C212 words · Proficient

Applying for Jobs vocabulary — C2

Job application vocabulary for reading between the lines in an interview, covering gravitas, poise, and how to spot when someone is evasive, bluffs or embellishes.

12 questions

Words in this set

gravitas
/ˈɡrævətəs/
A serious dignity of manner that makes other people respect you.
Example: She has the gravitas this board has been missing.
poise
/pɔɪz/
Calm, controlled self assurance kept up under real pressure.
Example: He handled the hostile questions with remarkable poise.
curveball
A sudden, unexpected question or problem that you had no chance to prepare for.
Example: The final question was a real curveball and I completely froze.
unflappable
/ənˈflæpəbəl/
Never worried or upset by difficult situations; staying calm under pressure.
Example: She stayed completely unflappable during the toughest questions.
evasive
/ɪˈveɪzɪv/
Avoiding giving a direct or clear answer to a question.
Example: The candidate seemed evasive when asked about the gap in his CV.
bluff
/blʌf/
To pretend to know or be able to do something that you do not, in order to impress someone.
Example: Don't try to bluff your way through a technical question.
eloquent
/ˈɛləkwənt/
Able to express ideas clearly and persuasively, especially when speaking in public.
Example: He gave an eloquent explanation of his career goals.
headhunt
To approach somebody already doing well at another company and persuade them to move.
Example: A rival firm tried to headhunt our entire design team.
embellish
/ɪmˈbɛlɪʃ/
To add flattering details that are not quite true, usually to make a record look better.
Example: Don't embellish your CV; they always check the dates.
boilerplate
/ˈbɔɪlərˌpleɪt/
Standard wording reused in many documents without being changed for the particular reader.
Example: Recruiters spot boilerplate cover letters in about five seconds.
attest
/əˈtɛst/
To state formally, or give clear proof, that something about a person is true.
Example: Three former managers can attest to her honesty and drive.
testimonial
/ˌtɛstəˈmoʊniəl/
A written statement praising someone's character or work, used to support an application.
Example: She attached a testimonial from the head of her old department.