Capitalizing Titles

Capitalizing Titles:

Rule 1

Capitalize a person's title when it precedes the name.

Example:
Chairperson Kim

Rule 2

Do not capitalize when the title is acting as a description after the name.

Example:

Mr. Smith, chairperson of the company, will arrive tomorrow.

Rule 3

Don not capitalize the person's title if preceded by the.

Examples:
Mr. Smith, the chairperson of the company, will arrive tomorrow.

The president, Mr. Lee, will arrive tomorrow.

Rule 4

Capitalize the person's title when it follows the name on the address or signature line.

Example:
Sincerely,
Mr. J. Sanders, Chairperson

Rule 5

Capitalize any title when used as a direct address.

Example:
That hurts, Doctor!

Rule 6

Capitalize any title when used as a direct address.

Example:
That hurts, Doctor!

NOTE:
*Military ranks follow the same capitalization guidelines as titles.
 Examples:
Brigadier General John Smith
John Smith was a brigadier general

However Jane Watson, author of Business Writing Basics, The Minute Taker's Handbook, and BizWritingTip — Grammar Collection 1, notes:

“In addition, [SOME] stylebooks recommend that the following titles always be capitalized when they follow a personal name or are used alone:

1. National Officials: the Prime Minister, Cabinet members (such as the Secretary of State, the Speaker of the House of Commons, and the Attorney General), the heads of government agencies and bureaus (such as the Deputy Minister, or the Commissioner), the Chief Justice, the Ambassador, the Member of Parliament, the Governor General

2. Provincial Officials: the Premier, the Lieutenant-Governor

3. Royal Dignitaries: the Queen, the Duke, the Prince of Wales

4. International Figures: the Pope, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the President

By the way, some organizations choose to override the rules and capitalize all the job titles of their senior executives. They believe it shows respect. This style is not necessary. However, if it is what your organization wants, don’t fight it. Go with whomever pays your salary."