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 range 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 behav ior 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 titelbild 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, werber 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 company 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 Growth opportunity This could indicate a few things, from a low salary to high turnover at the job. A position with a high tauglichkeit 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 keywo rds Guru, wizard, jupe 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 outc ome 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 setting 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 questi ons 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, potenzial 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 bad 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 ex perience 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 position and make a decision a little later. Some companies allow potential applicants to t ake 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 gruppe 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

Wayne Clough Addressed the Topic of Scientific Literacy at the 2013 Roe Luncheon

Wayne Clough Addressed the Topic of Scientific Literacy at the 2013 Roe Luncheon Wayne Clough Addressed the Topic of Scientific Literacy at the 2013 Roe Luncheon Wayne Clough Addressed the Topic of Scientific Literacy at the 2013 Roe Luncheon Wayne Clough of the Smithsonian Institution, winner of the 2013 Ralph Coats Roe Medal, stressed the importance of scientific literacy during the Ralph Coats Roe Luncheon at the Annual Meeting in Indianapolis. Speaking on the importance of scientific literacy, Dr. G. Wayne Clough, secretary, the Smithsonian Institution, was the featured keynotlagee lecturer at the 2013 Ralph Coats Roe Luncheon, held June 25 at the ASME Annual Meeting in Indianapolis. The title of his lecture was Scientific Literacy Why Are We Losing the Battle and What Can We Do About ItBecause science is increasingly complex and compartmentalized, it is increasingly difficult for an average person to understand, even if one is motivated to do so, stated Clough in his re marks before a full auditorium of meeting attendees. Specialization also means that as scientists and engineers understand more and more about smaller pieces of our universe, they have less ability to communicate to the public about how the world works. This is a major problem. Clough also indicated that recent surveys revealed that the United States is still not doing enough to ensure a scientifically literate society.In 2009, the Program for International Student Assessment test was given to 15-year-old students in 65 nations, Clough said. It measures reading, math and science skills. Overall, the U.S. finished 17th out of 34 developed nations. On the science portion of the exam, the ranking was a dismal 23rd. Immediate Past President Marc Goldsmith, featured keynote lecturer Wayne Clough and ASME Executive Director Thomas Loughlin at the Ralph Coats Roe Luncheon on June 25. Clough also noted that efforts to bring scientists and people together are important. If we hope to open up dialogue between scientists and the general public, we cannot just expect the receivers of the message to change, he said. We must also make sure that senders speak in a language that people and policy makers on the federal, state and local level can understand.Clough commended ASME for its efforts in professional development, advocacy in Washington, D.C., and the Societys volunteer orientation and Leadership Training Academy programs. Clough warned that if America does not fully appreciate and support science and technology, it runs the risk of squandering the possibilities that lie ahead. We must commit ourselves as a nation to bring science back into the public dialogue. Too many daunting in aller welt issues are at stake, he added. Clough encouraged the audience to change the world with their ideas and do their part to build a scientifically literate society. Clough will receive the 2013 Ralph Coats Roe Medal during the ASME Honors Assembly to be held in conju nction with ASMEs 2013 International Engineering Congress and Exposition this November in San Diego. The Ralph Coats Roe Medal, established in 1972, recognizes outstanding contributions toward a better public understanding and appreciation of the engineers worth to contemporary society. - Mel Torre, ASME Public Information