How to ask for a title change at work

Updated November 9, 2026

Show that the work you do every day matches a different title, propose the exact one, and explain how it helps the team. A title change is often easier to approve than a raise because it costs little, but it still needs a clear case your manager can pass on to HR.

What to do

1. Pick the exact title. Look at your company's level guide, or at job ads elsewhere for people doing your work. Choose a title that exists and that people outside would recognize.
2. Line up the evidence. List the tasks you own that belong to the new title, with examples from the last six months. Compare them to your current job description.
3. Explain the benefit for the team. A clearer title helps clients, partners, or other teams know who to come to. Say it.
4. Ask your manager. Book a one-on-one and present the title, the evidence, and the benefit. Ask who else needs to approve it and how long it usually takes.
5. Settle the pay question. Ask whether the new title comes with a new pay band. If not now, get a date to review pay. See how to ask for a raise.

What to say

In your one-on-one, say:

I'd like to talk about my title. I'm listed as Marketing Coordinator, but for the past year I've owned our email program, set the campaign calendar, and managed the agency. That's the work of a Marketing Manager. A matching title would also help partners know who to contact. Could we make that change, and what would the approval process look like?

Avoid

• Don't ask for a title that doesn't exist at your company without showing where it fits.
• Don't treat the title as the only goal; ask what it means for pay and level.
• Don't change your title on LinkedIn or your email signature before it is official.

Questions