Resume & Job Search Glossary
Understanding key terms can help you navigate your job search more effectively. Here's a comprehensive glossary of resume, interview, and career-related terminology.
A
ATS (Applicant Tracking System)
Software used by employers to collect, scan, and rank job applications. ATS filters resumes based on keywords, formatting, and relevance before a human reviews them. To pass ATS screening, use clean formatting, relevant keywords from the job description, and standard section headings.
Related: ATS-Friendly Resume, Keywords
ATS-Friendly Resume
A resume formatted to be easily parsed by Applicant Tracking Systems. Features include simple formatting, standard fonts, no tables or graphics, clear section headings, and relevant keywords. Most online job applications go through ATS before human review.
Related: ATS, Resume
B
Behavioral Interview Questions
Interview questions that ask about past experiences to predict future behavior. They typically start with "Tell me about a time when..." or "Give an example of...". Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
Related: STAR Method, Interview
C
Cover Letter
A one-page document sent with your resume that introduces you to the employer, explains your interest in the role, and highlights relevant qualifications. While not always required, a well-written cover letter can set you apart from other candidates.
Related: Resume, Job Application
H
Hard Skills
Teachable, measurable abilities specific to a job or industry. Examples include programming languages (Python, JavaScript), tools (Excel, Figma), certifications, and technical knowledge. Hard skills are often listed in job requirements and can be tested or demonstrated.
Related: Soft Skills, Technical Skills
J
Job Description (JD)
A document outlining the responsibilities, requirements, qualifications, and expectations for a job position. Analyzing the job description helps you tailor your resume and prepare for interviews by understanding what the employer values.
Related: Job Requirements, Qualifications
K
Keywords
Specific words and phrases that describe skills, qualifications, job titles, and industry terms. ATS systems scan for keywords that match the job description. Including relevant keywords in your resume increases your chances of passing automated screening.
Related: ATS, Skills
M
Match Score
A percentage indicating how well your resume aligns with a job description. Higher scores suggest stronger alignment between your qualifications and the job requirements. go2land calculates match scores based on skills, experience, and keyword analysis.
Related: Skill Gap, Job Fit
N
Networking
Building professional relationships that can lead to job opportunities, referrals, advice, and industry insights. Networking can happen online (LinkedIn, Twitter) or in person (conferences, meetups). Many jobs are filled through referrals before being publicly posted.
Related: Referral, LinkedIn
P
Partial Match
When your skills or experience are related but not identical to job requirements. For example, having Vue.js experience when React is required is a partial match since both are frontend frameworks. Partial matches show transferable skills.
Related: Match Score, Transferable Skills
R
Recruiter
A professional who finds candidates for job openings. Internal recruiters work for one company, while agency recruiters work with multiple clients. Building relationships with recruiters in your industry can open doors to opportunities.
Related: Hiring Manager, Job Application
Referral
A recommendation from someone who works at or knows the hiring company. Referrals often receive priority in the hiring process and have higher success rates than cold applications. Many companies offer referral bonuses to employees.
Related: Networking, Job Application
Resume
A document summarizing your work experience, education, skills, and achievements. Resumes are typically 1-2 pages and should be tailored to each job application. A strong resume clearly communicates your value to potential employers.
Related: CV, ATS-Friendly Resume
S
Skill Gap
The difference between skills you have and skills required for a job. Identifying skill gaps helps you understand what to learn, what to emphasize in interviews, and whether a role is a good fit. go2land highlights skill gaps in your analysis.
Related: Match Score, Upskilling
Soft Skills
Interpersonal and character traits that affect how you work with others. Examples include communication, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability. While harder to measure than hard skills, soft skills are highly valued by employers.
Related: Hard Skills, Behavioral Interview Questions
STAR Method
A framework for answering behavioral interview questions: Situation (context), Task (your responsibility), Action (what you did), Result (outcome). Using STAR helps you give structured, compelling answers that demonstrate your abilities.
Related: Behavioral Interview Questions, Interview
T
Tailored Resume
A resume customized for a specific job by emphasizing relevant skills, using keywords from the job description, and highlighting applicable experience. Tailored resumes perform better than generic ones in both ATS screening and human review.
Related: ATS, Keywords, Resume
Technical Interview
An interview that assesses your technical skills through coding challenges, system design questions, or problem-solving exercises. Common in tech roles, technical interviews may include whiteboard coding, take-home assignments, or pair programming.
Related: Coding Challenge, Interview
Transferable Skills
Skills that can be applied across different jobs and industries. Examples include project management, data analysis, communication, and leadership. Highlighting transferable skills is especially important when changing careers or industries.
Related: Partial Match, Soft Skills
U
Upskilling
Learning new skills to advance your career or qualify for different roles. This can include online courses, certifications, bootcamps, or self-study. Upskilling helps close skill gaps and makes you more competitive in the job market.
Related: Skill Gap, Certification
Ready to analyze your resume?
Put your knowledge to use. Upload your resume and compare it against any job description.
Get Started Free