Glossary of Terms
A
Action Plan: A structured list of tasks and timelines designed to achieve specific career goals.
Action Verbs: Strong, impactful verbs used in resumes to convey achievements and responsibilities. Examples include "led," "achieved," and "optimized."
Applicant Tracking System (ATS): Software used by recruiters to screen resumes and rank candidates based on keyword relevance.
Authentic Leadership: A leadership style emphasizing transparency, self-awareness, and ethical decision-making, often championed by female executives.
Advocacy in Leadership: Efforts to promote policies and practices that support underrepresented groups, including women, in executive roles.
C
Career Coaching: Guidance provided by professionals to help individuals advance their careers, set goals, and develop strategies.
Career Development Plan: A personalized roadmap outlining career objectives, skill-building activities, and timelines.
Career Pivot: A significant change in career direction, often seen in professionals pursuing new opportunities or passions.
Cover Letter: A personalized letter sent with a resume, explaining why the candidate is a great fit for the role.
C-Suite: The group of top executives in an organization, including roles like CEO, CFO, and COO.
Crisis Leadership: The ability to lead effectively during periods of significant organizational challenges.
E
Elevator Pitch: A short, persuasive speech to communicate one’s value and professional goals.
Executive Coaching: One-on-one coaching for executives to enhance leadership skills, strategic thinking, and personal development.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ): The ability to recognize and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of others, a key trait for successful leaders.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: A way of thinking that enables individuals to recognize opportunities, take initiative, and drive innovation.
G
Glass Ceiling: Invisible barriers that prevent women and minorities from advancing to top leadership roles.
Goal Setting: The process of defining and achieving professional milestones, often supported by career coaching.
Growth Mindset: The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning.
I
Imposter Syndrome: A psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their achievements despite evident success, common among high-achieving women.
Inclusive Leadership: Leadership that prioritizes creating environments where all team members feel valued and supported.
Interview Coaching: Training to improve confidence and communication skills during job interviews.
K
Keyword Optimization: The strategic use of industry-specific terms in resumes and LinkedIn profiles to improve visibility in ATS and search engines.
Knowledge Economy: A sector of the economy focused on intellectual services like technology and finance, where many female executives work.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Metrics used to evaluate success in achieving specific goals.
M
Mentorship: A professional relationship where a mentor provides guidance and advice to a mentee.
Mindset Coaching: Coaching focused on fostering a growth mindset and overcoming limiting beliefs.
Mission Statement: A formal summary of an individual’s or organization’s values, goals, and purpose.
O
Outplacement Services: Support services provided to employees exiting a company to help them transition to new roles.
Objective Statement: A brief section on a resume outlining career goals and intentions, less common in modern resumes.
Organizational Agility: The ability of leaders to adapt to changing business environments.
Q
Qualifications Summary: A section on a resume that highlights key skills and achievements at a glance.
Quiet Leadership: Influencing and inspiring others through actions and consistency rather than overt displays.
S
Salary Negotiation: The process of discussing and agreeing upon compensation with a potential employer.
Skill Gap Analysis: Identifying areas where skills need improvement to meet career goals.
Strategic Planning: Developing long-term strategies to achieve organizational or personal career objectives.
U
Upskilling: Learning new skills to stay competitive in the job market.
Unique Value Proposition (UVP): The distinct benefit a professional offers that sets them apart from others.
Underrepresentation: The lack of adequate representation of certain groups, such as women in executive roles.
W
Work-Life Balance: The equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal life, often a priority for female leaders.
Women in Leadership: Advocacy and initiatives to increase female representation in executive roles.
Wellness Programs: Workplace initiatives designed to promote physical and mental health.
Y
Your Elevator Pitch: A customized introduction highlighting your professional achievements and aspirations.
Yielding Results: Consistently delivering measurable and impactful outcomes in one’s professional capacity.
B
Behavioral Interviewing: A technique where candidates provide examples of past behavior to predict future performance.
Boardroom Presence: The ability to command attention, contribute effectively, and demonstrate leadership in high-level meetings.
Branding Statement: A concise summary that highlights a professional’s unique value proposition.
Burnout: A state of physical and emotional exhaustion often experienced in high-pressure roles, particularly relevant for female leaders balancing career and personal responsibilities.
D
Diversity and Inclusion (D&I): Organizational efforts to create a workplace that values individuals from diverse backgrounds, critical for female leadership advocacy.
Dynamic Resume: A tailored resume that evolves with each application, emphasizing specific skills and experiences relevant to the job.
Decision-Making Framework: Tools and methodologies used by leaders to make informed, strategic choices.
F
Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE): A movement aimed at achieving financial independence through savings and investments, enabling early retirement.
Functional Resume: A resume format that focuses on skills and experiences rather than chronological job history.
Future-Proofing Skills: Developing abilities and knowledge that ensure adaptability to evolving industries and roles.
H
Headshot: A professional photograph used for LinkedIn profiles and executive bios.
High-Performance Habits: Behaviors and routines that enhance productivity and leadership effectiveness.
Hybrid Leadership: A leadership style that adapts to both in-office and remote work environments.
J
Job Board: An online platform where employers post job openings and candidates apply.
Job Crafting: The process of reshaping a role to better fit an individual’s skills and interests.
Job Search Strategy: A comprehensive plan to secure employment, including networking, resume optimization, and outreach.
L
Leadership Development: Programs and strategies aimed at enhancing leadership skills and potential.
LinkedIn Profile: A professional online presence showcasing experience, achievements, and skills, crucial for executive visibility.
Lateral Move: A career shift to a role with similar responsibilities, often used to gain new experiences or enter a new industry.
N
Networking: Building relationships with professionals to exchange information and open career opportunities.
Negotiation Coaching: Training to help individuals secure better compensation, benefits, and career opportunities.
Nonlinear Career Path: A career trajectory that includes varied roles and industries, reflecting diverse experiences and adaptability.
P
Personal Branding: The process of defining and promoting one’s unique professional identity.
Professional Development: Continuous learning to acquire new skills and advance one’s career.
Performance Review: A formal assessment of an employee’s achievements and areas for improvement.
R
Resume Tailoring: Customizing a resume to align with a specific job description.
Reverse Chronological Resume: A traditional resume format that lists work experience starting with the most recent role.
Role Transition Coaching: Guidance provided to professionals moving into new roles or industries.
T
Talent Acquisition: The process of attracting and hiring top talent for an organization.
Transferable Skills: Skills applicable across various industries and roles, such as communication and leadership.
Time Management: The ability to prioritize and efficiently allocate time to tasks and responsibilities.
V
Virtual Networking: Building professional relationships online through platforms like LinkedIn and virtual events.
Vision Statement: A declaration of long-term career or organizational goals.
Voluntary Leadership: Leadership roles taken on outside of one’s primary employment, such as board memberships or community initiatives.
X
X-Factor: A unique quality or talent that makes an individual stand out in their professional field.
Executive Excellence: Achieving outstanding performance and results in leadership roles.
Z
Zone of Genius: The intersection of natural talents and skills where an individual excels and achieves peak performance.
Zero-Based Thinking: A decision-making approach that evaluates whether past choices would still be made today under current circumstances.