U.S. Work World’s Job Hunt Tips
How to Understand Employer Talk	
Permission to use allowed with www.usworkworld.com subscription	
Here are the definitions of words that employers use when describing employment skills that workers 
need to succeed on the job.
1)  Adaptable (or Flexible):   Ability to make changes smoothly.  Ability to successfully adjust to 
changes that happen in the company, with the job, or with worker changes.
2)  Commitment (or Persistance):  The ability to stick to a job or task until it is done.
3)  Communication Skills:  The ability to read directions and manuals, listen to others, and 
  communicate to others verbally (spoken) and in writing.  
4)  Courtesy (or Polite):   The ability to show a level of caring, concern, and respect for others.
5) Dependable: The ability to do what is required, such as showing up for work every time scheduled  and on time. 
6)  Good Judgment: The ability to make good decisions about which actions and words are right for a 
situation and which are not.  
7) Honest: Ability to avoid dishonest actions such as lying, cheating, and stealing.  
8)  Initiative (or Self Starter):  The ability to start a task without being told, and to continue working at 
that task until it has been completed.  Initiative also includes the ability to learn new skills that will 
be needed for the job or for a promotion without being told to do so. 
9) Integrity:  To have moral (do what is right) character.  To follow the honorable values of life.  
10) Loyalty:  Ability to remain faithful and committed.  
11)  Positive Attitude: The ability to think about what’s right instead of what’s wrong; to speak about 
what can be done instead of what can’t be done; to share good events rather than complaints about 
situations.  
12)  Public Relations (PR) or Human Relations Skills: Worker's words, actions, and attitude that give 
customers the impression that the company provides quality 
  products or services, and that the company is organized, positive, 
and helpful. 
13) Reliable:  The ability to do every task correctly and completely 
every time without being watched. 
14) Respect:  To have consideration or concern for another person.  
15) Self-Discipline:  The ability to control oneself in a businesslike 
  manner and do the task you are being paid to do.  
16) Tact: Saying or doing the right thing in a difficult situation.
17)  Team Player:   The ability to work well with others to achieve a common goal.
18)  Time Management Skills:  The ability to organize the work area and materials, schedule the 
  various tasks, proceed with the tasks, and complete the job within an acceptable time limit. 
19) Trustworthy: Ability to handle work situations correctly, such as taking care of the employer’s 
  supplies and equipment.  Actions that show the employer than you can be trusted to do the job.
20)  Work Ethic Skills: The description of an employee who has all of the above skills (#1 through 
#19).  For example: "Jason has excellent work ethic skills" or "Jason has an excellent work ethic."