Just few days ago a candidate after sending me his resume for a job opening, called me to ask if I received his resume. During our conversation, knowing that he had experience broadly under the 'Finance' function, I asked him what kind of break was he looking for. He said " I'm looking for a break in 'Operations'..."
From my experience as a recruitment consultant, this was definitely not the first time that I have heard candidates (having work experience) use such 'generic' words while speaking to recruiters or a prospective employer. Hence for the benefit of job-seekers, I would like to highlight the flaws in using such 'generic' words, especially when a candidate knows what he is looking for in his next opportunity or job change.
While using words, please understand the difference between using a 'Generic' word and a 'Specific' word. Lets take an example... We'll take a simple word like 'Finance'.
The word 'Finance', when used in the context of looking for a job change becomes a 'Generic' word. It would be fair if this word is being used by a fresher having no experience who is probably looking for his first job and is unaware about sub-functions under 'Finance' as a career. But if you are an experienced candidate, using such a word, would imply that you are directionless in understanding where you want to go with a career in 'Finance'.
Hence sticking to the same example of 'Finance', try using more 'Specific' words like... "I'm looking for a job related to.... 'Credit & Risk' or 'Debt Management' or 'Budgeting' or 'Collections & Recovery' or 'Forex' or 'Funds Management'....".
In simple words I'm asking you to communicate what kind of break are you SPECIFICALLY looking for.
What if your a FRESHER, and wanted to express getting a break under any sub-function of 'FINANCE'. In that case what you could probably say is... "As a fresher, I'm willing to understand and explore any function that becomes a part of the borad understanding of the Finance function..."
Hence please avoid using 'generic' words like 'operations', 'marketing', 'back-office', 'hr'. PLEASE DO YOUR HOMEWORK on what sub-functions comprise a broader 'general' function. Also ensure to use these 'specific' words when you are asked to describe your 'keyskills' on online job portals where you have your resume uploaded. It will definitely help recruiters like myself and employers to find the right candidates more quickly.
This article does not appeal to those who have substantial years of experience in various sub-functions and are now looking for senior opening, where using a word can be 'Generic' . For Example ('Head-Marketing', 'VP-Human Resources").
I'm hoping this article assists you / other job-seekers, to use the right words while developing your career path... All the best...!
