Job search glossary (AU/NZ): key terms explained simply

If job ads and career advice feel full of jargon, use this page to decode common terms quickly and make stronger application decisions.

1. Application basics

ATS (Applicant Tracking System): Software employers use to collect, filter, and organise applications.
CV: A summary of your experience, achievements, and skills. In AU/NZ, CV is commonly used where other regions may say resume.
Cover letter: A short, role-specific letter that explains your fit and motivation for the role.
Tailored application: A CV and cover letter adapted to one specific role, not reused unchanged.
Keywords: Terms from the job ad that signal required tools, skills, responsibilities, or domain knowledge.
Selection criteria: The capabilities and experience an employer uses to assess applicants.
Essential criteria: Requirements you usually need to meet to stay in consideration.
Desirable criteria: Helpful extras that can improve your case but are not always mandatory.

Screening call: A short initial call to confirm baseline fit, logistics, and interest.
Behavioural interview: Interview questions about how you handled real situations in past work, study, or projects.
STAR method: A response structure: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Hiring manager: The person responsible for filling the role and usually your potential manager.
Panel interview: An interview where multiple interviewers assess you in one session.
Shortlist: The smaller group of applicants moved forward after initial assessment.
Referee: A person who can verify your performance, behaviour, and reliability from prior work or study contexts.
Probation period: The early period in a new role where mutual fit is assessed.

Role fit: How well your evidence and context match the role priorities.
Transferable skills: Skills from one context that can be applied in another role or industry.
Skill gap: A capability the role needs that you cannot yet evidence strongly.
Upskilling: Building missing capabilities through study, projects, short courses, or supervised practice.
Entry-level role: A role designed for early-career candidates with limited direct experience.
Contract role: A time-bound position, often with fixed deliverables or a fixed project window.
Permanent role: An ongoing employment position without a fixed end date.
Outplacement: Employer-funded transition support for employees affected by restructure or redundancy.

Job ad analysis: Structured review of the role to identify hidden signals, priorities, and likely expectations.
Fit analysis: Comparison of your profile against role requirements, including strengths and risk areas.
CV tailoring: Role-by-role refinement of CV content so your strongest relevant evidence appears first.
Application pack: The combined output for a role, usually including fit insights, tailored CV, and tailored cover letter.
Version tracking: Keeping role-specific drafts organised so you can monitor changes and avoid confusion.

Apply these terms directly in the JobAlchemist home workflow, with tailored options for students and first-job seekers and outplacement support use cases.