Career Glossary — Resume, ATS, and Job Search Terms | Vivid Resume | Vivid Resume

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Career Glossary

Career Glossary

86+ terms every job seeker should know — from ATS optimization to salary negotiation.

ResumeATSJob SearchInterviewingCareerAI Tools

86 terms

Action Verbs

Action verbs are strong, specific verbs used to begin resume bullet points that clearly describe accomplishments and responsibilities.

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AI Cover Letter Generator

An AI cover letter generator is a tool that uses artificial intelligence to create customized cover letters tailored to specific job postings and candidate backgrounds.

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AI Interview Prep

AI interview prep refers to AI-powered tools and platforms that help candidates practice answering interview questions and receive feedback on their responses.

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AI Resume Builder

An AI resume builder is a software tool that uses artificial intelligence to help create, optimize, and tailor resumes based on job descriptions and career data.

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AI Resume Writer

An AI resume writer is an AI-powered tool that generates resume content such as professional summaries, bullet points, and skills descriptions from user input.

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ATS (Applicant Tracking System)

An ATS is software that employers use to collect, sort, scan, and rank job applications before a human recruiter reviews them.

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ATS Compliance

ATS compliance is the degree to which a resume follows formatting and content guidelines that ensure accurate processing by Applicant Tracking Systems.

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ATS Parsing

ATS parsing is the process by which an Applicant Tracking System extracts and categorizes information from a resume into structured, searchable data fields.

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ATS Rejection

ATS rejection occurs when an Applicant Tracking System filters out a resume before it reaches a human recruiter, typically due to missing keywords or formatting issues.

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ATS Score

An ATS score is a numerical rating that indicates how well a resume matches a specific job description based on keyword relevance and qualification alignment.

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ATS-Friendly Format

An ATS-friendly format is a resume layout designed to be accurately read and parsed by Applicant Tracking System software without losing or scrambling content.

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Background Check

A background check is a pre-employment screening process where employers verify a candidate's identity, work history, education, criminal record, and other credentials.

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Behavioral Interview

A behavioral interview is an interview style that asks candidates to describe past experiences and actions to predict how they will perform in future situations.

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Boolean Search (Recruiting)

Boolean search is a recruiting technique that uses logical operators like AND, OR, and NOT to find candidates with specific combinations of skills in ATS databases.

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Bullet Points

Bullet points are concise, formatted list items used on resumes to present work experience, accomplishments, and skills in a scannable format.

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Career Change

A career change is a deliberate transition from one profession or industry to a different one, requiring repositioning of skills, experience, and professional identity.

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Career Fair

A career fair is an organized event where multiple employers set up booths to meet potential candidates, share job openings, and conduct preliminary screenings.

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Career Gap

A career gap is a period of time in a candidate's work history where they were not employed, which may require explanation on a resume or during interviews.

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Career Ladder

A career ladder is a structured progression of roles within an organization or field that outlines the path for advancement from junior to senior positions.

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Case Interview

A case interview is a problem-solving assessment where candidates analyze a business scenario and present a structured recommendation, common in consulting and strategy roles.

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Certifications Section

The certifications section is a resume area that lists professional certifications, licenses, and completed training programs relevant to the target role.

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Cold Outreach

Cold outreach is the practice of contacting professionals, recruiters, or hiring managers you have no prior relationship with to explore job opportunities.

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Combination Resume

A combination resume is a hybrid format that features a prominent skills section followed by a chronological work history.

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Compensation Package

A compensation package is the total combination of salary, bonuses, benefits, equity, and perks that an employer offers to an employee in exchange for their work.

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Competency-Based Questions

Competency-based questions are interview questions designed to assess specific skills or attributes required for the role by asking for evidence-based examples.

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Counter-Offer

A counter-offer is a response to a job offer or resignation where one party proposes modified terms, such as higher salary or better benefits, to reach an agreement.

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Cover Letter

A cover letter is a one-page document submitted alongside a resume that introduces the candidate and explains their interest in and fit for a specific role.

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Culture Fit

Culture fit is the alignment between a candidate's values, work style, and personality with an organization's mission, environment, and team dynamics.

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CV (Curriculum Vitae)

A CV is a comprehensive academic or professional document that details your entire career history, publications, research, and credentials without page limits.

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Education Section

The education section is the part of a resume that lists academic credentials including degrees, institutions, graduation dates, and relevant academic achievements.

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File Format (PDF vs DOCX)

File format refers to the document type used for resume submission, with PDF and DOCX being the most common, each having different ATS compatibility implications.

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Follow-Up Email

A follow-up email is a professional message sent after submitting an application or completing an interview to reiterate interest and maintain communication.

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Functional Resume

A functional resume is a format that organizes content by skill categories rather than chronological work history.

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Hard Skills vs Soft Skills

Hard skills are technical, teachable abilities specific to a job, while soft skills are interpersonal and behavioral traits that affect how you work with others.

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Headhunter

A headhunter is a specialized recruiter who proactively searches for and approaches qualified candidates for senior or hard-to-fill positions on behalf of employers.

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Hidden Job Market

The hidden job market refers to job openings that are filled through networking, referrals, and internal promotions without ever being publicly posted.

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Informational Interview

An informational interview is a casual conversation with a professional in your target field to learn about their role, company, or industry rather than to ask for a job.

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Job Application Tracker

A job application tracker is a system or tool used to organize and monitor the status of multiple job applications throughout the job search process.

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Job Board

A job board is an online platform where employers post open positions and job seekers can browse, search, and apply for jobs.

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Job Description

A job description is a formal document outlining a role's responsibilities, required qualifications, preferred skills, and other details that candidates need to apply.

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Job Description Matching

Job description matching is the process of aligning your resume content with the specific requirements, keywords, and language used in a job posting.

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Keyword Optimization

Keyword optimization is the practice of strategically incorporating relevant terms from a job description into a resume to improve ATS matching and recruiter relevance.

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Keyword Stuffing

Keyword stuffing is the practice of excessively repeating keywords in a resume to manipulate ATS scores, which typically backfires with both software and human reviewers.

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Lateral Move

A lateral move is a job change to a different role or department at the same level of seniority, used to broaden skills and experience without a promotion.

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LinkedIn Optimization

LinkedIn optimization is the process of strategically improving your LinkedIn profile to increase visibility to recruiters, build credibility, and attract job opportunities.

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Major ATS Platforms

Major ATS platforms are widely used applicant tracking systems like Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, and Taleo that power hiring at most large employers.

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Mentorship

Mentorship is a developmental relationship where an experienced professional provides guidance, advice, and support to a less experienced individual in their career.

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Networking

Networking is the process of building and maintaining professional relationships that can lead to job opportunities, referrals, mentorship, and career advancement.

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Offer Letter

An offer letter is a formal document from an employer detailing the terms of employment including position, salary, benefits, start date, and any conditions.

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One-Page Resume

A one-page resume is a single-page document that concisely presents a candidate's qualifications, typically recommended for early to mid-career professionals.

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Panel Interview

A panel interview is a format where multiple interviewers simultaneously question a single candidate, often representing different teams or perspectives within the organization.

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Personal Brand

A personal brand is the unique professional identity and reputation you cultivate through your expertise, values, online presence, and how you present yourself to the market.

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Phone Screen

A phone screen is a brief initial phone call conducted by a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, interest, and salary expectations before advancing a candidate.

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Portfolio

A portfolio is a curated collection of work samples, projects, or case studies that demonstrates a candidate's skills and professional capabilities.

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Professional Development

Professional development is the ongoing process of acquiring new knowledge, skills, and experiences to enhance your capabilities and advance your career.

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Professional Summary

A professional summary is a brief paragraph at the top of a resume that highlights your key qualifications, experience level, and career focus.

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Quantified Achievements

Quantified achievements are resume bullet points that use specific numbers, percentages, or metrics to demonstrate the measurable impact of your work.

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Recruiter vs Hiring Manager

A recruiter screens candidates and manages the hiring process, while the hiring manager is the person who ultimately decides who to hire for their team.

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Reference Check

A reference check is the process where a prospective employer contacts people you have listed as references to verify your qualifications and assess your work performance.

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References

References are professional contacts who can vouch for your qualifications and work ethic when contacted by a potential employer during the hiring process.

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Referral

A referral is a recommendation from a current employee or professional contact that introduces a job candidate to a hiring manager or recruiter at a company.

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Resume Header

A resume header is the top section of a resume containing the candidate's name, contact information, and optionally a professional title or LinkedIn URL.

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Resume Keywords

Resume keywords are specific words and phrases from a job description that ATS software and recruiters look for when screening applications.

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Resume Length

Resume length refers to how many pages a resume should be, which depends on career level, industry norms, and the amount of relevant experience.

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Resume Objective

A resume objective is a brief statement at the top of a resume declaring the candidate's career goals and the type of position they seek.

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Resume Optimization Tool

A resume optimization tool is software that analyzes a resume against a job description and provides actionable feedback to improve ATS compatibility and relevance.

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Resume Parser

A resume parser is software that automatically extracts structured data like contact information, work history, and skills from resume documents.

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Resume Screening

Resume screening is the evaluation process where ATS software and recruiters filter applications to identify candidates who meet a job's minimum qualifications.

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Resume Template

A resume template is a pre-designed document layout that provides a professional structure and formatting foundation for building a resume.

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Resume vs CV

Resume vs CV refers to the key differences between a concise, targeted resume and a comprehensive curriculum vitae in terms of length, content, and usage.

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Reverse Chronological Resume

A reverse chronological resume is the most common resume format that lists work experience starting with the most recent position first.

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Salary Negotiation

Salary negotiation is the process of discussing and reaching agreement on compensation terms between a job candidate and employer after a job offer is extended.

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Single Column Layout

A single column layout is a resume format that arranges all content in one vertical column, ensuring maximum compatibility with ATS parsing software.

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Situational Interview Questions

Situational interview questions are hypothetical scenarios that ask candidates to describe how they would handle a specific work-related challenge or situation.

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Skills Section

A skills section is a dedicated area on a resume that lists the candidate's technical competencies, tools, languages, and other relevant abilities.

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Staffing Agency

A staffing agency is a firm that connects job seekers with employers for temporary, contract, or permanent positions, acting as an intermediary in the hiring process.

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Standard Fonts for ATS

Standard fonts for ATS are widely supported typefaces like Arial, Calibri, and Times New Roman that ATS software can reliably read and parse.

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STAR Method

The STAR method is a structured interview response technique that organizes answers around Situation, Task, Action, and Result for clear, compelling storytelling.

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Technical Interview

A technical interview is an assessment that evaluates a candidate's domain-specific knowledge and problem-solving abilities through practical exercises or questions.

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Thank You Note (Post-Interview)

A thank-you note is a brief message sent within 24 hours after a job interview expressing gratitude and reinforcing your interest in the position.

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Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are versatile abilities developed in one context that can be applied effectively across different roles, industries, and career paths.

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Two-Page Resume

A two-page resume is an extended resume format typically appropriate for senior professionals with 10+ years of experience or extensive relevant qualifications.

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Upskilling / Reskilling

Upskilling is developing new competencies to advance in your current field, while reskilling is learning entirely new skills to transition to a different career.

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Video Interview

A video interview is a remote interview conducted over video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet, either live or as a pre-recorded assessment.

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White Space

White space is the intentional empty area on a resume that improves readability by preventing the layout from appearing overcrowded.

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Work Experience Section

The work experience section is the core part of a resume that details your employment history, responsibilities, and accomplishments for each role.

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