When to capitalize a job title is a tricky question in writing.
There are certain circumstances where you need to capitalize a job title. The standard rule of thumb is that job title capitalization depends on its placement in a sentence and its intended use.
Here are some instances where you need to capitalize a job title:
Before a name
Use lowercase if you are merely describing a job title. However, if you refer to someone with an esteemed and respected designation like Doctor or Professor, their title should be capitalized if it precedes their name.
Example: We asked Professor John Smith to join us at the conference.
When the name is not preceded by the word the
Capitalize job titles after a name when the word the does not appear before the job title. Don’t capitalize the job title if the word the is found before the job title.
Example: Ms. Cortez, Editorial Adviser, helped revise the draft.
Ms. Cortez, the editorial adviser, helped revise the draft.
When a job title is used instead of a name
Capitalize a job title if you are using it as a replacement for a person’s name.
Example: I’m sorry, General, but I disagree.