Learn the key terms used across Career Capybara.
Use the glossary to understand how the product talks about applications, resumes, interview prep, and extension workflows.
Application record
A working record for one role that holds context such as the job description, notes, linked resume, and interview history.
Master resume
The source-of-truth resume containing the strongest raw material before tailoring for a specific role.
Tailored resume
A role-specific version of the resume adjusted for the job you are actually targeting.
Resume feedback workflow
The share-and-review loop where comments point back to the exact version of the resume being discussed.
Role-aware mock interview
A practice session configured around the role, company, and interview type you are preparing for.
Post-session review
The answer-by-answer breakdown that happens after a mock interview or transcript is captured.
Autofill extension
The Career Capybara Chrome extension that keeps the selected job details available while filling supported job pages.
Selected resume package
The resume PDF package associated with the currently selected application in the extension workflow.
Workflow continuity
The idea that applications, resumes, execution, and interview prep should stay connected instead of splintering across tools.
Targeted job search
A search style focused on fewer, stronger applications with deeper tailoring and cleaner follow-up.
ATS (Applicant Tracking System)
Software used by employers to filter, sort, and rank job applications before a human reviewer sees them. Understanding how ATS works is crucial because up to 75% of resumes are rejected by these systems before reaching a recruiter.
STAR Method
A structured interview response framework: Situation, Task, Action, Result. It helps candidates give specific, measurable examples instead of vague claims about their abilities.
Behavioral Interview
An interview style where questions ask about past experiences ('Tell me about a time when...'). The premise is that past behavior predicts future performance.
Informational Interview
A conversation with a professional in your target field to learn about their role, company, and industry. Not a job interview — it's for research and networking.
Cover Letter
A one-page document accompanying your resume that explains why you're a strong fit for a specific role. Unlike your resume, it's written in narrative form and should be customized for each application.
CV (Curriculum Vitae)
A comprehensive document listing all academic and professional accomplishments. Unlike a resume (1-2 pages), a CV can be any length and is primarily used in academia, research, and international job markets.
Networking
The practice of building professional relationships that can lead to job opportunities, referrals, and industry knowledge. Studies show 70-80% of jobs are filled through networking.
Thank You Note
A brief message sent within 24 hours of an interview to express appreciation and reinforce your interest. It's an opportunity to address anything you forgot to mention during the interview.
Salary Negotiation
The process of discussing and reaching agreement on compensation after receiving a job offer. Research shows that candidates who negotiate earn an average of 7-10% more than those who accept the first offer.
Phone Screen
A brief initial interview (15-30 minutes) conducted by a recruiter to verify basic qualifications, salary expectations, and interest before advancing candidates to full interviews.
Panel Interview
An interview conducted by a group of 3-5 people representing different departments or perspectives within the company. This format allows the team to evaluate how you interact with multiple stakeholders and ensures a more balanced assessment of your fit.
Culture Fit Interview
An assessment focused on how well your values, work style, and personality align with the company's existing environment. Many companies are shifting toward "culture add," looking for candidates who bring new perspectives while still sharing core values.
Technical Interview
A specialized interview focused on assessing your domain-specific skills, such as coding challenges, system design, or technical problem-solving. These are distinct from behavioral interviews and often involve live demonstrations of your expertise.
Elevator Pitch
A concise, 30-60 second introduction that summarizes who you are, what you do, and the value you bring. It is a fundamental tool for networking events, career fairs, and the "tell me about yourself" interview question.
Job Board
An online platform that aggregates job postings from various employers, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor. These sites are the primary starting point for most job searches and offer tools for filtering roles by location, salary, and industry.
Counteroffer
An offer made by your current employer to match or exceed the terms of a new job offer you've received from another company. While tempting, accepting a counteroffer often comes with long-term risks regarding trust and future growth.
Background Check
A process where an employer verifies your employment history, educational credentials, and criminal record before finalizing hiring. This usually occurs after a conditional offer has been extended and accepted.
Reference Check
A stage where potential employers contact people you've worked with previously to vouch for your performance, character, and skills. Choosing the right references—typically former managers or colleagues—is critical for confirming the claims made during your interviews.
Offer Letter
A formal, written document from an employer that outlines the terms of your employment, including compensation, benefits, start date, and job title. It serves as the official record of the agreement before you sign a contract.
At-Will Employment
A legal doctrine in the United States where either the employer or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any legal reason. This provides flexibility for both parties but means job security is not guaranteed by a long-term contract.
Follow-up Cadence
The strategic timing and frequency of messages sent to recruiters or hiring managers after submitting an application or completing an interview. Common norms include a thank-you note within 24 hours and a follow-up inquiry after one or two weeks.
Keyword Optimization
The process of strategically incorporating industry-specific terms and skills from a job description into your resume. This helps your document rank higher in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catch the eye of human recruiters.