Career & Resume Glossary
Clear, practical definitions for every term job seekers need to know.
28 terms across 8 categories
ATS & Keywords
5 definitionsApplicant Tracking System (ATS)
An ATS is the software that screens your resume before a human ever sees it. Learn exactly how applicant tracking systems work, which ones employers use, and 7 proven tactics to get your resume past the filters.
Also known as: ATS, Applicant Tracking Software, Resume Screening Software
Read definitionJob Description Analysis
The process of systematically breaking down a job posting to identify required skills, keywords, qualifications, and priorities so you can tailor your resume and application accordingly.
Also known as: Job Posting Analysis, JD Analysis, Job Ad Analysis
Read definitionResume Keywords
Specific words and phrases -- typically hard skills, job titles, certifications, and industry terms -- that recruiters and applicant tracking systems use to identify qualified candidates.
Also known as: Resume Key Words, Resume Search Terms, ATS Keywords
Read definitionResume Parsing
The automated process by which software reads a resume file, extracts key data fields like contact information, work history, skills, and education, and converts them into structured data.
Also known as: CV Parsing, Resume Extraction, Resume Data Extraction
Read definitionResume Screening
The evaluation process -- performed by software, a human recruiter, or both -- that determines whether a job application advances to the next stage of hiring.
Also known as: Application Screening, Resume Review, Candidate Screening
Read definitionCareer Development
2 definitionsCareer Change
The process of transitioning from one profession or industry to another, often requiring the repositioning of existing skills, additional training, and a strategic approach to job searching.
Also known as: Career Transition, Career Pivot, Career Switch
Read definitionTransferable Skills
Versatile abilities developed in one role or industry that can be applied effectively in a different position, field, or context, making them essential for career changes and professional growth.
Also known as: Portable Skills, Cross-Functional Skills
Read definitionCover Letters
3 definitionsCover Letter
A one-page document submitted alongside a resume that introduces the applicant, explains their interest in the position, and highlights how their qualifications align with the role.
Also known as: Letter of Interest, Application Letter
Read definitionHiring Manager
The person responsible for making the final decision on which candidate to hire for an open position, typically the direct supervisor of the role being filled.
Also known as: Hiring Authority, Recruiting Manager
Read definitionValue Proposition
A clear, concise statement that communicates the unique skills, experience, and results a candidate brings to an employer, differentiating them from other applicants.
Also known as: Unique Value Proposition, Professional Value Statement
Read definitionInterview Prep
4 definitionsBehavioral Interview
An interview technique where candidates are asked to describe specific past experiences to demonstrate how they handle workplace situations, based on the premise that past behavior predicts future performance.
Also known as: Behavioral-Based Interview, Competency-Based Interview
Read definitionInformational Interview
A casual, candidate-initiated conversation with a professional in a target industry or company, designed to gather insights about a career path, role, or organization rather than to ask for a job.
Also known as: Informational Meeting, Career Conversation
Read definitionPhone Screen
A brief preliminary interview conducted by phone or video call, used by recruiters to evaluate basic qualifications, salary expectations, and cultural fit before advancing candidates to in-depth interviews.
Also known as: Phone Interview, Phone Screening, Recruiter Screen
Read definitionThank-You Note
A brief message sent after a job interview or networking conversation expressing gratitude, reinforcing interest in the role, and highlighting key points from the discussion.
Also known as: Thank-You Email, Follow-Up Note, Interview Follow-Up
Read definitionJob Search
4 definitionsEmployee Referral
A hiring method in which a current employee recommends a candidate for an open position, often resulting in faster hiring and better cultural fit.
Also known as: Internal Referral, Employee Recommendation
Read definitionHidden Job Market
The collection of job openings that are never publicly advertised, filled instead through internal promotions, employee referrals, direct recruiting, and professional networking.
Also known as: Unadvertised Job Market, Unpublished Jobs
Read definitionJob Application
The formal process of submitting a resume, cover letter, and other required materials to an employer in order to be considered for an open position.
Also known as: Employment Application, Application for Employment
Read definitionJob Board
An online platform where employers post open positions and job seekers can search, filter, and apply for roles matching their skills and experience.
Also known as: Job Site, Employment Board, Career Site
Read definitionNetworking
3 definitionsLinkedIn Profile
A professional online presence on the LinkedIn platform that showcases a person's work history, skills, education, and accomplishments, serving as both a digital resume and a networking tool.
Also known as: LinkedIn Page, LinkedIn Account
Read definitionPersonal Brand
The unique combination of skills, experiences, values, and reputation that defines how a professional is perceived by colleagues, employers, and their industry at large.
Also known as: Professional Brand, Personal Branding
Read definitionProfessional Networking
The practice of building and maintaining relationships with other professionals to exchange information, advice, and opportunities that support mutual career growth.
Also known as: Career Networking, Business Networking
Read definitionResume Basics
5 definitionsCurriculum Vitae
A comprehensive document detailing your full academic and professional history, typically used for academic, research, and international job applications.
Also known as: CV, Vita
Read definitionProfessional Summary
A brief paragraph at the top of your resume that highlights your most relevant experience, skills, and career achievements to quickly show a hiring manager why you are a strong fit.
Also known as: Resume Summary, Career Summary, Summary Statement, Executive Summary
Read definitionResume
A one- or two-page document that summarizes your work experience, skills, and education to demonstrate your qualifications for a specific job.
Also known as: CV, Resumé
Read definitionResume Format
The structural layout of a resume, typically chronological, functional, or combination, that determines how your experience and skills are organized and presented.
Also known as: Resume Layout, Resume Structure, Resume Type
Read definitionWork Experience Section
The core section of a resume where you list your previous jobs in reverse chronological order, detailing your responsibilities and measurable accomplishments for each role.
Also known as: Employment History, Professional Experience, Work History
Read definitionSalary & Negotiation
2 definitionsSalary Negotiation
The process of discussing and reaching agreement on compensation terms between a job candidate and employer, typically occurring after a job offer has been extended.
Also known as: Compensation Negotiation, Pay Negotiation
Read definitionTotal Compensation
The complete value of an employment package including base salary, bonuses, equity, benefits, retirement contributions, and other perks provided by an employer.
Also known as: Total Comp, Compensation Package, Total Rewards
Read definitionAll Terms A–Z
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