As a job seeker, are you tired of reading tons of job postings every day? Or you have carefully read the job posting but still don’t know what the company is really looking for? 

Ideally, a well-structured job description should combine detailed job responsibilities with essential qualifications, to deliver clear and accurate position information to potential job seekers. But in reality, recruiters may use jargon in their job postings, serving as key indicators of the desired skill and attributes. Job seekers need to decode these buzzwords to get a comprehensive understanding of the job requirements.

Here we collect 6 common buzzwords in job postings, and provide explanations and examples from our job posting to help you to get the way to your dream job—no more confusion, just clear paths!

Hands-on

When you see “hands-on” in the job description, it normally means you are expected to directly participate in projects or teams, do practical tasks, and apply your knowledge and skills. 

A hands-on position is ideal for candidates who enjoy taking action and collaborating closely with team members to achieve common goals.

Recruiters often use “hands-on experience” to emphasize that the ideal candidates have real-world and tangible experience. 

Examples:  “Wellsite Orientation Phase – hands-on rig experience, land operation, jack-ups, and semi subs.”

”Possesses good hands–on technical knowledge and experience of relevant Reservoir Engineering software (preferably Petrel RE, Eclipse, PVTSim, Saphir, Emeraude, IPM) and workflows (PVT, SCAL, reserves, decline analyses, nodal analysis, production log analysis, production optimization, forecasting, and integrated modelling).”

Qualified

Recruiters could use “qualified” to look for candidates who possess the necessary skills, certifications, and experience relevant to the position.

In some fields, especially the renewable energy industry, job positions have specific certification or qualification requirements for candidates. 

If you see “qualified” in the job posting, please check the must-have qualifications to ensure you meet them before applying. Also, keep up with industry changes by focusing on what’s needed in the “qualified” section of job posting. It’s a simple way to make sure you are always learning and growing.

Example: “Professional Qualification required for the Position: Possess Certification in CCMA, CPCM, CFCM.”

Knowledge of…

This phrase indicates that the recruiters are looking for candidates with an understanding or familiarity with a particular subject, tool, or concept. 

When you see “working knowledge” or “familiarity “in the job posting, it normally means you need to know basic principles and terminology but you haven’t done relevant tasks by yourself. 

“Proficient ” or “knowledgeable” suggests you can manage tasks or have a comprehensive understanding of the subject, though additional training might be required for advanced functions. 

A “strong knowledge” indicates you can start working with minimal training or no training. 

An “expert” means you know every aspect of the subject and can train others or give professional advice.

Examples: ”Basic knowledge of labor and corporate law.”

“Knowledge of criteria, standards, main techniques, and methodologies for hazards identification during work execution, occupational risk assessment and evaluation.”

“Act as an expert advisor on offshore wind sector policy, regulation, and economic issues.”

Proactive

Recruiters often seek candidates with a proactive attitude, considering it as one of the essential soft skills. Candidates with a proactive attitude normally mean they are taking initiative, anticipate needs, and actively contribute without waiting for instructions.

Examples: ”Team-oriented with self-motivation and a proactive approach to problem-solving.”

“Must have integrity, be flexible and proactive.”

Team player/work independently

When you see “team player” in the job description, it is not just about teamwork and coordination with your team members. The expected “team player” should be good at communicating, listening, and problem-solving. 

Reversely, “work independently” indicates candidates should have the ability to manage tasks and do them on their own rather than waiting for the arrangement from their managers. 

In some job positions, recruiters may require candidates to be a good team plyer as well as they can work independently.

Examples: “Teamwork capability.”

“Ability to be proactive, work independently, deliver your own ideas and results, and perform high-quality work within tight deadlines.”

“You can work independently, are comfortable with responsibility, and sound the alarm in time if necessary.”

Excellent communication skills

This one is a very popular phrase, you can find it in almost all job postings around the web.

“Excellent communication” not only means you can express ideas clearly both verbally and textually, but also communicate with your colleagues and business partners in a positive way and foster effective workplace communication.

Examples: “Strong interpersonal & Communication skills.”

“Team player with strong communication skills.”

“Excellent communication skills, both written and oral with the ability to challenge others in a constructive manner and negotiate with peers, partners, and 3rd parties to influence decisions or ways of working.”

Do you have a clear understanding of these 6 common buzzwords in job postings?

Let’s start your new career journey now! Are you in the midst of preparing for your next job interview? Check out our article for 10 things not to say in a job interview for more insights and tips.