Job title on resume vs internally at the company - how to reconcile them during the background check?

Question

My internal job title is "Product Strategy".

On my resume I listed my title as "Strategic partnerships" since my job duties are to enable and keep partners. I also report into the VP of sales and not into the VP of Product Strategy/Product.

In fact I've no skills to do a real product strategy job. I've always done partnership roles.

I got a new job at a company with the title of "Strategic partnerships".

How do I ensure I pass the background check? Can I list both titles of Product Strategy/Strategic partnerships on the background check form so I pass it?

Answer 1

Hi,

On the form you can list your official title - you got the offer and it doesn't matter at this point. In addition, they are not checking the exact titles during the background check

Best

Answer 2

Hi there,

Congrats on your offer. I would write “Product Strategy (Strategic Partnerships)” – this should ensure both elements are reported and there is no incongruence with neither the actual name of the position nor what you reported in the CV.

Best,
Francesco

Answer 3

Hi,

Probably better to write official title with a bracket. It will make it easier for the firm to do the background check.

It should not matter much as you received an offer.

Best,
Iman

Answer 4

Hi, if helpful feel free to send your CV for quick feedback

Best

Antonello

Answer 5

Keep it simple, easy for everyone & avoid anxiety for yourself- use the official titles they give you in the company & clarify in brackets or in the work experience bullets.

Make sure you clarify and bring out the work experience nicely in resume.

Answer 6

Hi there,

I agree with Adi and Francesco - you should list your official title and then in brackets clarify what it means.

In reality, what were you expecting? You knew you were "lying" here...make sure to follow a more straightforward/honest approach next time! Especially given that you changed your job title to exactly the position you were applying to...not a great look.

That being said, you should be ok...but if the company discovers this, cares enough about it, and unhappy or not convinced by your explanation, it is enough to rescind an offer (again, you should be fine...just don't do this again!)

Answer 7

Hi, congratulations on your offer.

Was there a reason to entitle it like this? You should be careful with terms, it could affect other things in the future. You can either write the real position or use brackets for the second, though it might be misleading I think.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me.

GB