Are you applying for a job? Do you understand the concepts of ‘synergy’, ‘growth’, or the other corporate buzzwords you hear thrown around?
Yeah, me neither. It’s more than a little frustrating to have to break through that barrier before you even apply to know what you’re getting yourself into, or what recruiters are asking for. Fortunately, a marketing director is here to translate all of this silly jargon into actual English.
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Sarah is a marketing director whose videos have gone viral on TikTok.
You can find Sarah on TikTok under her handle, @thecorporatemama . She talks about workplace stuff a lot, and put out a couple of videos that untangle the kind of corporate jargon that confuses most of us.
Are you a self-starter who can work in a dynamic environment?
Sounds awesome, right?
Well, unfortunately, the reality is a little less glamourous. As Sarah explains, this basically means that you can expect a non-existent proper workflow in an environment where people are constantly quitting.
The comments section was awesome.
Sarah shares some great advice in her videos, but commenters also provided some tips.
One such tip? You’re applying for a job. You’re not applying for a role in a family. If they describe their workplace as being like a family, it’s weird.
“Incredible room for growth!”
This description is usually technically accurate. But that just means you’ll get the opportunity to do higher-level work while staying in your entry-level position.
It’s always fun to moonlight as a manager while you’re making intern money, right?
Commenters chimed in with their own tips.
Seriously, what does ‘fast-paced work environment’ even mean? Are you supposed to work on spreadsheets as you motor through the office on a bike or something?
These commenters pointed out that it could mean anything from an understaffed workplace to…nothing at all.
How about a job with a generous PTO policy?
In part two , Sarah kicks things off by telling us that this description essentially means that you’re not encouraged to take time off, but if you need to, you can expect not to be paid for it.
Rockstars need not apply.
These cringey buzzwords shouldn’t ever draw anyone in. The job you’re applying for is likely in an office, not in a recording studio. And honestly, even if you are applying for a job in a recording studio, the hiring manager is probably cool enough not to use these words.
Do you have lots of experience?
If a job requires lots of experience, that often means they expect you to hit the ground running with minimal training, all for the privilege of getting paid less than you’re actually worth.
What do you think?
We’ve all applied for jobs before. What have you learned in the process?
Be sure to check out both of Sarah’s videos ( part one , part two , and then share your hard-earned job application tips in the comments like the rockstar you are.
