B2 – Upper Intermediate
The world of work has been changing a lot over the years. One of the new changes is the invention of ambiguous job titles such as ‘chief visionary officer’, ‘Wizard of Light Bulb Moments’, or ‘Problem Wrangler’. The trend is taking off because employers want to make the job titles sound beefier.
However, employees or job seekers need to be cautious because even though these fancy-sounding job titles may seem enticing, they don’t come with no downsides.
Read the article about what the problem with inventing flashy new job titles is. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230104-inventing-new-job-titles
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does the expression “to put someone/something on the back foot” mean? “It can also put candidates on the back foot if hiring managers do reach them.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
- Give 1-2 synonym/s of the word “succinct”. “They’re succinct and clear, communicating essential employee details such as job function and seniority.” Use this word in your own sentences.
- What does “entrenched” mean? “However, although job titles may be fairly entrenched in industries like law and finance, they are evolving in many other industries, especially creative ones.” Use it in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever come across beefy job titles? Cite some examples.
- Do you think this new trend makes humdrum jobs seem more appealing? Share your thoughts.
- What might be reasons arbitrary job titles are being invented? What are its dangers?
- Do you prefer a succinct and clear or an ambiguous and bespoke job title? Explain your choice.
- Invent a flashy new job title for your current job.