[English 101] JOB HUNT - Expressions for searching and applying for jobs

Teaching Material

1. I updated my resume before applying to the tech startup.
• Resume (noun) - A concise document highlighting skills, experiences, and achievements for job applications
• Use “resume” when you need a quick snapshot of your professional background to present to potential employers. Keep it clear and concise.
• “Could you review my resume?” “Sure, I’ll check for clarity and typos.”
• CV - Use “CV” for roles in academia or research requiring detailed lists of publications and presentations.
2. I tailored my cover letter for each position I applied to.
• Cover letter (noun) - A letter accompanying a resume, explaining your interest and suitability for a job
• Use “cover letter” to personalize your application, referencing specific job requirements and your matching skills.
• “Should I include a cover letter?” “Yes, it shows genuine interest and highlights key strengths.”
3. I found a job listing that perfectly matches my skill set.
• Job listing (noun) - An advertisement describing an available position and its requirements
• Use “job listing” to talk about posted vacancies, whether on websites, newspapers, or company portals.
• “Where did you see the job listing?” “On a professional networking site.”
4. I searched multiple job boards to broaden my options.
• Job board (noun) - A website or platform that aggregates and displays open job positions
• Use “job board” to find curated opportunities. Filter by location or industry to target relevant roles.
• “Which job board do you recommend?” “Try Indeed or LinkedIn Jobs for diverse listings.”
5. Effective networking helped her land an interview with a top firm.
• Networking (noun) - Building professional relationships to exchange information and discover opportunities
• Use “networking” to describe fostering connections that can lead to referrals, mentorship, or job leads.
• “How can I learn about unposted vacancies?” “Start networking with professionals in your field.”
6. The recruiter asked for references after my second interview.
• References (noun) - Contacts, often previous employers or colleagues, who can vouch for your experience
• Use “references” to strengthen your credibility. Ensure you have prior permission from your referees.
• “Should I list references on my resume?” “Include ‘References available upon request’ or attach them if asked.”
7. I submitted my application via the company’s online portal.
• Application (noun) - A formal request for a job, typically including a resume and cover letter
• Use “application” to describe the process of officially asking to be considered for a position.
• “Did you finish your application?” “Yes, I uploaded my resume and cover letter.”
8. They have several strong candidates for the marketing role.
• Candidate (noun) - An individual applying or being considered for a particular job or position
• Use “candidate” when discussing yourself or others in contention for a role. Show why you stand out.
• “Am I the only candidate?” “No, they’ll interview a few more people before deciding.”
9. The manager narrowed the candidate pool to five individuals.
• Candidate pool (noun) - All the applicants under consideration for a role or multiple roles within a company
• Use “candidate pool” to refer collectively to all applicants. Companies often shortlist from this group.
• “How big is the candidate pool?” “They said over 50 people applied for that job.”
10. I have a job interview tomorrow morning.
• Interview (noun) - A formal meeting in which you discuss your qualifications and fit for a role
• Use “interview” to refer to sessions with potential employers. Practice common questions to boost confidence.
• “Are you prepared for the interview?” “Yes, I researched the company thoroughly.”
11. The HR team conducted a screening interview to shortlist candidates for the next round.
• Screening interview (noun) - An initial interview to quickly assess basic qualifications and interest
• Use “screening interview” to describe the preliminary stage. Offer concise answers to highlight key skills fast.
• “How long is a screening interview?” “Typically 15-20 minutes to gauge fit.”
12. They scheduled a phone interview with me for Tuesday afternoon.
• Phone interview (noun) - A conversation over the telephone to discuss your background and suitability
• Use “phone interview” when referencing an initial talk with recruiters or hiring managers, especially for remote screenings.
• “Any tips for a phone interview?” “Speak clearly, keep notes nearby, and minimize distractions.”
13. The pandemic made video interviews more common than ever.
• Video interview (noun) - An interview conducted via video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Skype
• Use “video interview” when face-to-face meetings are impractical. Dress professionally and maintain good eye contact.
• “How do I prepare for a video interview?” “Test your microphone, camera, and Internet connection beforehand.”
14. I drove to their headquarters for my in-person interview.
• In-person interview (noun) - A traditional face-to-face interview, typically at the employer’s location
• Use “in-person interview” for on-site meetings. Arrive early and observe the company environment.
• “Is this a video or in-person interview?” “It’s in-person, so plan for travel time.”
15. A recruiter from that firm reached out about a potential role.
• Recruiter (noun) - A person responsible for identifying and attracting qualified candidates for an employer
• Use “recruiter” when referring to hiring professionals who may guide you in the application process or share openings.
• “How do I connect with a recruiter?” “Try LinkedIn or attend job fairs—they often post opportunities there.”
16. I signed up with a recruiting agency to get more leads.
• Recruiting agency (noun) - A company that matches job seekers with available positions at various employers
• Use “recruiting agency” when seeking roles through specialized headhunters or external placement firms.
• “Does a recruiting agency cost money?” “Usually the employer pays them, not the candidate.”
17. Many resumes never reach a human if the applicant tracking system doesn’t find relevant keywords.
• Applicant tracking system (noun) - Software that organizes and filters job applications for recruiters and HR
• Use “applicant tracking system” (ATS) to reference the automated tool that screens your application; tailor your keywords to match job descriptions.
• “Why aren’t they responding?” “Maybe the applicant tracking system didn’t flag your resume as a good match.”
18. He checks the company’s job portal weekly for new openings.
• Job portal (noun) - A website or platform where employers post vacancies and candidates apply
• Use “job portal” for official or third-party sites featuring online applications. Often has filters and direct applications.
• “Where do I submit my application?” “The job portal has a form to upload your resume.”
19. Her design portfolio impressed the hiring manager.
• Portfolio (noun) - A collection of work samples demonstrating your abilities, often used in creative fields
• Use “portfolio” to showcase tangible examples of your skills—such as artwork, writing samples, or project case studies.
• “Do I need a portfolio?” “Yes, if you’re in design, writing, or other creative roles.”
20. They’re seeking someone with a strong technical skill set in coding.
• Skill set (noun) - The range of abilities and expertise a person has
• Use “skill set” to describe your capabilities in a field. Highlight relevant skills in your resume and interviews.
• “What’s your strongest skill set?” “I excel at data analysis and problem-solving.”
21. A bachelor’s degree is one of the qualifications for this position.
• Qualifications (noun) - Credentials, skills, or experience that make someone suitable for a role
• Use “qualifications” to address the explicit requirements set out in a job description. Emphasize how you meet them.
• “Am I qualified for this job?” “You meet most qualifications, so apply anyway.”
22. They want someone with three years of relevant experience.
• Experience (noun) - Practical contact or observation in a field, often measured in years or projects
• Use “experience” when discussing what you’ve done that’s directly or indirectly related to the role you want.
• “I only have one year of experience.” “Still apply—you might have transferable skills.”
23. He started in an entry-level role to learn the ropes.
• Entry-level (adjective) - Suitable for beginners or those with little professional experience
• Use “entry-level” to find roles open to recent graduates or career-switchers with minimal industry experience.
• “Is this an entry-level position?” “Yes, it’s great if you have limited work history.”
24. She applied for a mid-level analyst position after three years of work experience.
• Mid-level (adjective) - Roles requiring some years of experience, more responsibilities than entry-level
• Use “mid-level” to classify positions needing moderate experience and skill depth but not top-level leadership.
• “Is that job mid-level or senior?” “It’s mid-level, so they want a solid background but not decades of experience.”
25. He was hired for a senior-level management role at a global firm.
• Senior-level (adjective) - A high-ranking position requiring extensive experience and expertise
• Use “senior-level” when referring to positions with greater responsibility, often overseeing teams or large projects.
• “Should I apply for a senior-level job?” “Only if you have the leadership and years of experience.”
26. The job description mentioned advanced Excel skills and project coordination.
• Job description (noun) - A detailed outline of the responsibilities, skills, and requirements of a role
• Use “job description” to understand what’s expected in a role. Tailor your application to key points mentioned.
• “Did you read the job description carefully?” “Yes, I match most of the listed responsibilities.”
27. A driver’s license is among the job requirements for this delivery position.
• Job requirements (noun) - Essential or preferred qualifications, skills, or experiences needed for a role
• Use “job requirements” to pinpoint the mandatory or strongly desired attributes for successful candidates.
• “Do you meet all the job requirements?” “Yes, except for the advanced coding part, but I’ll still try.”
28. Managing client relationships is one of my core responsibilities.
• Responsibilities (noun) - Tasks or duties that a role entails
• Use “responsibilities” to discuss daily tasks or what you’ll be accountable for in the position.
• “Are you comfortable with these responsibilities?” “Yes, I’ve handled similar tasks before.”
29. The posting listed a salary range of $50,000–$60,000 per year.
• Salary range (noun) - The minimum to maximum pay offered for a particular position
• Use “salary range” when discussing the expected pay. Helps manage expectations and aids negotiations.
• “Is the salary range negotiable?” “They might have some flexibility based on experience.”
30. They provided a generous compensation package with health insurance and bonus options.
• Compensation package (noun) - Total rewards offered to an employee, including salary and benefits
• Use “compensation package” for the full financial and non-financial rewards, crucial when deciding on offers.
• “Is the compensation package just base pay?” “No, it includes health coverage, retirement plans, and bonuses.”
31. The company’s benefits include flexible schedules and tuition reimbursement.
• Benefits (noun) - Non-wage perks like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans
• Use “benefits” to discuss perks beyond salary—important factors in evaluating job offers.
• “Do they offer good benefits?” “Yes, they have extensive health coverage and a matching 401(k).”
32. She moved from a part-time role to a full-time position.
• Full-time (adjective) - A role typically requiring around 40 hours of work per week
• Use “full-time” when referencing roles that generally come with standard benefits and consistent work schedules.
• “Are you looking for full-time or part-time?” “Full-time, so I can get steady hours and benefits.”
33. He took a part-time job while finishing his degree.
• Part-time (adjective) - A position with fewer working hours than a typical full-time job
• Use “part-time” when looking for flexible work hours, often with fewer benefits than full-time roles.
• “I can’t commit to full-time.” “Then a part-time position might be better for you.”
34. They offered a temporary position during the busy holiday season.
• Temporary position (noun) - A role with a fixed or limited duration
• Use “temporary position” for short-term roles, which can sometimes lead to permanent offers if performance is strong.
• “Is this a permanent job?” “No, it’s a temporary position for three months.”
35. She does freelance graphic design for multiple clients.
• Freelance (adjective/noun) - Working on a project or contract basis, often self-employed
• Use “freelance” for independent projects without long-term employer commitments. Good for flexible schedules.
• “Do you have a full-time job?” “No, I’m a freelance writer—I handle various gigs.”
36. He landed a paid internship at a major tech firm.
• Internship (noun) - A short-term work experience for students or recent graduates to gain practical knowledge
• Use “internship” to build real-world experience, often crucial for college students and entry-level candidates.
• “What’s the duration of the internship?” “Three months, with a potential full-time offer afterward.”
37. The company announced a vacancy in the finance department.
• Vacancy (noun) - An unoccupied position available for hiring
• Use “vacancy” for any open position. Commonly used in official job postings or announcements.
• “Did you hear about the vacancy?” “Yes, I’m planning to apply before the deadline.”
38. The hiring manager will review your resume before scheduling an interview.
• Hiring manager (noun) - The person responsible for overseeing the recruitment for a specific position
• Use “hiring manager” when referencing the person who ultimately decides which candidate gets hired. Tailor your approach accordingly.
• “Who’s in charge of this role?” “Ask the hiring manager for detailed requirements.”
39. They’ll run a background check once they decide to extend an offer.
• Background check (noun) - An employer’s investigation into a candidate’s history, including employment, education, and criminal record
• Use “background check” to describe the final step of verification. Always ensure your details are truthful.
• “Should I worry about the background check?” “Not if your records are accurate and honest.”
40. I sent a follow-up email thanking them for the interview.
• Follow-up (noun) - An additional contact or communication after an initial interaction or interview
• Use “follow-up” to maintain communication and reaffirm your interest. Keep it succinct and respectful of their time.
• “Is it okay to follow up?” “Yes, a polite follow-up can show genuine interest.”
41. My previous supervisor agreed to be my professional reference.
• Professional reference (noun) - A person who can attest to your work performance and professional traits
• Use “professional reference” for contacts who know your workplace capabilities. Avoid personal acquaintances unless requested.
• “Should I list family members?” “No, pick a professional reference like a former boss or colleague.”
42. Her soft skills in leadership and empathy shone during the group task.
• Soft skills (noun) - Personal attributes that enhance an individual’s interactions, like communication or teamwork
• Use “soft skills” when discussing interpersonal or collaborative strengths. Employers often value these highly.
• “What soft skills should I emphasize?” “Focus on problem-solving and communication.”
43. He highlighted his hard skills in data analysis and SQL queries.
• Hard skills (noun) - Technical, job-specific abilities such as programming or accounting
• Use “hard skills” to reference technical proficiencies learned through training or experience. Provide evidence of expertise.
• “How do I showcase my hard skills?” “Provide concrete examples and metrics in your resume.”
44. She has five years of experience in the hospitality industry.
• Industry (noun) - A group of companies or organizations involved in a specific type of commercial enterprise
• Use “industry” to categorize your job focus, such as finance, tech, healthcare, etc. Helps refine your search or pitch.
• “Which industry are you targeting?” “I’m looking at tech startups this time.”
45. I’m seeking a workplace with a collaborative company culture.
• Company culture (noun) - The shared values, beliefs, and practices that shape how a company’s employees interact
• Use “company culture” to gauge if an environment aligns with your work style and values.
• “What’s the company culture like?” “They value teamwork and open communication.”
46. The company allows remote work three days a week.
• Remote work (noun) - Performing job duties from outside the traditional office setting, often from home
• Use “remote work” for flexible or home-based roles. Confirm time zones, communication tools, and expectations with employers.
• “Can I do this job from home?” “Yes, it’s a remote work position.”
47. She accepted a hybrid position, working from home twice a week.
• Hybrid position (noun) - A role that blends on-site and remote work schedules
• Use “hybrid position” to describe roles offering partial remote flexibility. Good for balancing collaboration and autonomy.
• “Is the role fully on-site?” “It’s a hybrid position, so expect some office days.”
48. He updated his LinkedIn profile with new certifications.
• LinkedIn (proper noun) - A professional networking platform often used for job searches and resume showcasing
• Use “LinkedIn” to network, follow companies, and discover new openings. Keep your profile polished and current.
• “How did they find you?” “I was discovered through LinkedIn’s job matching algorithm.”
49. I collected several business cards at the career fair today.
• Career fair (noun) - An event where job seekers meet employers or recruiters to discuss opportunities
• Use “career fair” to describe large gatherings for job seekers. Bring multiple resumes and practice your elevator pitch.
• “Attending the career fair tomorrow?” “Yes, I hope to meet some potential employers face-to-face.”
50. She attended a networking event to meet hiring managers directly.
• Networking event (noun) - A gathering designed for professionals to form connections and share industry insights
• Use “networking event” when referencing mixers or meetups that can lead to job leads or professional alliances.
• “How do I learn about these events?” “Follow local business groups or LinkedIn announcements.”
51. A headhunter approached him about a VP position abroad.
• Headhunter (noun) - A recruiter who locates top talent for high-level or specialized roles
• Use “headhunter” for specialized recruitment focusing on mid-to-senior roles. Often direct, personalized approach.
• “How did you find that executive role?” “A headhunter reached out to me on LinkedIn.”
52. They’re hosting walk-in interviews on Saturday for the customer service team.
• Walk-in interview (noun) - An interview session where no prior appointment is needed; candidates can show up directly
• Use “walk-in interview” for open hiring events. Bring updated resumes and be prepared to interview on the spot.
• “Do I need an appointment?” “No, it’s a walk-in interview—just arrive early.”
53. The interviewer asked about my salary expectation for the role.
• Salary expectation (noun) - The amount of compensation a candidate hopes to receive
• Use “salary expectation” carefully. Research market rates and frame your answer to reflect your experience and local standards.
• “What’s your salary expectation?” “I’m looking in the range of $70,000 based on my experience.”
54. He entered negotiation after receiving the initial offer.
• Negotiation (noun) - Discussion aimed at reaching an agreement, particularly regarding salary or benefits
• Use “negotiation” to describe the process of finalizing job terms. Remain polite, flexible, and back your requests with logic.
• “Should I accept the first offer?” “You can try negotiation for a higher salary or better perks.”
55. She received an offer letter detailing her new position’s title and salary.
• Offer letter (noun) - A formal document from an employer outlining the terms of employment
• Use “offer letter” to confirm details of your new role. Review thoroughly before signing or negotiating further.
• “Did you get the job?” “Yes, they emailed me an offer letter this morning.”
56. He sent his acceptance letter, confirming the start date.
• Acceptance letter (noun) - A written confirmation from the candidate agreeing to the job offer
• Use “acceptance letter” to finalize your agreement after an offer. Be gracious, confirm dates, and show enthusiasm.
• “Did you formally accept the role?” “Yes, I emailed my acceptance letter this afternoon.”
57. She received a rejection letter but was encouraged to reapply later.
• Rejection letter (noun) - A notification informing a candidate they were not selected for the position
• Use “rejection letter” for official communication of not being chosen. Stay professional and consider asking for feedback.
• “Did you hear back yet?” “Yes, I got a rejection letter, so I’ll look elsewhere.”
58. They shortlisted six candidates for the final round.
• Shortlisted (adjective) - Chosen for closer consideration or further interviews from a larger group of applicants
• Use “shortlisted” to indicate you’ve progressed. Prepare thoroughly for subsequent stages.
• “Any update on your application?” “Yes, I’m shortlisted for the next interview.”
59. My onsite interview includes a tour of the facility.
• Onsite interview (noun) - A meeting conducted at the employer’s office, often a more in-depth assessment
• Use “onsite interview” when referencing in-person visits to the office. Expect a deeper dive into your skills and fit.
• “What’s next after the phone screen?” “They’ve invited me for an onsite interview next week.”
60. The panel interview included the HR manager, team lead, and director.
• Panel interview (noun) - A meeting where multiple interviewers ask questions to a single candidate simultaneously
• Use “panel interview” when multiple stakeholders assess you at once. Maintain eye contact and engage each interviewer.
• “Nervous about the panel interview?” “A bit, but I’ll address each person’s questions directly.”
61. After the group assessment, I had a one-on-one interview with the department manager.
• One-on-one interview (noun) - An interview format involving a conversation between a single interviewer and the candidate
• Use “one-on-one interview” when referencing a more personalized format. Good for building rapport with the interviewer.
• “How was the one-on-one interview?” “Less intimidating, and we had a deeper discussion.”
62. They gave me a technical test to check my programming skills.
• Technical test (noun) - A task or assessment measuring specific job-related skills, often for IT or engineering roles
• Use “technical test” when referencing specialized skill evaluations. Practicing sample projects or tests can help.
• “Did you complete the coding task?” “Yes, that was part of my technical test.”
63. She spent a day at the assessment center tackling various role-play scenarios.
• Assessment center (noun) - A structured process with multiple exercises (e.g., group tasks, presentations) to evaluate candidates
• Use “assessment center” for multi-step evaluations. Expect group activities, tests, and presentations measuring diverse competencies.
• “Was it a simple interview?” “No, it was an assessment center with group tasks and individual projects.”
64. He prepared slides for his presentation interview on market strategies.
• Presentation interview (noun) - A format where the candidate delivers a prepared presentation to interviewers
• Use “presentation interview” to highlight communication and subject knowledge. Practice clear visuals and concise points.
• “Why a presentation interview?” “They want to see your public speaking and analytical skills.”
65. I perfected my elevator pitch before the networking event.
• Elevator pitch (noun) - A concise, impactful summary of who you are and what you offer, typically 30 seconds to a minute
• Use “elevator pitch” in quick interactions or interviews to articulate your professional value succinctly.
• “What’s your elevator pitch?” “I mention my key skills, past achievements, and career goals.”
66. She took the job because it offered strong career growth prospects.
• Career growth (noun) - Opportunities to advance or develop in one’s professional life
• Use “career growth” to emphasize your desire for development and progression within a company.
• “Why are you leaving your current role?” “I’m looking for more career growth opportunities.”
67. The company invests in professional development through workshops and courses.
• Professional development (noun) - Activities or training that enhance job-related knowledge, skills, and competencies
• Use “professional development” to highlight continuous learning, a quality that employers often admire.
• “How can I keep improving?” “Seek professional development programs offered by your employer.”
68. He enrolled in an online course for upskilling in data visualization.
• Upskilling (verb (gerund)) - Learning new or advanced skills to stay updated in your field
• Use “upskilling” for actively enhancing your capabilities, often vital in tech-driven or evolving industries.
• “Why upskilling?” “Technology changes fast, so it helps me remain competitive.”
69. After automation impacted his role, he decided to reskill in software development.
• Reskill (verb) - Training in a new area to switch career paths or adapt to changing job requirements
• Use “reskill” when changing your career track or acquiring entirely different competencies for new roles.
• “Any plans to reskill?” “Yes, I’m pivoting from finance to data analytics.”
70. The job posting detailed responsibilities and qualifications for the role.
• Job posting (noun) - An advertisement by an employer to fill a vacant position
• Use “job posting” as another way to say “job listing,” clarifying where or how positions are advertised.
• “Where did you see that job posting?” “On their corporate careers page.”
71. I downloaded a cover letter template and adjusted it for my background.
• Cover letter template (noun) - A preformatted layout to help structure a cover letter
• Use “cover letter template” for a starting framework. Always personalize to the specific role and company.
• “Need help writing a cover letter?” “Yes, a cover letter template can guide me.”
72. She used a resume builder to quickly design a professional layout.
• Resume builder (noun) - An online tool or software that helps create and format resumes
• Use “resume builder” to streamline your resume creation. Double-check the final result for clarity and customization.
• “How did you craft such a neat resume?” “A resume builder made the formatting easy.”
73. He wrote an objective statement emphasizing his goal to contribute to sustainable energy solutions.
• Objective statement (noun) - A brief statement at the top of a resume describing career goals and how they align with the role
• Use “objective statement” sparingly; tailor it to show immediate relevance to the position you want.
• “Should I include an objective statement?” “Only if it adds clarity about your career direction.”
74. Her personal summary mentioned her passion for data-driven decision-making.
• Personal summary (noun) - A short overview in a resume highlighting key strengths, experiences, and career aspirations
• Use “personal summary” instead of an objective statement to provide a snapshot of your top accomplishments.
• “Where does the personal summary go?” “Right under your name, as a quick highlight of who you are.”
75. List quantifiable accomplishments to show tangible results you’ve delivered.
• Accomplishments (noun) - Significant achievements or successes in past roles or projects
• Use “accomplishments” to detail how you contributed value. Numbers and clear outcomes make them stand out.
• “Which accomplishments should I highlight?” “Focus on those that saved costs or improved efficiency.”
76. He discussed his achievements in leading international sales expansions.
• Achievements (noun) - Notable milestones reached in personal or professional contexts
• Use “achievements” interchangeably with “accomplishments.” Emphasize examples that align with the job’s goals.
• “Any major achievements worth mentioning?” “I launched a product that generated a 20% sales increase.”
77. She explained her gap in employment due to parental leave.
• Gap in employment (noun) - A period in one’s work history with no formal job, often needing explanation
• Use “gap in employment” to highlight time off from work; demonstrate how you used that period constructively.
• “How do I address a one-year gap in employment?” “Be honest and show how you stayed productive.”
78. He wrote ‘References upon request’ at the bottom of his resume.
• References upon request (phrase) - A phrase indicating you can provide references if employers ask for them
• Use “references upon request” when you prefer not to list them upfront. Make sure you have them ready.
• “Should I list references?” “It’s fine to say ‘References upon request’ so you can choose who to share later.”
79. She made a career switch from finance to digital marketing.
• Career switch (noun) - Changing from one profession or industry to another
• Use “career switch” when shifting fields. Emphasize transferable skills and personal motivation for better acceptance.
• “Is a career switch possible in my 30s?” “Absolutely, if you build relevant skills and network properly.”
80. Customer service taught her many transferrable skills like communication and problem-solving.
• Transferrable skills (noun) - Abilities developed in one context that can be applied to different roles or industries
• Use “transferrable skills” to link past experiences to new opportunities. Great for career changers or diverse roles.
• “I’m changing industries.” “Leverage your transferrable skills to show you can succeed in the new field.”
81. Their job match algorithm suggested I apply for a data analyst role.
• Job match (noun) - A suitable fit between a candidate’s skills and a company’s needs
• Use “job match” to describe alignment between your profile and a position. Emphasize how you meet their needs.
• “How do I know if it’s a good job match?” “Check if your qualifications align with the responsibilities.”
82. The screening process included a resume review and a short phone call.
• Screening process (noun) - The stages a company uses to filter candidates before interviewing
• Use “screening process” for the selection methods preceding formal interviews. Tailor your resume to pass early filters.
• “Why didn’t I hear back?” “Maybe you didn’t pass their initial screening process.”
83. She cleared the technical test and now faces the HR round.
• HR round (noun) - An interview or discussion focusing on cultural fit, policies, and basic qualifications, led by Human Resources
• Use “HR round” to describe the interview stage focusing on company alignment and fundamental credentials. Be personable and honest.
• “What do they check in HR round?” “Usually your soft skills, culture fit, and salary expectations.”
84. They mentioned a hiring timeline of about four weeks.
• Hiring timeline (noun) - The schedule a company follows from posting a job to filling the position
• Use “hiring timeline” to gauge how fast decisions might be made. Plan follow-ups accordingly.
• “When should I follow up?” “Ask about their hiring timeline so you know when to expect updates.”
85. Her orientation covered the company’s mission, benefits, and team introductions.
• Orientation (noun) - An introductory session for new hires to learn about company policies, culture, and roles
• Use “orientation” for the onboarding process. It's your chance to understand the workplace and set a positive tone.
• “When’s your first day?” “Monday—I have orientation in the morning.”
86. He’s on a three-month probation period to ensure he’s a good fit.
• Probation period (noun) - A trial phase where a new employee’s performance is evaluated before finalizing employment
• Use “probation period” to reference the initial timeframe where your job security depends on meeting standards.
• “Do you have benefits during probation?” “Yes, but I’m under close performance review.”
87. She initiated an offer negotiation to secure a better salary.
• Offer negotiation (noun) - A discussion about adjusting the terms of a job proposal, including salary or benefits
• Use “offer negotiation” to refine your salary, role, or perks. Remain reasonable and provide solid reasoning for requests.
• “Is it risky to negotiate?” “Not if done politely and with market research.”
88. He requested a letter of recommendation from his former professor.
• Letter of recommendation (noun) - A written endorsement from someone who can attest to your abilities and character
• Use “letter of recommendation” for roles requiring formal references. Ensure it highlights relevant strengths.
• “How do I strengthen my application?” “Obtain a strong letter of recommendation from a respected source.”
89. My ex-manager agreed to be my referee and vouch for my work ethic.
• Referee (noun) - A person providing a reference for a job candidate
• Use “referee” interchangeably with “reference contact.” Choose someone knowledgeable about your performance.
• “Who’s your referee for this role?” “My former team lead who supervised me daily.”
90. He made a cold call to ask about potential openings in their finance department.
• Cold call (noun/verb) - Contacting a company or recruiter without any prior introduction or appointment
• Use “cold call” if direct job listings are unavailable. Be concise, polite, and prepared to pitch your value.
• “I haven’t seen any postings.” “Try a cold call; they might have hidden roles.”
91. She wrote a well-structured cold email to the hiring manager.
• Cold email (noun) - Sending an unsolicited message to inquire about vacancies or networking opportunities
• Use “cold email” for proactive outreach. Keep it short, highlight relevant skills, and proofread carefully.
• “Should I wait for a posting?” “You can send a cold email expressing your interest.”
92. They asked for money upfront, which is a red flag of a job scam.
• Job scam (noun) - A fraudulent scheme posing as a genuine job opportunity to trick applicants
• Use “job scam” to warn of illegitimate offers. Validate companies and never share sensitive data prematurely.
• “Is that recruitment ad legit?” “It might be a job scam if they request payment or personal info early.”
93. She used a freelance platform to pick up graphic design projects.
• Freelance platform (noun) - A website where independent contractors find and bid on project-based work
• Use “freelance platform” to discover contract gigs or short-term work. Build a profile showcasing your services.
• “Need side income?” “Try a freelance platform like Upwork or Fiverr.”
94. Many young professionals navigate the gig economy for flexibility.
• Gig economy (noun) - A labor market characterized by short-term contracts or freelance work instead of permanent jobs
• Use “gig economy” to describe a landscape of short-term, on-demand roles. Great for skill variety, less so for job security.
• “Is gig work stable?” “It can be flexible but may lack traditional benefits.”
95. She used a job aggregator to save time instead of checking multiple websites.
• Job aggregator (noun) - A site that collects job postings from various platforms into one place
• Use “job aggregator” to streamline your search, as it aggregates listings from countless sources in one portal.
• “Where can I find a wide selection of openings?” “A job aggregator like Indeed compiles them all.”
96. Make sure to submit your resume before the application deadline on Friday.
• Application deadline (noun) - The final date or time by which an employer accepts applications
• Use “application deadline” to stay organized and timely. Submitting earlier can sometimes gain extra attention.
• “When’s the application deadline?” “Midnight on the 30th—don’t miss it.”
97. Her professional portfolio showcased her marketing campaigns and analytics reports.
• Professional portfolio (noun) - A curated collection of work samples, achievements, and credentials to demonstrate expertise
• Use “professional portfolio” for high-impact fields (creative, marketing, consulting). Keep it clean and relevant.
• “Should I bring my professional portfolio?” “Yes, it helps visually display your successes.”
98. He created an ATS-friendly resume to ensure it wasn’t tossed by automated filters.
• ATS-friendly resume (noun phrase) - A resume formatted and keyword-optimized to pass applicant tracking systems
• Use “ATS-friendly resume” to emphasize plain formatting, relevant keywords, and correct headings. Avoid fancy graphics.
• “Why isn’t my resume being seen?” “Try converting it into an ATS-friendly resume with proper keywords.”
99. I set a job alert for ‘project manager’ positions in my city.
• Job alert (noun) - An automatic notification about new job postings matching set criteria
• Use “job alert” for immediate updates. Great for staying ahead of fresh postings and applying quickly.
• “How do you find openings so fast?” “I use a job alert that emails me daily.”
100. Her personal branding on LinkedIn attracted recruiters’ attention.
• Personal branding (noun) - Building and promoting a distinct professional image and reputation
• Use “personal branding” for consistent messaging across resumes, social media, and interviews to stand out positively.
• “Why is personal branding important?” “It shows your expertise, values, and personality to potential employers.”