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.