What information can you find in a job ad?
Job ads or postings contain information about the:
• employer (company/firm/organization values, working conditions, etc.)
• position (e.g. job title, responsibilities, etc.)
• application procedures; how to apply for the position
• salary and benefits
• qualifications/skills/experience required
Below you will find some definitions of terms frequently found in, as well as actual examples from, real job ads.
| Terms describing the Employer |
| An Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) |
The employer treats all candidates the same way regardless of their race, colour, gender, etc.; does not discriminate against people from different backgrounds, nationalities, etc. |
| Smoke free work environment. |
You may not smoke in the workplace |
| We are looking for an accountant who thrives in a fast-paced environment. |
This employer wants to hire an accountant who enjoys and works well in a very busy workplace. |
| Due to our ongoing success . . . |
This employer is proud of the company’s continuously strong performance  and excellent results. |
| Our company encourages lifelong learning. |
This employer supports employees who wish to continue their studies or learn new skills. |
| The successful candidate will enjoy working in a collaborative environment. |
This employer wants to hire someone who has the skills/experience that will allow him/her to work productively with his/her co-workers. |
| Terms describing the Position |
| A temporary full-time position is available |
The position is for a limited time period (e.g. six months) but the employee will work at least 35 hours per week |
| This is a contract position |
You will be hired for a short, specified work period |
| This position offers room for personal growth. |
The person in this position will have the opportunity to learn, achieve and advance or be promoted. |
| This position reports to the V.P. Finance. |
The Vice-President of Finance supervises the person in this position. |
| This position requires a gatekeeper. |
The person in this position must be able to control access to/availability of resources, information, etc. |
| Terms explaining How to Apply |
| Qualified candidates should submit a resume quoting posting *96/7-270. |
You should the file number of the particular job for which you are applying |
| Please forward a curriculum vitae. |
A description of your past employment history and responsibilities, skills and education; a resume |
| Please forward your résumé, in the strictestconfidence, to . . . |
The employer promises that only the people responsible for hiring will have access to the applicants’ information. |
| Only applicants with requested experience will be acknowledged. |
The employer will respond only to those people who show they have the experience needed for the position. |
| To apply, please forward your résumé stating salary expectations. |
When submitting your resume, mention what salary range you expect. |
| Only candidates under consideration will be contacted |
The employer will arrange an interview only for people who have been assessed as having the qualifications for the job. |
| Principals only, please. |
Only actual applicants for the job should answer the ad; the employer does not want placement agencies or recruitment firms to respond. |
| Terms about Salary and Benefits |
| We offer an attractive reimbursement and benefits package. |
The employer will pay a good salary and advantages additional to salary (e.g. vacation allowance, health coverage, pension plan, life insurance). |
| Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience |
The salary will be based on or suitable to the successful candidates qualifications and experience. |
| Salary for the above position is currently under review. |
The salary has not yet been decided; it is being discussed and may be revised or changed. |
| A competitive compensation/benefits package can be anticipated. |
Candidates can expect a good salary with extras (e.g., dental coverage, sick time, etc.) that are comparable or similar to what other employers will offer. |
| Salary$35,000 p.a.D.O.E.D.O.Q. |
Per annum/yearlyDependent on experienceDependent on qualifications |
| Relocation allowance will be provided. |
You will receive financial help if you have to move to another city or country. |
| We offer an attractive salary. |
The salary is good and competitive (i.e. close to what other employers would pay for a similar position) |
| Terms Describing Required Skills and Experience |
| Equivalencies will be considered. |
Qualifications that are similar or comparable to those required by the position |
| Must have the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team environment |
Individuals on staff are organized into teams consisting of professionals (e.g., doctors, nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, pharmacists) who must work together on the same projects or cases. |
| Your experience will be complemented by excellent managerial skills. |
You will be an excellent candidate if you can offer excellent managerial skills in addition to relevant experience. |
| International Elevator Company invites applications for a bilingual position. |
The employer is seeking candidates who are fluent in both official languages – French and English. |
| The ideal candidate will have five years of post-qualification experience. |
The employer wants someone who has worked for at least five years after completing his/her qualifications (certificate, diploma, licence, degree). |
| This opportunity would appeal to a hard-working individual. |
This opening will interest or attract people who like/are willing to work hard. |
| The successful candidate will have in-depth knowledge of MS Office. |
The employer needs someone with solid, strong, excellent, comprehensive knowledge of this computer software. |
| The successful applicant should have a working knowledge of Excel. |
The employer is looking for someone with enough practical knowledge of Excel (a computer spreadsheet application) to be able to use it on the job. |
| French communication skills are considered an asset. |
A quality or skill that is desirable, but not demanded |
| Exposure to diversity in the workplace is a definite asset. |
The employer thinks that familiarity/experience with a diverse workplace is a valuable qualification for the job. |
| Previous manufacturing experience is a must. |
The employer will consider only those applicants who have previous manufacturing experience; this qualification is essential or mandatory. |
| We are looking for a person who thrives on challenge. |
The employer wants someone who enjoys challenges and works best when he/she is faced with a problem or difficult situation. |