammar question—and for good reason. The rules around capitalizing job titles can be tricky, especially when different writing styles (like APA, MLA, or Chicago) come into play.

In this blog post, we’ll explore:

• When to capitalize job titles
• When not to capitalize job titles
• Examples of correct usage
• What style guides say
• SEO-friendly keywords to boost your grammar knowledge

Let’s dive into the details and clear up the confusion!

Quick Answer: Capitalize Job Titles?

Capitalize job titles only when:

• They come directly before a name
• They are part of a formal title
• They appear in a signature line, resume, or business card

Don’t capitalize job titles when:

• Used generically or after a name
• Referring to the role rather than the title

When to Capitalize Job Titles

Here are the most common cases where capitalization is correct:

1. Before a Name

When a job title appears before the person’s name, it is considered part of their formal title and should be capitalized.

Examples:

• President John Smith will speak at the event. ✅
• Chief Marketing Officer Sarah Lee announced the new campaign. ✅

2. In Signature Lines or Headings

Job titles are often capitalized in business cards, email signatures, and resumes.

Examples:

• Emma Johnson
  Project Manager
  TechNova Inc.
• Marketing Director Resume – John Richards

3. In Official Titles or Awards

If a title is used in a formal or official context, it is usually capitalized.

Examples:

• The award went to Assistant Principal James Wu. ✅
• She was named Employee of the Month. ✅

When Not to Capitalize Job Titles

Job titles should be lowercase when used in a general or descriptive way, especially when they appear after a name.

1. After a Name

Incorrect: Jane Doe, Director, will attend the meeting. ❌
Correct: Jane Doe, director, will attend the meeting. ✅

2. Used Generically

When referring to roles or occupations generally, use lowercase.

Examples:

• We interviewed several engineers. ✅
• The sales manager will contact you shortly. ✅
• She worked as a teacher for five years. ✅

What Do Style Guides Say?

APA Style

• Capitalize job titles only when they precede a name or are part of an official title.

MLA Style

• Use lowercase for job titles unless they are part of a formal name or heading.

Chicago Manual of Style

• Capitalize titles before names but not after. Generic or descriptive uses should be lowercase.

---

✍️ Examples of Job Titles: Capitalized vs Not

Correct Usage	Incorrect Usage
Vice President Maria Gonzales led the meeting. ✅	Maria Gonzales, Vice President, led the meeting. ❌
The company hired a new chief operating officer. ✅	The Company Hired a New Chief Operating Officer. ❌
I’m meeting with Human Resources Director Ken Li. ✅	I’m meeting with human resources director Ken Li. ❌
She works as a graphic designer. ✅	She Works As A Graphic Designer. ❌

---

Bonus Tip: Resumes and Cover Letters

When writing your resume or cover letter, always capitalize your own job title as part of a heading or section title:

Examples:

• Marketing Specialist with 5+ years of experience
• Seeking a role as Senior Software Engineer

Final Thoughts: When in Doubt, Context Is Key

So, should you capitalize job titles?
Yes—but only in the right context.

Use this simple rule of thumb:

Capitalize job titles when they are part of a formal name, heading, or appear before a person’s name. Otherwise, keep them lowercase.

Consistency is key. Whether you’re writing an academic paper, business email, or professional bio, following these rules will keep your grammar polished and professional.