When you read job notices, sometimes they all start to look the same. Read the same. Sound the same.

Most include phrases such as: must have good driving records, be a self-starter,  fast-paced environment, good communication skills.

But what do those key words actually mean? You can read between the lines to find out what duties the job you are applying for may include.

Purdue University's Online Writing Lab (OWL) has assembled a list of common phrases found in job advertisements and how to understand what they mean. The OWL is a free service that the university offers to anyone who visits the site. It includes information on grammar, research and citation, and job search writing.

The site can be found at: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/

The OWL job search site outlines definitions for phrases commonly found in job advertisements. Some examples:

Self-starter - You most likely will work without a lot of supervision

Good-driving record - You can count on delivering items for the company. If the ad stipulates an excellent driving record, the items you carry are probably worth more.

Entry-level position - You are the newest guy in the company and will be paid as such. If you are new to an industry or have no experience, this is most likely the level you will be hired at.

For a look at more specific definitions for those generic job search terms, visit the OWL article at

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/engagement/34/39/114/