What job posts really mean: 6 common phrases, translated
Key takeaways
- Requirements lists are often wish lists. If you match most of the rest, apply anyway.
- Make the required skills easy to find on your resume; missing a few preferred ones is normal.
- If the salary is not listed, check whether your state requires pay ranges, and ask early.
Job posts use a handful of stock phrases. Most of them have a plain meaning, and each one tells you something to show on your resume. Here are six of the most common, translated, with what to do about each.
1. “Fast-paced environment”
What it usually means: busy, possibly understaffed.
What to do: show you handle volume. Mention rush periods, numbers you handled, or how you juggled several tasks at once.
2. “Wear many hats”
What it usually means: the role is not fully defined yet.
What to do: show range. List two or three different kinds of work you have handled.
3. “Entry level. 3+ years required.”
What it usually means: the list is a wish list.
What to do: if you match most of the rest of the post, apply anyway.
4. “Competitive salary”
What it usually means: they chose not to list it.
What to do: several US states now require pay ranges in job posts. Check the rules where you live, and ask about pay early in the process.
5. “Self-starter”
What it usually means: expect light training.
What to do: mention something you learned or started without being asked.
6. “Required” vs “preferred”
What it usually means: must-haves vs nice-to-haves.
What to do: missing a few preferred skills is normal. Make the required ones easy to find on your resume, in the same words the post uses, as long as they are true for you.