Ch. 9: Jargon: when to include, explain or avoidIn this chapter you will learn how to: • define jargon • understand when and how to use jargon What is jargon? Jargon consists of words, brands, acronyms, abbreviations and expressions with specific meanings. It can be industry-specific, company-specific, technical or generic and it is almost always used as a kind of shorthand. Jargon allows you to refer to something in an agreed way that your colleagues should understand. Most people use jargon in their everyday speech at work and, while some jargon is fairly specialized, much is so widely used that it becomes commonplace. Whether you enjoy using – or reading – jargon is a very personal thing. Even if it’s something you dislike, it can be tempting to use lots of jargon in your CV simply because it’s a great way to save space. But at the initial stage of the recruitment process – or at any stage of it – you have no control over who might read your CV. It could be a specialist, but it could equally be an HR executive with little or no understanding of the specific role you are applying for. So, use jargon as little as possible. There is plenty of generic ‘business’ jargon about. You may well have:
How you use jargon when talking to your colleagues is up to you. If it saves time and you know it ’ s helping your audience understand you better, then by all means make yourself a target for buzzword bingo. Whenever you are unsure of your audience, use plain English.
Within a particular industry, this kind of jargon may be widely accepted – especially if it relates to standard equipment, processes or technical specifications – and may even be seen as a way of showing you are knowledgeable in the field. Use this kind of jargon only when it’s essential, widely understood, and won’t confuse someone who reads it. Jargon can also be company-specific:
While your colleagues may understand you perfectly, no one outside your organization will. Avoid using any terms like this on your CV... The extract above has been taken from 'Get That Job With the Right CV' Get That Job With the Right CVFrom Julie Gray, Senior Consultant at The CV Centre, Get that Job with the Right CV will help to teach you how to write the best possible CV to land that perfect job. It covers everything from layout and format, through to perfecting a jargon-free writing style, avoiding common pitfalls and tailoring your CV to different jobs. Julie’s in-depth professional advice and friendly style will guide you through every step of the CV writing process with humour and practicality and give you real confidence to effectively showcase your skills to employers. "Having my CV and cover letter prepared for me by the professionals at The CV Centre really made my job hunting process much easier for me as you knew exactly what I needed to include and you immediately recognised the key skills I should be selling." Daniel Walls, Business Development Manager, Waterlooville |
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