What the Buzzwords in a Job Posting Really Mean

What the Buzzwords in a Job Posting Really MeanWhat the Buzzwords in a Job Posting Really MeanLook at enough job advertisements, and youll grow familiar with a set of commonly used buzzwords. Are you a self-starter? A ninja? Are you dynamic and detail-oriented, with a good sense of humor and an ability to multitask? The jargon can begin to melt together and seem meaningless. These phrases are repeated so frequently because its hard to encapsulate a job, company, and desired qualities of an employee in a short space. But dont dismiss buzzy keywords just because of overuse the words and phrases in job ads can provide much insight into the role, culture, expectations, and company. Job Posting Buzzwords A - Z List Review this A to Z list of frequently mentioned job post jargon to help decode what the phrases mean, why they were included, and how to tailor your application and interview answers to fit. Communication skills Very often written as strong communication skills, including this phrase means the job requires interpersonal skills, and the ability to speak and write clearly. You might want to emphasize responsibilities that involve working directly with clients or experience with presentations. Similar keywords interpersonal skills, strong writing, and verbal skills Competitive salary Putting this on a listing is an indication that the company is aware of the salary sortiment for this position, and the salary will fall within the market range. Its up to you to know the salary range, too, so that you can negotiate well. Use these salary negotiation strategies to ensure you get the best possible offer. Detail-oriented From sending an email without typos, to managing the details of a complicated event, detail-oriented people check, and then double-check to ensure an error-free, flawless execution of any task. Highlight organizational responsibilities, such as planning an event, creating a schedule or calendar, or overseeing a project. Your application and b ehavior at the job interview can provide a firsthand demonstration of your ability to manage details. Follow all application instructions carefully have a flawless, typo-free resume and titelseite letter at your interview, show up on time, with adequate copies of your resume and a professional demeanor. Similar keywords organized Dynamic Think of this as an updated version of shows initiative dynamic employees take on responsibilities beyond their job description. Theyre confident, can think independently, and are comfortable acting as a leader in projects and teams. Show that youre a dynamic employee by emphasizing ways youve gone beyond your job description and examples of leadership. Similar keywords leadership role, self-starter, agent of change, shows initiative Fast-paced Do you do well with last-minute work, unexpected fire drill assignments, unplanned late hours, and multiple deadlines? Use of this word in a job description can imply long hours. It may also indicate a comp any in flux, or prone to unexpected changes in direction. Be ready in the interview with examples of how youve managed multiple projects or responded to a last-minute change to impress interviewers. Similar keywords agile, deadline-oriented, able to multitask, works well under pressure Flexible Or sometimes no job too small or willing to pitch in these kinds of keywords indicate a company that may have a very flat organization. Dont expect to have someone printing out documents for you in a flexible work environment, workers are often expected to solve their own problems. Note too that this can indicate a need to switch gears quickly, work unexpected hours (such as nights and weekends) to get the job done, and be able to do things outside of the job description. At a lower level, this could also indicate that youll be asked to do rather menial work (picking up coffee dropping off dry cleaning). Similar keywords works well under pressure, thinks outside of the box, multi-tasking Gro wth opportunity This could indicate a few things, from a low salary to high turnover at the job. A position with a high potential for growth is likely something you wont stay at long which could mean that youll be promoted to a better role, or that the job is so onerous that no one stays in the spot for very long. Tip in your interview, inquire about the people who previously held the role. Ninja Most commonly seen in start-up and tech job descriptions, ninjas or gurus and wizards are an updated version of passionate employees. Companies use this word to show that theyre looking for a superstar the best of the best and also to convey that the environment in the office is young, fun, and energetic. Dont use this word to describe yourself itll seem overly self-congratulatory. Be aware that use of these types of words in job postings can indicate the writer isnt certain how to describe the role, and may also be a hint that the job will require long hours and burn-out. Similar keyw ords Guru, wizard, rock star, Jedi, superhero, evangelist Passionate Use of this word in a job description indicates that employees are expected to do more than punch in and out the company wants employees who are enthused about the work involved, the industry, and the company. No complainers or clock-watchers wanted This word is particularly common in not-for-profit and technology job listings. Carefully research the company before writing your cover letter and interviewing this will help you seem engaged with the business and role. Similar keywords enthusiastic, high energy, committed Results-oriented Did you save your company money in your last position? Eliminate an inefficiency? Participate in an award-winning project? Use this keyword as an excuse to trot out some of your accomplishments in your cover letter (and interview, if you get one) including this phrase means the company is interested in candidates who save money, staff time, increase sales, or whatever the desired out come in the jobs industry. Self-starter Expect a position that wont involve a lot of handholding, weekly meetings with supervisors, or set check-ins. Highlight times youve worked independently. If you are someone that likes to ask a lot of questions or requires feedback and affirmation, this might not be a good role for you. And, if the role requires a lot of work thats new to you, this might not be a good fit youll be situation yourself up for failure if you take on a position with unfamiliar responsibilities that doesnt provide training or supervision. Similar keywords proactive, works well under pressure, willing to work independently, entrepreneurial, independent, resourceful Team player This common job advertisement phrase indicates that the company is more interested in results than in who did what. Emphasize your ability to work well with others, and your strengths at brainstorming and collaborating. You may want to speak from the we instead of the I while answering some que stions during an interview. As you can see, there is much valuable information hidden behind the hackneyed words and phrases dominating job ads. As you plan your cover letter and prep for an interview, keep this writers adage in mind Show, dont tell. Look for ways to demonstrate times youve embodied the qualities detailed in these phrases. Rather than describing yourself as a self-starter, describe a time you handled a project independently.

Deciding on the Best Job Offer

Deciding on the Best Job OfferDeciding on the Best Job OfferDeciding on the Best Job OfferIf two job offers are on the table, how will you choose?It happens more than you thinktwo or more job offers, each with tempting benefits, salaries and incentives. But which one should you take? Many experts say this is an extremely personal decision, one that no one can really guide you with. But there are several tips and suggestions available to help make the decision a little easier.Dont automatically go for the highest paying offer.Okay, so it is very tempting to accept the job that pays the most. After all, good looks and creativity doesnt pay the bills or repair the water heater. There are other things to consider though. The highest paying job may not be the best choice. Look at the incentives, total compensation and base pay, potential raises, vacation, stock options, etc. In the end, the job with the lowest salary may reward the most money.Read the fine print.Some employers require a s pecific time with the company before incentives kick in, or they may share part of the insurance costs. Other employers offer disability insurance, stipends, bonuses and commissions. But there always is some type of catch to these. Check the fine print to see if the juicy deals are actually obtainable. It would be very badeanstalt to learn you have to work 60 hours each week to be eligible for that ten percent commission.Dont let unemployment be your driving force.Yes, it is really bad to be unemployed and wondering how youre going to pay next months rent. But choosing a job based on this can lead to disaster. Desperation causes people to make poor choices and neglect the options involved. If you dont look at each offer in detail and jump to a decision, you may miss that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.Ask questions and get advice from friends.It doesnt hurt to look around and see what other similar businesses offer. Friends can be an excellent source of advice. Ask them what their experience was like, where they started in the negotiating process and if they think you are getting a fair deal. Objective eyes are often able to see the silver lining or potential disaster in any job offer.Let it marinate.Never accept a job offer on the spot. Instead, let it set, and tell the employer you need to think about things a little more. Take the time to compare deals. Consider travel time, costs associated with each job. Will the job take you away from your family for long periods? If I start with lower pay at one job, could the other offer increase my pay faster? Is this the environment I want to work in? These questions are just part of deciding on the best fit. Once your decision is made, sleep on it and reconsider the next day. If you havent changed your mind, then go with your decision.Give it a try.If your decision doesnt come easy, see if you have the option to test drive the fleck and make a decision a little later. Some companies allow potential applicants to take a tour, go through a type of orientation and witness others working in the company. Witnessing the inner workings of the company can help make the decision a little easier. Also, ask other employees how they like their job and whether there is a potential to advance.Stick with your decision.Once you decide which job offer to accept, dont give up on it until youve given the job at least six months. No career path is easy, and rarely does a team member find a perfect match upfront. Give it time for adjustment. Try to customize your work experience to see if there is anything you can do to help. But dont give up. Employers look poorly on team members who quit before the six-month honeymoon phase is over. They may not be willing to give positive reports to future employers.Ready to find your dream job? Hire a TopResume professional resume writer todayRelated Articles

Your Guide to Smart Body Language in the Conference Room

Your Guide to Smart Body Language in the Conference RoomYour Guide to Smart Body Language in the Conference RoomSo youre prepping for a big meeting. Youve done your research on the topic, prepared a presentation (or thoughtful questions to ask the speaker), and picked out the perfect suit. Youre ready, right?Actually, theres something else to consider Your body language- which can often make a stronger impression than the words you say or the work you do.Whether youre a leader or a follower, the conference room represents a minefield of nonverbal communication that could fast-track or sabotage your ambitions. And its important to be aware of the often-subliminal factors that can impact the way your colleagues and boss view you.So lets take some all-too-common body-language scenarios, and abflug translating.Scenario 1 For newbiesAfter a few months of hard work, you finally get invited to a brainstorming meeting in the glass office with the mahogany conference room table. You grab a se at, place your hands in your lap and sit compactly to make room for more people. As soon as your boss starts to speak, you- eager to learn- hunch over your legal pad and commence rapid-fire note-taking. GOOD You sat at the table.In her buzz-worthy TED Talkabout why there are so few female leaders, Facebooks Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg exhorts women to confidently sit alongside men. Your colleagues will value your thoughts more if you are (literally) on equal footing. If youre huddled in a seat in the corner, your thoughts are often perceived as less important. No one gets to the corner office by sitting on the side rather than at the table, Sandberg says.BAD You allowed yourself to get squished.This is a common mistake among women, says Dr. Lois P. Frankel, a prominent executive coach, corporate trainer, and author of Nice Girls Dont Get the Corner Office 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers. She argues that the use of space makes a statement a bout our confidence and sense of entitlement. The more space you take up, the more confident you appear.Look at how men and women sit on an airplane and stand in elevators. On an airplane, men are more likely to sit down and spread out using both armrests, whereas women tend to keep their elbows tucked in close to their sides. And while both sexes are conscious of making room for others when the elevator gets crowded, youre more likely to find a woman cowering in a corner, for fear of taking up too much space, Frankel says.Same goes for the conference room. You dont have to be a diva to have earned a comfortable spot at the table. So un-tuck your arms, put your hands on the table, and claim your spaceGOOD You took notes. No matter how many positive body-language vibes you send out during the meeting, failing to even bring a solitary sheet of paper and pen into the conference room gives the impression that the discussion isnt important to you. And thats not going to get you anywhere. Another way to show youre engaged is to lean forward and nod slightly. (No bobble-heading, though- its distracting.) These movements will send signals to the speakers that youre engaged and processing the information.BAD You took notes frantically. Have you ever left a meeting with a legal pad chock-full of notes, only to see your peers and boss only have a couple of ho-hum words at the top of their papers? Its disconcerting. (How did they do that? Dont they need the nitty-gritty details, too?)Then, you get a few smug thoughts. (Theyll come to me when they forget what was discussed.)Notice, though, that rarely happens. While there are times that detailed notes are needed, copying down every spoken word and PowerPoint diagram also sends out the juvenile vibe. Its better to synthesize the information as it comes in.Jot down the main ideas, and spend the rest of the time giving some much-needed eye contact and a few of those intentional nods. Theyll go a long way in establishing sublim inal rapport.Situation 2 For ManagersRecently promoted, youve been tasked with presenting at the quarterly meeting of all the big wigs. And boy, are you ready. Youve fleshed out your talking points, memorized your presentation, and skillfully peppered your script with a couple of well-timed (and seemingly unscripted) jokes. You take your spot to the right of the board, and at the end of the presentation, you face your colleagues and cross your arms. Any questions? After a pregnant pause and no response, you sit down. GOOD Youre prepared. Nothing says this is going to be bad than someone who fumbles with note cards and spends their time reading PowerPoint slides, rather than looking at the audience.But beyond knowing what youre going to say, what makes a presentation engaging? Frankel recommends you break the silhouette. Take your arms from your sides and integrate gestures with your message. Emphasize points by counting them on your fingers. And even if youre nervous, no hand-wringi ng allowed. No excuses.BAD You stood still. Lets refer to Frankels point about taking up space. Women often are plagued by the same unconscious space-saving tactics, even when theyre at the front of an open room. They tend to stand in one place, moving only slightly within a few feet. But without enough movement and gesturing, the overwhelming impression conveyed is that of being demure, careful, unwilling to take risks, timid, or frightened with little to contribute, Frankel writes. And that all has nothing to do with the content of the presentationFrankel suggests walking side to side, forward and back, covering about 75% of the available space.Also, plan ahead. If you know theres an uninspiring podium in the conference room, request a handheld microphone before the meeting. Youll be able to move about more freely.GOOD You faced the group.Orienting your body toward your audience helps with voice projection and also makes you appear more approachable, as you (literally) open your s pace for discussion. It also gives them a clear view of your facial expressions. A classic 1967 studyby Dr. Albert Mehrabian at the University of California at Los Angeles found that the total impact of a presentation is based on words used (7%), tone of voice (38%), and body position, facial expressions, hand gestures, and other nonverbal communication (55%).BAD You crossed your arms. By crossing your arms at the end of your presentation, you unknowingly closed that open line of communication. Studies show audiences are less likely to respond to someone whose arms are crossed because it gives the impression that the conversation is closed or that the speaker is guarded and insecure. Instead, smile and keep your arms bent at your sides, poised to begin gesturing when its your turn to speak.So, in your next meeting, think about the messages youre sending- not just with your words, but with your body. While unconscious mistakes have the potential to stall your career, these simple tec hniques will leave a first (and lasting) impression of poise and competency.Photo of business meeting courtesy of Shutterstock.

Customize this Outstanding Entry Level Dentistry Resume Template

Customize this Outstanding Entry Level Dentistry Resume TemplateCustomize this Outstanding Entry Level Dentistry Resume TemplateAs a newly credentialed clinical technician who has the required education but lacks related work experience, its important when preparing your resume to focus on the skills acquired during training in order to highlight your worth as a potential employee.Take advantage of specific skills and tasks from your schools syllabus related to or useful in the dentistry profession and insert them into your resume. Not only will it highlight for potential employers that you have the required skills, it will also add substance to your resume and increase your chances at landing the job.Use the dentistry entry-level resume template below to list all the skills youve acquired to complete your resume. Create ResumeLeo Rockwaldnbsp 100 Main Street, Cityplace, CA, 91019-(555)322-7337Cexample-emailexample.comObjectiveTo obtain a lokalitt as a Dental Assistant in a large off ice where my skills will be an asset to the dental team.nbspEducationCarrington Collegenbsp 2013 nbsp nbspCertificate Dental Assisting Certificate Programnbsp nbspSacramento, CA, USACertificationsDental Assisting Certificate (RDA Pending)X-Ray LicenseCoronal Polish CertificateCPR Certificate (current)State of California Nurse Assistant CertificateCompletion of RESPECT TrainingAmerican Red Cross Nurse Assistant CertificationCertified Companion Aid (CCA)RDA License (pending Dec 2013)Skill HighlightsSTERILIZATION/ TRAY SET UPCHAIR SIDE ASSISTINGARMAMENTARIUMCEMENT REMOVALFLUORIDE TREATMENTPATIENT X-RAYSPATIENT CHARTINGMOUTH MIRROR INSPECTIONIMPRESSION/MODELSINFECTION CONTROLTEMPORARY CROWN/BRIDGEMATRIX BAND PLACEMENTHIPAA COMPLIANTPATIENT VITAL SIGNSUSE OF GENERAL OFFICE EQUIPMENTPIT FISSURE SEALANTSProfessional ExperiencePromenade Dental Group nbspJuly 2013 to August 2013 nbsp nbspDental Assistant ExternSacramento, CADental Assisting Extern, Duties Included Seating patients, patient vitals, patient X-Rays, Charting, Tray set up, sterilization, coronal polishing, inventory stocking, fluoride treatments, infection control, chair side with various procedures, impression taking, models pouring trimming, patients care instructions.Community VolunteeringnbspSmile Generation We Serve Day Aug 24, 2013nbspWork HistoryInAlliance nbspDecember 2011 to February 2012 nbsp nbspPERSONAL ATTENDANTSacramento, CAIndecare Inc. nbspJune 2008 to January 2012 nbsp nbspCompanion AidSacramento, CAReferencesAvailable Upon RequestCustomize ResumeMore Healthcare Resume TemplatesEntry Level Medical Assistance and Support Resume Templates

How to Answer the Question Tell Me About a Time You Failed

How to Answer the Question Tell Me About a Time You FailedHow to Answer the Question Tell Me About a Time You Failed1Here is some advice on how job seekers can handle this challenge and skillfully answer the question, Tell me about a time you failedDont use a transparent spin.Since the failure question has come to be almost an expected part of a tough bewerbungsinterview, some candidates brace themselves for it by planning an answer thats in reality a thinly veiled success or attribute, rather than risk sharing a negative memory. An example of this type of interview spin is saying, My biggest failure on the job is that Im just such a perfectionist that I work too hard While this may satisfy some interviewers, many wont let you off the hook quite that easily. If youre being asked to tell about a time that you failed, then the hiring team is looking to see how you handle adversity and move beyond it. If you can thoughtfully choose a situation that allows you to demonstrate this, instea d of sugarcoating whats in essence a false response, then youll have an opportunity toFocus on what you learned.The key to discussing a question about failure is centering much of your answer on concrete lessons that you gained from the experience. After sharing an honest (but not overly egregious) workplace flop in which you participated, your goal should be to segue quickly to reflecting on your learnings. This is your chance to show your capacity for growth and highlight areas where you plan to improve going forward. If you can end your answer on a high note, with the hiring team focused on your resilience and determination to do things better based on the experience that you gained from the failure, then youve nailed it.Use failure to show character.Its often said that ones character is forged in tough times, not when circumstances are smooth sailing. Its easier to do the right thing when everything is going right. With this in mind, you can use your response to the failure ques tion to showcase specific traits that youd like to emphasize in relation to your work, such as tenacity, determination, and a growth-oriented mindset.It may initially feel awkward and uncomfortable to trot out an instance where you werent at your best. But if you tackle this interview question smartly, you can leave the interviewers with a favorable impression of how well you conduct yourself under pressure and adversity.Check out morejob interviewing tips

Professional Skills to Put on Resume - a Quick Overview

Professional Skills to Put on Resume - a Quick Overview You just need to make koranvers skill sets are added in a manner that reflects your complete experience learning, using, and working with those essential skills. The skill section may be the most important section on your resume if you place it together correctly. You should put some highlight that may be detect by the reader quickly. Perhaps your skill set is entirely different. Look through the work description and see whether any soft skills are mentioned. In plus-rechnen to the practical demand for developers in just about any company, programming skills demonstrate advanced problem solving skills that may lead to a well-rounded professional. Professional skills are extremely important additionally to include on your resume. Consequently, communication skills are crucial to the job. Depending on the recommendation of our expert sources, here are a couple of broad kinds of skills your resume could include, together w ith unique methods to express them. The solution isnt so easy. Dont forget, the majority of the special skills that you place on your resume needs to be job-related skills taken from the work description and your best transferable skills. There are a few skills that will be totally necessary for any successful candidate. The Little-Known Secrets to Professional Skills to Put on Resume The competitive climate of the work market has gotten to a fever pitch recently. In the event it doesnt, the individual will not be motivated by the task. Regardless of what your work history, you need to find a means to incorporate this on your resume. For instance, if youve got a strong history with word processing and a work description demands experience with a particular processor which you havent used, you may use your experience to demonstrate the employer that youve got zero issue working with new word processors. In the description of your work history, you may want to use a number of these keywords. For the cover you should make sure that it remains under a complete page with three to four paragraph and make your contact and standard details on the the face of the page applying format for business letter. According to her, its also the reason putting your information just in the header or footer isnt a good idea. The info on your resume is a significant element in landing you your dream job, and thats why you should find out the best advice for writing a great resume. Professional Skills to Put on Resume - What Is It? Full Driving Entitlements a Facilities Director, you will likely be requested to oversee more than one site together. One reason you are going to want to do this is something named Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Therefore, if you come to an interview, the absence of Soft Skills may be one reason you werent chosen for the job. Be sure to not just develop them, yet to share them with your upcoming hiring manager on your resume Its often tha t the business gets hundreds or possibly a great number of my resume login for only one job. As soon as its tempting to deem yourself an expert, as soon as you get the interview or job, you can need to demonstrate your claim. Our experts have produced a list of the greatest skills for resumes in every business. Allow the experts at Monster take a number of the stress off your shoulders and help you get a wonderful new job. Technology Graphic designers have to master many kinds of technology in the modern world. They also ought to know about web design. Great visual design may be a positive add-on intended for the appropriate folks. Typography It is a more conventional skill for designers, but its nonetheless essential. Graphic designers should know how to create legible, well-designed type. Time Management Most graphic designers are continuously juggling numerous projects simultaneously. Be confident in yourself and what youre able to offer employers. It takes a particula r brand of leadership in order to recognize and react to the requirements of individuals within a sometimes competitive group setting. We do hope you like staying here. Sprinkle a couple via your education section.

Adapting Education to Overcome the STEM Workforce Shortage

Adapting Education to Overcome the STEM Workforce Shortage Many recruiters these days are struggling to overcome the shortage of prized skills in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. To address this problem, the U.S. government recently announced a $200 million initiative to teach computer coding to young girls and minority students groups typically underrepresented in the STEM field in U.S. schools.The administrations actions reflect a growing awareness that society mustcreate more effective ways to train workers for new roles in the digital economy.Federal funding for in-school training programs is a good first step that should have an impact over time, but what can be done in the near term? One proven approach to meeting the growing demand for STEM grads is to beschirrung the transferable skills and critical thinking of our citizenry not currently trained in STEM.By identifying people from diverse backgrounds who want to be re-skilled for high-demand, high-worth tech jobs and matching them with the coursework they need to obtain STEM degrees, we can bridge the tech skills gap in the short term.STEM fields offer exceptional employment opportunities, long-term career potential, and competitive salaries that are up to 26 percent higher than other professions, so finding people who want to be re-skilled should not be too difficult.One solution involvesoffering STEM bridge courses toward a graduate STEM degreeto those from non-STEM bachelors degree backgrounds. In addition, by partnering with technology companies, educational institutions are developing more modern curricula to meet the timely demand for a cutting-edge STEM workforce. Such transition programs will be critical to building the skills and workforce diversity necessary to maintain U.S. competitiveness.Taking a More Direct Path to the STEM PipelineEducators have begun to recognize the value of creating a more direct path to a Master of Scien ce degree in high-demand fields such as computer science, bioinformatics, and cybersecurity. For example, Northeastern Universitys ALIGN program integrates substantial firsthand work experience in the field into each students coursework. Options include internships, co-ops, and mentorships. In this way, non-STEM students can build their resumes while still working toward their graduate degrees.Academic bridge courses enable students to connect their past undergraduate experiences to new STEM career paths. In this way, people can quickly navigate career changes and break into tech fields withoutneeding to earn additional bachelors degrees.Anotherapproach involves plugging non-STEM students into broader networks beyond campus so that they gain exposure to employer partners, alumni, and other industry professionals.Launching Tech Boot Camps to Put STEM Boots on the GroundAnother strategy to grow the STEM workforce involves short re-skilling programs that combine many educational elemen ts, including high-demand skills training, hands-on work experience, and networking opportunities.At Northeastern University, we have developed a fast-track program for re-skilling and upskilling known as Level Education, which includes a significant experiential component with industry partners. Course requirements vary with no GRE requirements, and all graduates receive a certificate and the option to further their education through a variety of masters programs.The Level Education programoffers a range of ways to accommodate busy schedules. Students can choose between introductory, intermediate, and focused courses with flexible class formats including full-time, part-time, and hybrid courses combining in-person and online coursework.Currently, Northeastern has more than 300 students and alumni involved in these programs nationwide. In each case, a program professional supports the student for a one-on-one capstone project in which the student applies newfound data skills to solv e real-world problems. These capstone projects culminate with final reports in which students make formal presentations to real-world employers.All these innovative approaches can help more students graduate with technical certificates and portfolios of relevant projects that showcase the practical application oif their skills.We can no longer depend on 20th century educational models to build a 21st century workforce. Arming non-STEM graduates with new STEM skills and real-world experiences is the most direct way to instill the necessary confidence and optimism that can lead to new career opportunities.PK Agarwal isCEO and regional dean ofNortheastern University-Silicon Valleyand former CTO for California under Governor Schwartzenegger.