Is it acceptable to change your job title on your resume? Can you expand the time you worked at a job? A resume is a synopsis of your employment and educational experience rather than a formal document, like a job application, where you attest that everything you have listed is accurate.

However, the issue with making changes that don't match your employment history is that when employers check your background or review your LinkedIn profile, and many do, it will be a red flag if it doesn't match.

For example, if you say you were a Process Engineer, but your actual job title was Junior Process Engineer what you said isn't going to match what your employer says and that's an issue. Details matter and what you say about your work history needs to match what your previous employers say.

Here's a job applicant question on job titles and tips for what to include on your resume.

Can I Change My Job Title on My Resume?

Dear Alison: In my last job my title was either Junior Process Engineer or Process Engineering Associate. Would it be acceptable to list my job title as Process Engineer? Also, I worked at my last job for 1 year and 9 months. Is it acceptable to list it as having 2 years of experience in process engineering, or should I stick with the actual time span I worked?
- Arnold

Dear Arnold: I'd stick with the facts. Your job title should be the title you had at the company, otherwise when your references are checked it may not match up. That could be an issue for a prospective employer.

As far as years of experience, you could list the dates on your resumes as years (2012 - 2015) rather than months and years. That way you would still be providing accurate information to your prospective employers. Here's information on why it is important to keep your resume honest.

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Disclaimer:
Please note that Alison makes every effort to offer accurate advice and information on this website, but she is not an attorney, and the content on the site is not to be construed as legal advice. Employment laws and regulations vary based on location. Check with government resources or legal counsel, if in doubt about your situation. The information on this site is for guidance, ideas, and assistance only.