Decoding Tech Job Listings

Decoding the jargon on tech job listings may require an entire dictionary compiled by industry insiders with years of experience in human resources at tech-savvy firms. The sooner you decode what terms mean on these types of listings, the sooner you can tailor your job criteria to match with companies where you want to work.

You may run across several aspects of tech job listings that seem confusing and obscure. Once you learn what human resources jargon really means for the tech industry, you can ascertain what parts of the listing are truly important to your career aspirations.

Job titles represent one of the most confusing aspects of tech job listings. One job title may entail several different aspects of the same job, so remember that tech companies may have extremely specific needs. A job for a Web developer may break down into a full stack developer, front-end developer and more. The term "Web designer" also has similar specifications, such as visual designer, product designer and UX designer.

Companies create general titles on tech job listings to appeal to the widest possible audience. If you see a title for Web developer, you must read the job description carefully to ascertain the true nature of the potential job.

Examine the type of company that posts the position. A large, established company may have 10 tech job listings, while a startup could post one or two jobs to keep the workforce small. Once you research the company through sources outside the listing, determine whether you want to proceed with an application and resume. Beware of the term "growth opportunity," as that may indicate a smaller startup company.

Check on job responsibilities rather than job requirements. That way, you can see if your past experience prepares you for the work ahead. Some companies look for concrete and relevant skills rather than how many programming languages you know. If you fall short on one or two job responsibilities, find out if you can educate yourself within a few weeks to come up to speed. If you determine that you need two years to master one job responsibility, you might move on to another listing.

"Flexible jobs" may not mean the same thing as "remote positions." "Flexible" could indicate that you can control your hours or that you have weird hours. A remote position might involve working on the road rather than at home. Determine exactly what these terms mean if you want to put in an application.

Once you find a company that fits your job criteria, go over your resume for readability. Read your resume from a recruiter's perspective. Do your eyes scan the resume easily to rest on the most important words? Keep your resume simple, with blocks of text and an easy-to-see font, so you capture attention within seconds. Eschew the objectives section and list only the most relevant job experience to save space on the page.

Decode any tech job listings as best you can before taking further action. You don't want to spend hours applying only to find out you aren't suited for the position. Sometimes you may apply anyway and then get clarification during the interview, or simply make a connection at the company and ask questions.

Photo courtesy of Naypong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net