Recruiting expert Ella Patenall decodes the buzzwords recruiters use in job descriptions
Job descriptions are a minefield of confusing, strange and specific terms we don’t always come across in our day-to-day lives. Our guide to understanding common job description buzzwords will help you decipher what the application is asking for!
Analytical skills
Today, data is all around us and it’s imperative for business. Being able to understand data you are presented with is an attractive skill to many employers.
Analysing data includes the conceptualising and articulation of data and using it to solve problems.
Competitive salary
This generally means the salary being paid is above that of the average rate for similar roles in the area.
Communications skills
Being an effective communicator is a very important business skill. This could include verbal and non-verbal communication, such as face-to-face, over email and telephone.
This includes any written material used to market and advertise the company.
Computer proficient
Level of computer proficiency will depend on the role but as a general rule of thumb, you should be very comfortable in Microsoft Office (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote).
Other frequently mentioned programmes and skills are; touch typing, Adobe Photoshop/ Illustrator, HTML, CSS, Google Analytics and Mail Chimp.
Detail-orientated/ attention to detail
Being detail-orientated means not just looking at the bigger picture of a task or problem, but all of the little facets which make it up. It means wanting to understand the causes, rather than just the effects of actions.
Dynamic
As opposed to static, meaning still. A dynamic person is energetic, confident and always providing new ideas and suggestions. They take on new tasks happily.
Engaged
An engaged person is committed to a cause. Whether that’s finishing the blog by the end of the day or getting the sales figures over to the boss. They are focussed, driven and don’t let work pile up.
Fast-paced
This term refers to roles which require high productivity, deadlines and juggling tasks. This might not suit everyone, however, for some people, fast-paced roles are exciting and watching the clock is not common.
Flexible
This means that day to day tasks will likely not be fixed. Tasks could include assisting other departments with tasks. This is great if you like your day to be varied and don’t mind spontaneity.
Motivated
A motivated person is always enthusiastic to take on tasks and determined to do them to the best of their ability. They want to succeed, even at the small tasks and they approach work with an element of excitement and drive.
Proactive
When a proactive person sees a potential problem, they take action to solve the problem before it manifests. If they see the opportunity to change something to make it better, they ensure it’s controlled.
Problem solver
A problem-solver is always trying to find solutions to business problems. Maybe sales figures and website traffic were down last month, or they spotted a flaw on the website. They will take the initiative to work out the causes of these problems.
Project management
A project manager sees a project through from start to finish. This includes planning, negotiating, delegating roles and recording results. They also deal with changes and problems that may arise during the project.
Results-oriented
In business, everything is measured quantitatively. Whether that’s clicks on the latest advert, the latest Google ranking or last month’s profits. We are in the age of data , therefore, data managers are crucial players in every company.
Therefore, being results-orientated refers to someone who is interested in the impact each task will have, and how this impact can be measured quantitively.
Self-starter
This term simply refers to someone who takes the initiative to carry out a task without being asked.
Switched-on
In other words, not the kind of person who would fall asleep at their desk. They are alert and aware of what’s going on around them as well as staying up to date with the latest developments, news stories and innovations.
Team player
A team player doesn’t keep to themself all day and are instead open to engaging and collaborating with teammates.
Hopefully this list helps in comprehending those lengthy and wordy job descriptions to make applying for jobs a much simpler process!
Ella Patenall writes for Inspiring Interns, which specialises in sourcing candidates for internships and graduate jobs.
