Glossary of Terms
Job Search Terms
Active Candidate Someone currently searching for a job. Contrast with passive candidate.
Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Software companies use to manage job applications. Screens resumes before human review.
Blind Application Applying to a job without any internal connection or referral.
Boomerang Employee Someone who returns to a previous employer after leaving.
Cold Outreach Contacting someone you don't know without introduction or referral.
Cover Letter Letter accompanying a resume, explaining interest and fit.
Ghost/Ghosting When a company (or candidate) stops responding without explanation.
Hidden Job Market Jobs filled without public posting, typically through referrals and networking.
Informational Interview Conversation to learn about a role, company, or industry — not a job interview.
Job Board Website listing open positions. Examples: LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor.
Passive Candidate Someone not actively searching but open to opportunities.
Referral Introduction or recommendation from someone inside the company.
Warm Introduction Being introduced by a mutual connection, rather than cold outreach.
Resume and Profile Terms
Bullet Points Short statements describing achievements in each role.
Career Summary Brief statement at top of resume positioning your value.
Chronological Resume Resume format listing experience from most recent to oldest.
Functional Resume Resume organized by skill rather than timeline. Less common.
Hard Skills Technical, teachable abilities. Examples: Python, Excel, financial modeling.
Headline (LinkedIn) 120 characters describing who you are professionally.
Keywords Terms from job descriptions that ATS systems look for.
Quantification Using numbers to describe achievements. "Increased sales 30%."
Soft Skills Interpersonal abilities. Examples: communication, leadership, collaboration.
Tailoring Customizing resume for specific job applications.
Work History Chronological list of previous employment.
Interview Terms
Behavioral Interview Questions about past experiences. "Tell me about a time when..."
Case Interview Interview involving solving business problems. Common in consulting.
Final Round Last stage of interviews, often with senior leaders.
Hiring Manager Person who will manage the role being filled. Key decision-maker.
Panel Interview Interview with multiple interviewers simultaneously.
Phone Screen Initial phone interview, usually with recruiter.
Recruiter Person responsible for sourcing and screening candidates.
Second Round Follow-up interviews after initial screen.
STAR Method Framework for behavioral answers: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Technical Interview Assessment of job-specific technical skills.
Video Interview Interview conducted via video call (Zoom, Teams, etc.).
Compensation Terms
Base Salary Fixed annual compensation, excluding bonuses and equity.
Benefits Non-salary compensation: health insurance, retirement, PTO, etc.
Bonus Variable pay tied to performance or company results.
Commission Pay based on sales performance.
Equity/Stock Ownership stake in company. RSUs, options, or shares.
Signing Bonus One-time payment upon accepting offer.
Target Bonus Expected bonus percentage if goals are met.
Total Compensation All compensation combined: base, bonus, equity, benefits.
Vesting Schedule over which equity becomes yours. Often 4 years.
Negotiation Terms
Anchor First number in a negotiation, which sets the range.
BATNA Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement. Your backup if no deal.
Counter-Offer Response to initial offer with different terms.
Exploding Offer Offer with short deadline. Pressure tactic.
Lowball Initial offer significantly below market value.
Market Rate Typical compensation for role in the market.
Walk-Away Point Minimum acceptable terms. Below this, you decline.
Career Terms
Career Ladder Traditional progression path within a function.
Career Pivot Significant change in role or industry.
Individual Contributor (IC) Role without management responsibility.
Lateral Move New role at same level, different company or function.
Level Seniority tier within an organization (L3, Senior, Principal, etc.).
Promotion Advancement to higher level within organization.
Span of Control Number of people reporting to a manager.
Title Inflation When titles don't match actual responsibility level.
Up or Out Culture where you advance or leave. Common in consulting.
Networking Terms
Alumni Network Connections through educational institutions.
Coffee Chat Informal meeting for networking purposes.
First-Degree Connection Someone directly connected to you.
LinkedIn Professional networking platform.
Mentor Experienced person providing guidance.
Professional Association Industry organization for networking and development.
Second-Degree Connection Someone connected to your connections.
Sponsor Advocate who creates opportunities for you.
Organizational Terms
Culture How work actually gets done; norms and values.
Flat Organization Few management layers.
Headcount Number of positions in a team or company.
Hiring Freeze Temporary stop on new hires.
Onboarding Process of integrating new employees.
Org Chart Visual of reporting structure.
PIP (Performance Improvement Plan) Formal notice of performance issues.
Remote Work Working outside company office.
Return to Office (RTO) Requiring employees back in physical office.
Work-Life Balance Sustainability of work demands with personal life.