Important Elements To Consider In Your Research
Speak the Language of Your Industry
Want to stand out in your job search? Learn to speak the language of your field. Using industry-specific jargon and workplace terminology isn’t just about sounding smart—it’s about showing employers you belong. From decoding job postings to impressing in interviews, mastering the right vocabulary can give you a serious edge.
💼 Why It Matters
✔️ It shows you're a pro.
Using the right terms signals that you understand the field and can hit the ground running.
✔️ It helps you get noticed.
Many companies use software to scan resumes for keywords. If you’re not using the right language, your application might never reach a human.
✔️ It helps you read between the lines.
Phrases like “fast-paced environment” or “core competencies” reveal more than you think—they hint at company culture, expectations, and priorities.
📝 Decode Job Postings Like a Pro
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Understand the requirements.
Job descriptions are full of clues. “Cross-functional collaboration” means teamwork across departments. “Agile environment”? Think fast-moving and flexible. -
Beat the bots.
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan for keywords. Use the same language from the job posting in your resume and cover letter to boost your chances. -
Spot company culture.
Casual language might mean a laid-back vibe. Formal wording? Expect structure and professionalism.
🎤 Nail Your Interview
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Sound like an insider.
Dropping the right terms—naturally—shows you know your stuff. It builds credibility and sets you apart. -
Showcase your skills.
Jargon can be shorthand for complex ideas. A marketer might mention “SEO” or “conversion rates,” while a nurse might refer to “patient acuity” or “charting.” -
Understand and respond.
If an interviewer uses acronyms or industry terms, responding confidently shows you’re fluent in the field.
🤝 Build Stronger Connections
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Network like a pro.
Speaking the “language” of your industry helps you connect meaningfully with professionals and hiring managers. -
Mirror company language.
Using the same terms found on a company’s website or job postings shows you’ve done your homework—and that you’re aligned with their values.
🧠 How to Master Industry Jargon
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📚 Research your field.
Use glossaries, industry blogs, and professional associations to learn the lingo. -
📝 Customize your resume.
Sprinkle in relevant keywords—both spelled out and abbreviated (e.g., “ATS / Applicant Tracking System”). -
👂 Listen and learn.
Pay attention during networking events or informational interviews. Take note of how professionals speak. -
🎯 Practice with purpose.
Use jargon strategically in interviews—just enough to show expertise without overwhelming your audience.
Sites To Learn More
These sites and articles provide listings, definitions, and examples of common terminology used in job descriptions and job postings. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with this vocabulary to have a better understanding of how that job is being offered and details that relate to the work overall.
Putting the Pieces Together
Researching Your Career: Find Your Fit, Shape Your Future
You’ve started discovering your skills, interests, and values—now it’s time to connect the dots and explore where they can take you. If you haven’t completed the self-awareness assessments in Module 1 yet, we highly recommend starting there. They’re your launchpad for meaningful career exploration.
🔍 What Career Should I Pursue?
Great question—and the answer starts with research. Career exploration is like detective work: you gather clues, ask questions, and uncover possibilities. Here’s how to dig in:
- Read up. Use books, articles, and trusted websites to learn about different fields.
- Talk to people. Conduct informational interviews with professionals to get real-world insights.
- Get involved. Attend career fairs, shadow someone in your field, or try internships and volunteer work.
- Track your journey. Keep a notebook or digital folder to record what you learn and reflect on how it aligns with your personal strengths and goals.
🎯 What Is Career “Fit”?
Some people know what they want to do from day one—but for most of us, it’s a process. Career “fit” means finding a role that matches your skills, interests, values, and lifestyle. It’s about more than just liking the job—it’s about thriving in it.
Ask yourself:
- Do I enjoy the tasks this career involves?
- Can I develop the skills needed to succeed?
- Would I enjoy working with the people in this field?
- Does this career reflect my personal and professional values?
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Your self-awareness assessments can help guide these reflections and steer you toward a career that brings long-term satisfaction.
✨ Stay Open to Discovery
Even if you think you’ve found your dream job, career research might surprise you. You could uncover new paths, refine your goals, or realize your original plan needs a tweak. That’s the beauty of exploration—it prepares you for the road ahead and helps you make informed decisions with confidence.
📊 Get to Know the Numbers Behind the Workforce
Ever wonder how experts track job growth, wages, and industry shifts? The Current Employment Statistics (CES) program is one of the most powerful tools for understanding the U.S. job market. Each month, CES surveys over 131,000 businesses and government agencies, covering more than 670,000 worksites—giving us a detailed snapshot of employment, hours, and earnings across industries.
CES provides:
- National data to show big-picture trends
- State and metro area data to help you explore local opportunities
- Insights into nonfarm employment, which includes most jobs outside agriculture
🔮 What’s Coming Next?
The video below highlights 2021–2031 employment projections, including:
- The fastest-growing occupations overall
- Jobs expected to add the most new positions
- High-growth careers that require a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Fast-growing roles that need some post-secondary education
💡 Why This Matters to You
Understanding employment trends helps you:
- Choose a major or career path with strong growth potential
- Identify industries that are expanding or evolving
- Prepare for future job requirements and opportunities
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Use the tabs above to explore employment trends and discover where your skills and interests could take you next.
Discover the Stories Behind the Stats
Beyond the Numbers is more than just a data publication—it's your gateway to understanding how economic trends and labor statistics shape the world around you. Through compelling, real-world stories backed by data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these articles connect the dots between numbers and everyday life.
Whether you're curious about career trends, industry shifts, or the evolving job market, Beyond the Numbers brings clarity and context to the figures that matter.
Explore some standout articles from their archives:
- Big Data Adds Up to Opportunities in Math Careers – Discover how the rise of data is fueling demand for math-savvy professionals. (06/04/2018)
- High-Tech Industries: An Analysis of Employment, Wages, and Output – Dive into the dynamics of fast-growing tech sectors. (05/31/2018)
- So You Want to Be in Pictures: Jobs in Video Production – Get a behind-the-scenes look at careers in film and media. (04/02/2018)
- A Look at Teachers’ Job Requirements, Employer Costs, and Benefits – Understand the economics of education employment. (10/31/2019)
- Has the Required Skill Level of Part-Time Jobs Changed Over Time? – Track how part-time work has evolved. (07/29/2019)
- Ahead of the Pack: Why Are Veterinary Occupations Growing Much Faster Than Average? – Explore the booming demand for animal care professionals. (03/01/2019)
Stay Ahead of the Curve with Indeed Insights
The world of work is changing fast—and Indeed’s Labor Market Trends page helps you keep up. Explore fresh, data-driven articles that reveal what employers are looking for today: from the benefits they offer to the skills and backgrounds they value most. You’ll also get a pulse on how workplaces are evolving—from remote work to new hiring practices.
Looking further ahead? The Future of Work section dives into the cultural, demographic, and technological forces reshaping the job landscape. Whether it's automation, generational shifts, or emerging work models, these articles help you understand what’s next—and how to prepare for it.
Generational Differences at Work: What Shapes How We Show Up
Today’s workforce is more diverse than ever—not just in background and experience, but in generational perspectives. With five generations working side by side, understanding how each group views relationships, authority, and work style can help you collaborate better, communicate more effectively, and thrive in any professional setting.
Keep in mind: these are general trends, not hard rules. Anyone can relate to traits from different generations, regardless of age. But knowing the context behind these perspectives can help you navigate the workplace with insight and empathy.
👥 Meet the Generations
🧓 Traditionalists (Born 1925–1942)
- Value loyalty, respect for authority, and legacy
- Strong work ethic and civic duty
- Prefer structure and consistency
- Often serve as mentors, bringing wisdom and experience
- May resist change, favoring “tried and true” methods
👴 Baby Boomers (Born 1943–1960)
- Driven by achievement and personal goals
- Loyal, hardworking, and team-oriented
- Value experience and want to prove their worth
- Comfortable challenging ideas and speaking up
- Often seen as “workaholics” who live to work
🧑💼 Generation X (Born 1961–1981)
- Independent, adaptable, and pragmatic
- Value work-life balance and flexibility
- Loyal to people, not necessarily institutions
- Embrace change and seek improvement
- Want recognition for skills, not just tenure
💻 Millennials / Gen Y (Born 1982–2000)
- Tech-savvy and lifestyle-focused
- Seek purpose, flexibility, and work-life integration
- Value collaboration and peer relationships
- Expect meaningful change and transparency
- Comfortable with fluid roles and remote work
📱 Generation Z (Born 2001 and after)
- Digital natives who expect tech in every aspect of work
- Value engagement, inclusion, and authenticity
- Want to be part of the conversation—not just follow orders
- Question rules that feel unfair or outdated
- See change as a constant and embrace it with ease
💬 Why This Matters
Understanding generational differences helps you:
- Communicate more effectively across age groups
- Build stronger, more respectful relationships
- Adapt your work style to different team dynamics
- Recognize and appreciate diverse perspectives
- Become a more inclusive and empathetic leader or teammate
Sources:
Society for Human Resource Management - Generational Mindsets Affect the Workforce
Sukiennik, Diane, and Lisa Raufman. The Career Fitness Program: Exercising Your Options. 11th ed., Pearson, 2016. pp. 5-7.