Browse by Category
ATS
Applicant Tracking System terminology
3 terms
All Terms A-Z
ATS (Applicant Tracking System)
Software used by employers to collect, sort, scan, and rank job applications. ATSs filter resumes based on keywords, skills, and qualifications before a human recruiter sees them.
atsATS Optimization
The process of tailoring your resume to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems by using relevant keywords, proper formatting, and clear section headers.
atsAction Verbs
Strong, descriptive verbs used at the beginning of resume bullet points to describe accomplishments and responsibilities. They make your resume more dynamic and impactful.
resumeBehavioral Interview
An interview technique where candidates are asked to describe past situations and how they handled them. Based on the premise that past behavior predicts future performance.
interviewBackground Check
A screening process employers use to verify a candidate's identity, criminal history, employment history, education, and other relevant information before hiring.
hrCV (Curriculum Vitae)
A comprehensive document detailing your entire academic and professional history. Unlike a resume, a CV can be multiple pages and includes publications, research, presentations, and awards. Common in academia and international job applications.
resumeCover Letter
A one-page document that accompanies your resume and explains why you're interested in the position and what makes you a strong candidate. It allows you to showcase your personality and elaborate on key experiences.
resumeChronological Resume
The most common resume format that lists work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Ideal for candidates with consistent career progression.
resumeCase Interview
An interview format common in consulting where candidates analyze business problems and propose solutions. Tests analytical thinking, business acumen, and communication skills.
interviewCareer Change
The process of transitioning from one profession or industry to another, often requiring new skills, education, or networking. Can be motivated by passion, market changes, or personal circumstances.
careerCareer Path
The progression of jobs and roles that make up your professional journey. Can be linear (within one field) or non-linear (across industries and functions).
careerCompany Culture
The shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and practices that characterize an organization. Influences employee behavior, decision-making, and overall work environment.
workplaceHiring Manager
The person who will directly supervise the new hire and typically makes the final hiring decision. They define job requirements and evaluate candidates for role fit.
hrHard Skills
Teachable, measurable abilities acquired through training, education, or experience. Examples include programming, data analysis, or fluency in a foreign language.
careerJob Description
A document outlining the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for a position. Used to attract candidates and set expectations for the role.
hrJob Board
A website where employers post job openings and job seekers can search and apply for positions. Can be general or industry-specific.
job searchJob Application
The formal process of applying for a job, typically including submitting a resume, cover letter, and completing any required forms or assessments.
job searchJob Market
The supply and demand for labor, where employers seek workers and job seekers look for employment. Conditions vary by industry, location, and economic factors.
job searchOnboarding
The process of integrating new employees into an organization, including orientation, training, and cultural assimilation. A good onboarding process improves retention and productivity.
hrOffer Letter
A formal document from an employer extending a job offer to a candidate, including details about compensation, start date, job title, and employment terms.
hrPhone Screen
An initial phone interview, usually with a recruiter, to assess basic qualifications and fit before advancing to in-person interviews. Typically lasts 15-30 minutes.
interviewPanel Interview
An interview format where multiple interviewers question a candidate simultaneously. Common for senior roles and helps assess how candidates handle pressure and communicate with diverse stakeholders.
interviewPersonal Branding
The practice of marketing yourself and your career as a brand. Includes your online presence, professional reputation, and the unique value you bring to employers.
careerPerformance Review
A formal assessment of an employee's job performance, typically conducted annually or semi-annually. Used to provide feedback, set goals, and make decisions about promotions and compensation.
workplaceResume Parsing
The automated process by which ATS software extracts and categorizes information from resumes, including contact details, work history, education, and skills.
atsResume
A document that summarizes your work experience, education, skills, and achievements. Typically 1-2 pages, it's used to apply for jobs and highlight your qualifications to potential employers.
resumeResume Summary
A 2-4 sentence paragraph at the top of your resume that highlights your most relevant qualifications, experience, and career goals. It serves as your professional elevator pitch.
resumeRecruiter
A professional who sources, screens, and coordinates hiring of candidates. Can be internal (company HR) or external (agency or headhunter).
hrReference Check
The process of contacting a candidate's former employers, colleagues, or other professional references to verify information and gather insights about their work performance and character.
hrRemote Work
Work arrangement where employees work outside of a traditional office, typically from home. Can be fully remote or hybrid (mix of remote and in-office).
workplaceSkills Section
A dedicated section of your resume listing relevant technical and soft skills. Often formatted as a bulleted list or table for easy scanning by recruiters and ATS systems.
resumeSTAR Method
A structured approach to answering behavioral interview questions: Situation (context), Task (your responsibility), Action (what you did), Result (outcome). Helps you provide clear, concise, and compelling answers.
interviewSalary Negotiation
The process of discussing and agreeing on compensation terms with an employer. Includes base salary, bonuses, equity, benefits, and other perks.
job searchSoft Skills
Interpersonal and behavioral skills that affect how you work with others and approach tasks. Examples include communication, teamwork, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
careerTechnical Interview
An interview focused on assessing technical skills through coding challenges, whiteboard problems, system design questions, or domain-specific knowledge tests.
interviewTransferable Skills
Skills that can be applied across different jobs, industries, or roles. Examples include communication, leadership, problem-solving, and project management.
career