Introduction
Welcome to the wesendcv.com A to Z Resume & CV Glossary — your comprehensive guide to understanding key terms related to resumes and CVs. Whether you’re a job seeker, career professional, or simply exploring the world of job applications, this glossary is designed to help you navigate the essential language used in the hiring process.
How to Use This A to Z Resume & CV Glossary
The glossary is organized alphabetically, making it easy to find the definitions you need. Each term is accompanied by a clear, concise explanation to ensure you understand its relevance and application in the context of resumes, CVs, and job applications.
- Use the search feature or scroll through the list to quickly locate a specific term.
- Familiarize yourself with common resume terminology to craft more compelling job applications.
- Learn industry-specific jargon to enhance your professional communication.
- Understand how hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) interpret your resume.
By mastering these terms, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to present yourself confidently and effectively to potential employers.
Now, let’s explore the A to Z of resume and CV terminology!
A
Applicant Tracking System (ATS): ATS is Software used by employers to filter and rank job applications automatically based on specific keywords and qualifications.
Achievements: Accomplishments that highlight your professional successes, often including quantifiable results.
Action Verbs: Powerful verbs used to describe job responsibilities and achievements (e.g., managed, developed, created).
Application Letter: A document sent alongside a CV or resume to express interest in a job position.
B
Background Check: A verification process where employers review a candidate’s history, including employment, education, and criminal records.
Bullet Points: Short, impactful statements used to list job duties and achievements on resumes.
Branding Statement: A short summary that highlights your unique professional value and strengths.
C
CV (Curriculum Vitae): A comprehensive document detailing an individual’s academic and professional background, typically used in academia or international job markets.
Career Objective: A brief statement outlining your career goals and how you plan to contribute to the prospective company.
Cover Letter: A personalized letter accompanying a resume that explains why you’re suitable for the job.
Certifications: Official documents proving your skills, knowledge, or qualifications.
D
Date of Employment: Start and end dates of previous jobs listed on a resume.
Digital Portfolio: An online collection of work samples, often used by creatives or freelancers.
Degree: An academic qualification awarded by universities or colleges.
E
Education Section: Part of a resume that lists academic qualifications and institutions attended.
Employment History: A chronological list of jobs previously held, including company names, job titles, and dates.
Executive Summary: A brief section at the top of the resume summarizing key skills, experience, and career highlights.
F
Functional Resume: A resume format focusing on skills and qualifications rather than chronological job history.
Freelance Work: Independent contract-based work listed on a resume to showcase skills and experience.
Formatting: The layout, structure, and visual presentation of a resume or CV.
G
Gap in Employment: A period when the individual was not employed, often addressed briefly in a resume or cover letter.
Graduate CV: A CV designed for recent graduates with little professional experience, emphasizing education and internships.
Graphics: Visual elements like icons or charts sometimes used in modern resumes.
H
Hard Skills: Teachable, measurable abilities such as proficiency in software, languages, or tools.
Header: The top section of a resume, including name, contact information, and job title.
Hiring Manager: The person responsible for making hiring decisions within a company.
I
Internship: Short-term professional experience, often undertaken by students or recent graduates.
Industry Keywords: Specific terms related to a particular field that help resumes pass ATS filters.
Interest Section: Optional section listing hobbies or interests relevant to the job.
J
Job Description: A document outlining the duties, requirements, and qualifications of a job position.
Job Title: The name of the position held at a previous or current employer.
Job References: People who can vouch for your qualifications and work ethic.
K
Key Skills: Core abilities and expertise relevant to the job applied for.
Keywords: Specific words or phrases used by employers to filter resumes through ATS systems.
KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities): Statements often required for federal job applications to demonstrate a candidate’s qualifications.
L
Language Skills: Ability to speak, write, and understand different languages, often included in resumes.
LinkedIn Profile: A professional online profile that complements a resume.
Leadership Skills: Abilities that demonstrate leadership potential and experience.
M
Metrics: Quantifiable achievements that show performance, such as percentages or revenue figures.
Mission Statement: A brief explanation of career aspirations and personal values.
Modern Resume: A visually appealing, professionally designed resume with contemporary layouts.
N
Networking: The process of connecting with professionals to discover job opportunities and career advice.
Notice Period: The amount of time an employee needs to give their employer before leaving a job.
Non-Profit Experience: Volunteer or charity work listed to demonstrate additional skills.
O
Objective Statement: A sentence at the top of a resume that outlines career goals.
Onboarding: The process of integrating new employees into an organization.
Online Resume: A digital version of a resume, often hosted on personal websites or LinkedIn.
P
Professional Summary: A brief section summarizing work experience, skills, and career highlights.
Portfolio: A collection of work samples showcasing skills and experience.
Part-Time Job: Employment with fewer hours than full-time, often listed for experience purposes.
Q
Qualifications: Education, certifications, and skills that make a candidate suitable for a job.
Quantifiable Achievements: Measurable results that demonstrate impact in previous jobs.
R
References: Individuals who can provide information about your work experience and skills.
Resume: A concise document summarizing professional experience, skills, and education.
Reverse Chronological Resume: The most common resume format, listing jobs from most recent to oldest.
S
Soft Skills: Personal attributes like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Summary Statement: An introductory paragraph highlighting key qualifications.
Skills Section: Part of a resume that lists technical and soft skills.
T
Transferable Skills: Skills that can be applied to different jobs or industries.
Technical Skills: Proficiencies in tools, technologies, and software.
Temporary Work: Short-term jobs or contracts listed on a resume.
U
Up-Skilling: Learning new skills to enhance career opportunities.
Unemployed Gap: A break between jobs that may need to be explained on a resume.
University Degree: Higher education qualification listed in the education section.
V
Volunteer Experience: Unpaid work that demonstrates skills and commitment.
Video Resume: A short video where candidates present their qualifications and experience.
Visual Resume: A resume with graphic elements to make it more visually appealing.
W
Work Experience: A detailed list of previous jobs, including responsibilities and achievements.
Work Permit: A document required for working in certain countries.
Writing Style: The tone and language used in the resume or CV.
X
XML Resume: A machine-readable resume format used for digital job applications.
X-Factor: Unique qualities or skills that make a candidate stand out.
Y
Years of Experience: A common requirement listed in job descriptions.
Youth Employment: Jobs undertaken by young professionals or students.
Z
Zero Experience Resume: A resume for those without formal work experience, often emphasizing education, internships, and skills.
Zoom Interview: A video interview conducted through Zoom or other video conferencing software.