Career Glossary
From ATS to Vesting, understand every term you will encounter in your job search. 63 terms explained clearly.
A
ATS (Applicant Tracking System)
TechnologySoftware used by employers to collect, sort, scan, and rank job applications. ATS systems filter resumes based on keywords, skills, and formatting before a human ever sees them.
Active Listening
Soft SkillsA communication technique involving fully concentrating on what is being said rather than just hearing the message. Essential for interviews and networking.
At-Will Employment
Employment LawEmployment arrangement where either employer or employee can terminate the relationship at any time, for any legal reason, without advance notice.
B
Behavioral Interview
InterviewsInterview style that asks candidates to describe past experiences to predict future performance. Questions often start with "Tell me about a time when..."
Boomerang Employee
EmploymentA worker who returns to a company where they were previously employed. Increasingly common and often valued for their institutional knowledge.
Blind Resume
ResumeResume with personal identifying information removed to reduce unconscious bias in hiring. May exclude name, address, and graduation dates.
C
Compensation Package
CompensationTotal value of pay and benefits offered to an employee, including salary, bonuses, equity, health insurance, retirement contributions, and perks.
Cover Letter
Application MaterialsA one-page document sent with your resume explaining why you are interested in the position and why you are a good fit. Should be customized for each application.
Cold Outreach
NetworkingContacting someone you do not know for networking or job opportunities. Effective cold outreach is personalized and provides value to the recipient.
Counter Offer
NegotiationA response to an initial job offer requesting different terms, typically higher salary or additional benefits. Requires tact and market research.
Career Pivot
Career PlanningSignificant change in career direction, often to a new industry or function. Requires highlighting transferable skills and relevant experience.
D
DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion)
Workplace CultureOrganizational framework promoting fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people while identifying and eliminating barriers.
Direct Hire
Employment TypesEmployment arrangement where you are hired directly by the company as a full-time employee, not through a staffing agency or as a contractor.
Dream Job
Career PlanningAn ideal position that aligns with your skills, interests, values, and career goals. Often evolves as you gain experience and clarity about your priorities.
E
Elevator Pitch
NetworkingA brief, persuasive speech (30-60 seconds) explaining who you are, what you do, and what you are looking for. Named for the time it takes to ride an elevator.
Equity Compensation
CompensationNon-cash payment representing ownership in the company, including stock options, RSUs (Restricted Stock Units), and ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plans).
Executive Recruiter
RecruitingSpecialized recruiter who fills senior-level positions. Often works on retained searches and has deep industry expertise and networks.
Exit Interview
EmploymentMeeting conducted when an employee leaves a company to gather feedback about their experience and reasons for departure.
F
Functional Resume
ResumeResume format organized by skills rather than chronological work history. Useful for career changers or those with employment gaps.
Follow-Up
Job SearchCommunication sent after an interview or networking meeting to express continued interest and reinforce your candidacy. Should be sent within 24 hours.
G
Ghost Job
Job SearchA job posting that is not actually available or has already been filled, often posted to collect resumes or appear to be growing.
Growth Mindset
Soft SkillsBelief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Valued by employers who prioritize learning and adaptability.
H
H-1B Visa
ImmigrationUS work visa for specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Employers must sponsor the visa and prove they cannot find qualified US workers.
Headhunter
RecruitingRecruiter who actively seeks out candidates for positions, often approaching employed professionals. May specialize in specific industries or seniority levels.
Hidden Job Market
Job SearchPositions filled through networking, referrals, or internal candidates before being publicly posted. Estimated to represent 70-80% of all jobs.
Hybrid Work
Work ArrangementsWork arrangement combining remote and in-office work. The specific split varies by company (e.g., 3 days in office, 2 days remote).
I
Informational Interview
NetworkingMeeting with someone to learn about their career, industry, or company. Not a job interview but a networking opportunity to gather insights.
Internal Mobility
Career GrowthMovement of employees within an organization through transfers, promotions, or role changes. Many companies prioritize internal candidates.
J
Job Board
Job SearchOnline platform listing job openings where candidates can search and apply. Examples include LinkedIn, Indeed, and industry-specific boards.
Job Hopping
EmploymentPattern of changing jobs frequently, typically staying less than 2 years at each position. Perception has shifted, though concerns remain for some employers.
K
Keyword Optimization
ResumeStrategically including relevant keywords in your resume and LinkedIn profile to improve visibility in ATS and recruiter searches.
KPI (Key Performance Indicator)
BusinessMeasurable value demonstrating how effectively goals are being achieved. Understanding relevant KPIs helps you speak to impact in interviews.
L
Layoff
EmploymentTermination of employment due to business reasons (not employee performance), such as downsizing, restructuring, or economic conditions.
Professional networking platform essential for job searching, networking, and personal branding. Recruiters actively source candidates on LinkedIn.
Lowball Offer
NegotiationA job offer with compensation significantly below market rate or your expectations. May be intentional negotiation tactic or reflect budget constraints.
M
Mentor
Career GrowthExperienced professional who provides guidance, advice, and support to help you navigate your career. Can be formal or informal relationships.
Market Rate
CompensationThe typical compensation for a specific role in a particular location and industry. Research is essential for salary negotiations.
N
Networking
Job SearchBuilding and maintaining professional relationships. The most effective job search strategy, leading to many opportunities through referrals.
Non-Compete Agreement
Employment LawContract restricting an employee from working for competitors or starting competing businesses for a specified time after leaving.
Negotiation
Job SearchProcess of reaching agreement on job offer terms including salary, benefits, start date, and other conditions. Most offers have some flexibility.
O
Offer Letter
EmploymentFormal document outlining job offer details including position, salary, benefits, start date, and conditions. Review carefully before signing.
Onboarding
EmploymentProcess of integrating new employees into an organization, including orientation, training, and acclimation to company culture.
OPT (Optional Practical Training)
ImmigrationProgram allowing international students to work in the US for 12 months (or 36 months for STEM fields) in their field of study.
P
Panel Interview
InterviewsInterview conducted by multiple interviewers simultaneously. Common for senior roles or when multiple stakeholders have input in hiring decisions.
Passive Candidate
RecruitingSomeone who is not actively job searching but may be open to the right opportunity. Recruiters often target passive candidates.
Personal Branding
Career GrowthHow you present yourself professionally online and offline. Includes your LinkedIn profile, online presence, and professional reputation.
Q
Quiet Quitting
Workplace CultureDoing only the minimum requirements of your job, not going above and beyond. Often response to burnout or disengagement.
R
Recruiter
RecruitingProfessional who finds and screens candidates for job openings. Can be internal (company employee) or external (staffing agency).
Referral
Job SearchRecommendation from a current employee to hire someone they know. Referrals often receive priority and have higher success rates.
Resume Gap
ResumePeriod of unemployment visible on your resume. Best addressed proactively by explaining how you used the time productively.
RSU (Restricted Stock Unit)
CompensationCompany stock granted to employees that vests over time. Common form of equity compensation at tech companies.
S
Salary Range
CompensationThe minimum to maximum compensation a company will pay for a position. Many states now require ranges in job postings (salary transparency).
Situational Interview
InterviewsInterview questions asking how you would handle hypothetical scenarios. Tests problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Soft Skills
SkillsNon-technical skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. Increasingly valued alongside technical abilities.
STAR Method
InterviewsFramework for answering behavioral questions: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Helps structure compelling interview responses.
T
Total Compensation
CompensationComplete value of all compensation including base salary, bonuses, equity, benefits, and perks. Compare total comp, not just base salary.
Transferable Skills
SkillsSkills applicable across different jobs and industries. Critical for career changers to identify and communicate effectively.
U
Upskilling
Career GrowthLearning new skills to advance in your current career path. Companies increasingly invest in upskilling programs for retention.
V
Vesting
CompensationSchedule determining when you earn ownership of employer contributions to retirement or equity compensation. Common schedules are 4 years with 1-year cliff.
Visa Sponsorship
ImmigrationWhen an employer supports a foreign worker's visa application. Not all companies sponsor; research before applying.
W
Work Authorization
ImmigrationLegal permission to work in a country. US options include citizenship, green card, work visa, or OPT/CPT for students.
Work-Life Balance
Workplace CultureEquilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal life. Increasingly important factor in job satisfaction and decisions.
Y
Yellow Flag
Job SearchWarning sign during the interview process that may indicate potential issues, but is not necessarily disqualifying. Worth investigating further.
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