What The Job Description in the Ad Really Means

When you've spent days or even weeks going through the listings on job boards, after a while, the phrases like "teamplayer, energetic, think outside of the box" and so on stop making sense. These same phrases are used over and over again, to the point that they lose all meaning and the job listings become just a paragraph of platitudes with one or two actual requirements thrown in.

Reading these ads, it's hard to get a clear idea of what the job responsibilities actually are and even more difficult to determine if you are the right candidate and if so, would you want to work there.

However, there are a few ways to read between the lines and find out what the job description really means. If the ad is filled with these buzz words and cliches, without giving any substantial information, you can reasonably assume that the employer really has no idea what the position is or who they are looking for. They just know that they have a spot to fill and want to get a few resumes for it.

To understand job listings better, here are a few buzzwords along with what they really mean:

Detail-oriented - When this is a prominent buzzword in the ad, the position may involve working with lots of information, say a computer programmer. If not, then you would be safe to assume that the job will be one where you will be constantly checked behind and possibly micro-managed.

Team-Player - This is probably the most over-used word ever. In fact, I've seen ads that ask for people who are both team players and self-managed. Typically, people are one or the other. However, if the ad focuses on being a team player, they might be saying that they want an employee who will be happy to do all the tasks they don't want to do themselves. Being willing to "take one for the team" or not get credit for your ideas and contributions is often part of being a good team player.

Fast-paced environment - This phrase typically means that the company expects results from this position. Fast-paced workplaces can sometimes mean that you'll be expected to work longer and harder while handling a stream of last minute items.

Self-starter - This could mean that the position doesn't have any clear responsibilities yet, and they want someone who will be comfortable figuring it out themselves.

Self-motivated - Although this phrase is being used more frequently, it's typically a sign that the position will be paying based on results or commission only.

Venture-backed - This is a huge flag that the company doesn't pay much at first, or at all. Often start-ups will offer stock options or other compensation once the company becomes successful. If it doesn't, then you might not get paid.

Just because a job listing uses these words doesn't mean that they are bad or that you should avoid them. Just be sure to understand what they mean and ask questions during an interview to make sure that you have a clear understanding of the job before you accept it.


Have you seen these words in job listings? Do you think the definitions are accurate?