Three word job titles make you stand out
A few weeks ago, I shared why having a two-word job title is a must. That post ignited a flurry of responses and fascinating examples, from “Innovation Strategist” to “Data Whisperer.” But as the comments rolled in and I kept reflecting on my own professional identity during a road trip, a deeper realization emerged.
Two words aren’t enough.
Three is even better.
Let me explain.
As I stared out at the desert highway, I asked myself, “What kind of Creative Disruptor am I? What exactly am I disrupting these days?” The answer hit me like a lightning bolt: I’m not just a Creative Disruptor.
I’m a Creative Career Disruptor.
That third word—career—shifted everything. It brought precision, clarity, and purpose. My disruption isn’t random. It’s intentional and deeply focused on challenging the outdated systems and expectations that shape how we define our professional lives.
When we add a third word to our title, we’re not just describing ourselves. We’re positioning ourselves in the world with more intention. You go from being a general idea to a rare, specific, and memorable identity.
Why Three Word Titles Work
Think back to biology class and the taxonomy of life: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species. As you move down the list, you get more specific, more defined.
It’s the same with professional identity:
One word is too broad. “Coach,” “Designer,” “Leader.” You’re lost in the crowd.
Two words get you closer. “Leadership Coach,” “UX Designer,” “Product Leader.” Better, but still not one of a kind.
Three words? Now we’re getting rare. Now you stand out.
That third word adds dimension, specificity, and uniqueness.
Just like in science, we need taxonomy for our professional identities—a way to name and claim the intersection of our talents, expertise, and passions.
The Anatomy of a Three-Word Job Title
Here’s my simple recipe for crafting one:
Descriptor (Adjective)
Domain (Field/Industry)
Identity Word (Noun)
Put them in any order. Here are some examples to inspire you:
Creative Career Disruptor
Life Tension Methodologist
Purposeful Curator of Ideas
Each of these titles not only informs others what you do, but how and why you do it. It’s identity branding at its finest—more specific than a buzzword, more magnetic than a traditional title.
What You Call Yourself Matters
If your job title is simple, it’s likely:
Already been done
Lacking in distinctiveness
Not reflective of your full value
Dulling your spark (and maybe your team’s too)
Not showing your deeper thinking or hybridity
Here’s the truth:
If your title doesn’t light you up, why would it excite anyone else?
So ask yourself:
Does your title reflect the intersections of your professional identities? Does it tell the story of your hybrid self—your more-than-one-title self?
If not, it might be time to upgrade.
Want Help Crafting Yours?
I created the DIVINE Framework as a free guide to help you build a powerful, authentic title that reflects your hybrid professional identity. Download it here [insert link].
Your professional title is your calling card, your first impression, your brand story in three words.
Make it count.
Make it yours.
Make it hybrid.