Psst! Recruiter Code Words

If you’ve ever been on a job hunt, it’s likely you’ve worked with a recruiter in some way. Ever wonder what’s being said about you when you’re not in the room? This CareerJournal article offers some popular code words search executives (as the Journal dubs them) often used to describe candidates:

• TMI: In a word, blabbing. “Short for ‘too much information,’ this term refers to candidates who give long-winded answers,” the article explains.
• FD: If you fibbed about your educational or professional background on your resume, you might get it flagged as containing an FD (“factual discrepancy”).
• Search Virgin: Recruiters aren’t there to just serve you. They often get paid by companies to fill roles. Not being privy to the nuances of the recruiting business might cause you to get frustrated with a recruiter, which might cause you to lose out on valuable opportunities. Be patient and diplomatic in your search. Your recruiter isn’t your waiter.
• Noncom: “An executive vice president at staffing firm HireAbility.com LLC, Mr. Silverman says he'll note ‘noncom’ or ‘NC’ at the top of a resume during an interview” if the candidate lacks strong communication skills, the article notes. "Look the person in the eye, speak in complete thoughts or sentences, and be confident in what you're saying," Silverman says.
• PP: Poor presentation (‘nuff said). By now, you should know that the receptionist might actually know your hiring manager (shocker). Treat everyone with respect, dress for success, and always handle yourself professionally.
   
• ↓ Sizzle: You might get this thumbs-down reception if you lack energy or aren’t engaged. Go get a cup of coffee if necessary. Disengagement = disinterest.
• Serial Networker: While it’s wise not to place all of your eggs in one basket, if you don’t narrow your search to a small group of recruiters or job types, it might seem like you’re more on a resume spamming rampage than a job search.
• Mortician: If you look like you’re dead when you walk in the room, you’re probably not going to get hired (see ↓ Sizzle, too). Are you walking in with your father’s circa-1970 suit? Invest in a new one -- or at least dust it off.
• WD: The abbreviation for "walking description” – or a perfect fit for the job.
• Purple Squirrel: People need to pinch themselves when they’re around you to find out if you really exist if you’re a purple squirrel. A purple squirrel is "the dream candidate that doesn't really exist, or if they do, they're very elusive," the article says.

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