What is in a job title.

[Stew.t.]

In todays world how you classify yourself is more and more important. But how careful are we with these job titles.

What is yours? And do you think it accurately describes your job?

Recently I came across two jobs that I thought were a bit strange. Both were used by global players.

Firstly from a French company, the guy worked in "Field service" in the business of machine technology.

And then a "depaneller" who worked for a communications company.

Without the context what would you think they do?

Do you think job titles are clear.

And how about the Business English conundrum of what this person does;

A domestic and hygiene manager?

How accurately can we define are jobs.

btw; I am a self employed, freelance language service provider, as well as a company partner in language services.

Even I find them vague, but to be more specific would re require an a business card ; )
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[Molly]

I'm now working as a corporate communication consultant, so they tell me.

[MrPedantic]

[Molly]

Yes, MrP, I remember what I posted. In in-house language, I am an administrator, my husband is manager, our teachers are teachers, but to our clients we are all corporate communication consultants. Sounds good, sells more classes and training courses.

BTW, Mr P, what's your reply to the thread question?

[Stew.t.]

Hi Molly

What is your reply to this question? How do you interpret the two job titles I gave?
I am really interested how this is perceived. Is it a case of creative use of language and explanation of roles OR is the English not so clear and open to misunderstanding.

Is it the case in Spain that teachers are under a different tax bracket to consultants/trainers?
Here in Germany as a freelancer, stating you are a trainer gives you more freedom for job possibilities and financially.
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[Molly]

[Stew.t.]

Hi Molly

Well the lack of context is the point. Imagine you are in a pub and someone says they are a "depaneller". Or you find a business card and it has this title, you can not remember who gave it you and you rack your brains as to what they do.

What would be the first thought in your head, or what was your first thought when reading these?
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[Yankee]

Hi Stew

I did have to rack my brains to figure out what a 'depaneller' might be. What I finally managed to come up with is that this must be a person who removes panels (of some sort).

(My initial reaction was that it might be some sort of French word.)
.

[Molly]

What would be the first thought in your head, or what was your first thought when reading these?

My first though would be "Did she/he pay for dinner".

My first thought here was "From what does she/he remove[/i]panells [i] , whatever they may be.

[MrPedantic]

[Molly]

[Stew.t.]

hi

Thanks for your ideas.

I think you prove the point I made to the students that these come across as very much like in-house jargon.

A depaneller is a person in Siemens who cuts material ("Panels" strangely named) to size, for the various flat parts of office phones, apparently.

Someone in Field Service is someone who looks after the maintenance, and trouble shoots problems concerned with machines like compressors, turbines etc.

The former one I thought like Amy was a guy working in a garage who removes door panels etc.

The latter sounds a bit like someone in the military to me, fixes machines and weapons in the field i.e. during a battle.

As for domestic and hygiene manager, it is a Business English play on words, and is a house husband/wife.

cheers stew.t.
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[Molly]

So what's your suggestion here, Stew? Would you prefer we use non-in-house titles?

[Stew.t.]

Hi Molly

Would you suggest we use confusing job titles when communicating with anyone outside of the company?
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[Molly]