What I Learned from a “Job Title”

In my blog, I want to share my experiences working in Canada and introduce some key differences compared to Japan.
I am mainly targeting Japanese individuals who want to learn about Canadian experiences, but I hope this also gives you some insight into Japanese culture!
There are so many to talk about, and for my first post, let’s talk about “Job Titles”!

My First Job Hunt in Canada

I arrived in Vancouver in 2020 on a working holiday visa.
I won’t go into too much detail, but due to COVID-19, there was a special rule requiring even working holiday visa holders to secure a job offer before entering Canada.
Desperately searching for a job from Japan, I finally got a job offer as an assistant carpenter from a Japanese construction site in Vancouver.

Once I got used to life in Vancouver, I decided to look for a job in manufacturing, where I could apply my knowledge and work experience from Japan.
I started job hunting on my own, using websites like Indeed and Job Bank.

However, job searching in Canada is completely different from Japan!
You have to create a customized resume from scratch, prepare a cover letter, and even provide references.
Where in Japan, the job-hunting process is usually very structured and happens once a year, similar to entering university.

But what confused me the most at first was the concept of job titles.
Since job titles are crucial keywords for job searches, I had no idea how to look for the job I wanted.

“What the heck is a job title?”

What is a Job Title?

In Japan, we don’t really use job titles.
Words like ‘Manager’ or ‘Leader’ refer to positions, and we often identify ourselves by our department instead.
This reflects the Japanese mindset of belonging to a company rather than defining oneself by an individual profession.
However, in Canada, as you know, a job title describes the actual duties of a person.

For example, someone who works in HR, in Canada, their role within the HR department would be much more specific:

• HR Coordinator (Handles general HR tasks)
• Learning & Development Coordinator (Responsible for employee training)
• Recruitment Specialist (Focuses on hiring)

As you can see, job titles in Canada clearly define job responsibilities.
It seems like there are no standardized titles, and each company can create its own, which confused me even more!

Do You Choose Your Own Job Title?

Well, one of my biggest challenges was figuring out my own job title!

In Japan, I would typically say, “I work in a machine tool manufacturing company in an engineering role.”
But in Canada, this response isn’t specific enough.

While some roles like Web Developer are straightforward, others require you to define your own job title.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you can just call yourself anything.
There are certain legal restrictions – for example, you can’t call yourself a “Doctor” or “Engineer” unless you have the required qualifications.
You need to ensure that the title accurately align with your experience and aspirations.

I did research and read through many job postings, paying attention to job titles and descriptions.
Over time, you’ll get a sense of what you’re looking for.

The job title I eventually settled on and felt comfortable calling myself was “Machine Process Development Engineer.”

Just to mention, I used “Engineer” in my title because I had the necessary academic background, but in Canada, you need a Professional Engineer (P.Eng) certification to officially use the title “Engineer.”

After interviews, I eventually landed a role as a Continuous Improvement Specialist.
This title felt so weird to me because continuous improvement is something EVERYONE would NATURALLY work on in Japan!
“Why do they even have a separate role for CI?” – That was my honest first impression.
As the broad title suggests, my responsibilities were equally diverse and challenging (lol), but the experience was incredibly valuable!

Let me share more stories about my work in another blog!

How Job Titles Shaped My Self-Perception

I decided to write this blog because I realized how much my job title affected my self-image and perception.

Before, I would introduce myself by saying,
“I work for [Company] in [Department].”

But the moment I could said,
“I am a Machine Process Development Engineer”
my mindset did completely change! I am an engineer!

It gave me a stronger sense of professionalism and responsibility.
At first, I felt like I was bragging or exaggerating calling myself engineer, but over time, I realized that my title actually empowered me.
And in fact, I am – actually – an engineer with a master degree!

I still remember that moment.
One day when I attended a gathering, and my Japanese friend hesitantly said,
“I work in the kitchen at a Japanese restaurant…”
And our Canadian friend immediately responded,
“Oh, so you’re a chef!”

My friend looked a bit shy but also proud 
I still remember that monent, because, yes, she is a chef!

Identity

This concept applies beyond just work.
How you introduce yourself reflects how you see yourself.
And if you can choose your own title freely, why not declare the version of yourself you want to be?

This is what we call identity.

For example, what if I could say…
“I am healthy.”
“I am a coach.”
“I am a musician.”
“I am multilingual.”
“I am an athlete.”
“I am sexy.” (Wait… am I going to far? lol)

By actively claiming the identity you want, your actions will naturally start aligning with it.
Little by little, you become the person you describe yourself as!

Well, I guess it’s time for me to go change out of my UNIQLO outfit…
Because I’m sexy, right? LOL

So, what about you?
Who you want to become? How would you describe yourself?