Post by Neko Bazu on Jan 21, 2008 14:40:21 GMT -1
Open the job ad pages of a newspaper or visit a website and almost any advertisement will leap out with phrases like this: "Essential for this challenging position are high level leadership skills and a demonstrated capacity to perform effectively in the face of conflicting demands..." or "Your role will be to lead the strategic development of new engagement services, advocating the use of participatory approaches... ."
But what does all this recruitment-speak really mean and how good are you at reading between the lines? Here's a somewhat tongue-in-cheek guide.
Demanding environment
Usually the same as "fast-paced" or "challenging." Be prepared to put in long hours and juggle many different tasks, usually towards tight deadlines. People around you will expect you to be flexible and able to swiftly carry out orders, as well as being able to generate ideas yourself. You may end up feeling like a headless chicken but this could be the type of environment you relish.
Dynamic
Probably the most over-used word in job ads. Basically, the company is after someone with an open and proactive personality, who asks intelligent questions at the interview and can generate some good ideas. If you fit these requirements, you might want to check that the company is dynamic too. There's nothing worse than feeling your talents remain unused because the company culture is deadly dull.
Fast-growing company
Virgin doesn't describe itself as a fast-growing company because it doesn't need to. Only companies with an inferiority complex worry about the fact that you're going to look at their name.
Flexible hours
Work 55 hours; get paid for 37.5.
Market leader
Many companies describe themselves as leading in their particular sector. They could be, of course, but it could also be a classic case of job ad hyperbole. It all depends on how you define it. Make sure you do your research on the company. Don't just go to their website, get information from independent sources.
Problem-solving skills a must
You could be walking into a company in complete chaos.
Sales position requiring motivation
This could easily be translated as "We're not going to supply you with leads, there's no base salary and you have to wait 30 days for your first commission payment."
Self-starter
Can you see what needs to be done, and take proactive action without constant guidance and orders? Basically, the employer wants to be able chuck a project in your lap and trust you to deal with it. Are you happy to be thrown in at the deep end?
Wide variety of experience
Very ambiguous, this one, but it doesnt mean you need to be able to walk on stints as well as cook a wonderful soufflé. It could be you'll need to call upon all your reserves to replace the three people who just left.
X-factor
The X-factor will ensure that you stand out head and shoulders from the rest of the company employees. Make sure you have the X-factor: it's available in all good shops now for £9.99.
But what does all this recruitment-speak really mean and how good are you at reading between the lines? Here's a somewhat tongue-in-cheek guide.
Demanding environment
Usually the same as "fast-paced" or "challenging." Be prepared to put in long hours and juggle many different tasks, usually towards tight deadlines. People around you will expect you to be flexible and able to swiftly carry out orders, as well as being able to generate ideas yourself. You may end up feeling like a headless chicken but this could be the type of environment you relish.
Dynamic
Probably the most over-used word in job ads. Basically, the company is after someone with an open and proactive personality, who asks intelligent questions at the interview and can generate some good ideas. If you fit these requirements, you might want to check that the company is dynamic too. There's nothing worse than feeling your talents remain unused because the company culture is deadly dull.
Fast-growing company
Virgin doesn't describe itself as a fast-growing company because it doesn't need to. Only companies with an inferiority complex worry about the fact that you're going to look at their name.
Flexible hours
Work 55 hours; get paid for 37.5.
Market leader
Many companies describe themselves as leading in their particular sector. They could be, of course, but it could also be a classic case of job ad hyperbole. It all depends on how you define it. Make sure you do your research on the company. Don't just go to their website, get information from independent sources.
Problem-solving skills a must
You could be walking into a company in complete chaos.
Sales position requiring motivation
This could easily be translated as "We're not going to supply you with leads, there's no base salary and you have to wait 30 days for your first commission payment."
Self-starter
Can you see what needs to be done, and take proactive action without constant guidance and orders? Basically, the employer wants to be able chuck a project in your lap and trust you to deal with it. Are you happy to be thrown in at the deep end?
Wide variety of experience
Very ambiguous, this one, but it doesnt mean you need to be able to walk on stints as well as cook a wonderful soufflé. It could be you'll need to call upon all your reserves to replace the three people who just left.
X-factor
The X-factor will ensure that you stand out head and shoulders from the rest of the company employees. Make sure you have the X-factor: it's available in all good shops now for £9.99.
