Is it okay to add this job title to my resume?

Question

I am a college graduate, and I got an entry job for a real estate company two and a half years ago. This was a company that promised to give me an option of going up the ladder. 

My job title was Receptionist/Case Opener, and after the first day it was clear to me that I would be doing a lot more than that title presents. I am in charge of ordering and managing all office supplies. I translate, and interpret Spanish on a daily basis. Amongst other things. You can say I do pretty much everything. I also learned another position, but was not able to get that position as the market has been going way down. I have added that experience in my resume. But my question is, would it be okay if I put Office Manager/Receptionist on my resume? 

It was my coworker who told me that I should put Office Manager as my title, as I do so much around the office. 

When they call to verify, would they ask about my exact title?

uRemindMe · Accepted Answer

Yes they can ask, as a hiring manager I can ask three questions: Last position held, time employed and if you're rehirable.  I would be honest and personally if I saw the additional work you took on as a receptionist I would know that you are driven and would excel.  I think it would be worse if they checked your references and found out differently.  If you're comfortable with your previous employer you can call them and ask if it's ok to list your last job as an Office Manager, so then it may not even be an issue.  If not, leave it as is.  Good luck!

alecs · Answer

If your job title says Receptionist/Case Opener, then make sure that it is the title that you place on your resume.  However, you can adjust your job description on whatever pleases you for as long as you can described how you perform those tasks.  Also, if you request for a certificate of employment, your current employer will place your title as Receptionist/Case Opener.  Remember, recruiters, hiring managers/officers never ask for job description from previous employer.  What one poster said is true,  recruiters, only ask basic questions, i.e., your lenght of service (start date and date of separation), Position, and if you are elegible for rehire.  Again, my advise is do not change your job title if it is your company's official title for your position.

Good luck

Alecs

Anonymous · Answer

You need to put whatever your title is.  Period.  BUT....make sure you list all of those responsibilities you had.  I would even put the first line (after the title and before the responsibilities) to say something like "Immediately took on much expanded responsibilities beyond the receptionist position that included:..."  Receptionist doesn't sound like a major position at all, however, bring to the reader's attention that you had many very important (and detailed) responsibilities.  You will do fine.

Flys with the Eagle · Answer

Pretty much all they can ask is to verify you dates of employment and salary.   Anything beyond that is not kosher.  Even tho' people ask all the time "Would you hire this person back?" 
Legally the prior employer does not and should not answer questions like that because it's an opinion not a fact.

? · Answer

It's unprofessional. Resumes should always be written in third person, so don't include words such as 'me' or 'I'. The personal summary shouldn't be included at all, as it completely takes away from the overall resume and makes you look immature.

Jeff Jacob Lourie · Answer

If you left the job on good terms it would help to ask this question of your former boss.

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Is it okay to add this job title to my resume?

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