Six Common Buzzwords in Job Posts and What They Really Mean

Table of Contents

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

hands on in the job

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

Qualified

qualified people for the job

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.

Knowledge of…

knowledge of the job definition

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.

Proactive

proactive at the job

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.

Team player/work independently

team player at the job

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.

Excellent communication skills

good communicator at the job

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.

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.

Contact us

Are you interested in what we do or what services we provide? Fill in this contact form and we will reach out to you
Step 1 of 3

Contact us

Are you interested in what we do or what services we provide? Fill in this contact form and we will reach out to you
Step 1 of 3

Related Articles

Advancing your career: Strategies to stand out in a competitive job market
02Oct

Advancing your career: Strategies to stand out in a competitive job market

In today’s ever-changing job market, standing out can be a challenge, especially in specialized fields like offshore and green energy, where top talent is in…

Global workforce solutions provider WTS Energy expands into Saudi Arabia
01Oct

Global workforce solutions provider WTS Energy expands into Saudi Arabia

Energy and infrastructure specialist officially opens in the Kingdom with incorporation of WTS Energy Arabia Riyadh, 1 October 2024: WTS Energy, a global provider of…

Purpose-Driven Work: Gen Z’s impact on HR strategies
24Sep

Purpose-Driven Work: Gen Z’s impact on HR strategies

As Gen Z enters the workforce, one trend is becoming increasingly clear: the desire for purpose-driven work. This shift has prompted companies to reevaluate their…

News and Insights

Recognizing and benefiting from the changes around us, lie at the core of personal, corporate and societal transition. That’s why we like to share our thoughts and experiences with you.

Get a Quote

Fill the form below to receive a quote for your project. Feel free to add as much detail as needed.

Step 1 of 3

Log in to one of our portals.

  • Clients

    Access the protected information for our customers.

  • Consultants

    People working via WTS Energy can log in here.

  • Consultants

    People working via WTS Energy can log in here.

  • Candidates

    Are you in a recruitment process? Log in here.

My Profile

Find Jobs at energy companies.

  • Jobs

    Find job opportunities around the world.

  • Saved Jobs

    See a job you like? Great. We’ve got it saved for later.

  • Premium Support

    Stuck somewhere? No problem. We got you covered. Fill in the form to receive support

  • My Applications

    Easily keep track of the jobs you have applied to.

  • Job Alerts

    Want to stay informed about your favourite job or industry? You can easily create an alert.

  • Settings

    Change your password and information on your account.

Log in to one of our portals.

  • Clients

    Access the protected information for our customers.

  • Consultants

    People working via WTS Energy can log in here.

  • Candidates

    Are you in a recruitment process? Log in here.