DEAR JOYCE: I work at an amusement park. My company is using me as a supervisor most days, but due to little money, they won't give me the title or pay. I only care about the title because this job is only summertime, but it would look good on my resume. My dad says to put "supervisor" on my resume and attach a copy of my schedule. (It lists me as supervisor.) What do you say? -- J.G.
I understand why your dad thinks job-title inflation is defensible under the circumstances, but here's the risk: Anyone who checks your references will be told your actual job title, and your claim to a supervisor job title will be seen as untrue. Not good.
You could add the following parenthetical comment after your job title: (De facto supervisor, as my work-schedule record documents.)
Or you could approach your boss and say that you'd appreciate a title change recorded in your personnel file. Say it's only fair that the record reflects your actual contribution. (Most people like to be thought of as fair-minded.) Mention that you're not soliciting a raise. If you win your request, before leaving for the year, check your personnel file to be certain that the upgrade has been made.