Useful and Common Phrases for Reading and Writing

Dress Code Terms

  • dress code: Written or unwritten rule of what to wear to an event.
  • business professional: Full suit with tie for men. Suit or dress with suit jacket for women.  Covered-toe shoes.
  • business casual: Slacks, khakis, dress shirt, polo tee, blouse, dress, knee-length (or longer) skirt, covered-toe shoes. Tie is not required.
  • button-up: Shirt that buttons up the front from the bottom to the neck collar.
  • blazer: Similar to a suit jacket, but slightly more casual with a different cut.

 

Classroom Terms

  • slide deck: Powerpoint slides intended for distribution and discussion. Slide content can be understood without any voice-over or presentation. Typically has smaller fonts and more detailed information than slides used for a presentation.
  • visual aid: Powerpoint slides intended to support an oral presentation. Typically has larger fonts and more graphics.
  • trade show: Exhibition of many companies in a single location, where each company has their own booth and the audience moves from booth to booth. This is a common presentation format for class projects in Carlson.
  • trifold: A large cardboard folded into three sections, like a brochure. Commonly used in presentations to display information.
  • deliverable: A part of a project that needs to be completed (e.g., document, slide deck).
  • due: When an assignment has to be submitted (due date).
  • pop quiz: A test that is conducted suddenly in class, without prior notice.
  • open book: A test in which you can use textbooks or notes.
  • closed book: A test in which you cannot use textbooks, notes, or any other material.
  • takeaway: Key learning point.
  • cold call: Calling random names to answer questions (in class).

Career Preparation Terms

  • networking: Meeting and interacting with people to make positive connections for business or career development.
  • business/career trek: An organized school trip to offices of different companies to meet the recruiters and employees, for students to learn more about career opportunities in a company or field.
  • information session: A presentation of facts of a company or career field, involving a question-and-answer section. This is conducted by a recruiter or an employee from the company.
  • recruitment: The process of hiring and enlisting new interns or employees into a company, led by the company’s recruiters.
  • mock interview: A practice interview to help students prepare for real interviews with companies.
  • informational interview: An interview conducted with a business professional in a field that you are trying to pursue or understand. This is done to find out more about the interviewee’s job, gain industry knowledge, and/or expand your business network.
  • case interview: An interview format that requires you to give a solution to a business problem. Can be interviewer-led or interviewee-led.
  • behavioral interview: An interview format consisting of questions to understand how you would react to a certain situation, in order to predict future performance.
  • resume: A one-page document that summarizes your experiences, awards, education, and skills, submitted to a company during the hiring process. The content is tailored to the position you are applying for.
  • CV: Similar to a resume, but much longer and more detailed, with all of your accomplishments. It does not have to be tailored to suit a job application. Typically used in academic settings more than in business settings.
  • padfolio: A folder with documents (such as resume, certificates) that supports your case or proves your qualifications. This is brought into an interview. The documents it contains can be presented to the recruiter.
  • portfolio: Similar to a padfolio but larger and thicker. Can be used to carry more documents and artwork. Usually has a handle for you to hold and carry.
  • reference: A person who can validate your previous qualifications or employment. Acts as a supporting force in your job or graduate school application.
  • straight talk: Honest and direct opinions or discussion.
  • panel: A group of people with certain knowledge and expertise. A panel could be judges for a competition, or knowledgeable people sharing their experiences and opinions on a subject to a wider audience.

Common Business Terms

  • constraint: A limitation (usually a time constraint or a resource constraint).
  • pitfall: A risk or disadvantage.
  • pain point: A problem.
  • bottle neck: A part of a process that lowers or slows the overall performance of the entire process.
  • endorsement: A declaration of public support.
  • benchmark: A predetermined standard, point of reference, or industry metric. Used to measure against actual results to determine performance.
  • KPI (Key Performance Indicator): A metric used to measure the success of an action or initiative. This is set by the individual or company trying to achieve a specific goal.
  • happy hour: A social gathering involving alcohol and maybe appetizers, usually during after work hours at a restaurant or bar. Its purpose is to network and socialize with coworkers or other business professionals.
  • bandwidth: Capacity to handle work.
  • B2B (Business to Business): Business dealings or transactions between companies.
  • B2C (Business to Consumer): Business dealings or transactions between a company and a single individual.
  • ROI (Return on Investment): The gain after putting capital and resources into a project.
  • break even: To reach a point when the profits and costs of doing something are equal.
  • front end: Refers to the user interface, website, or application that the consumer sees and uses. Sometimes used to describe roles that interact with the customer.
  • back end: Refers to computer systems, servers, or networks that consumers do not have access to. Sometimes used to describe roles that are managing the data and servers, not in contact with the customer.
  • client-facing: Having to interact with the customer directly. Used to describe a role or work.
  • ASAP: As soon as possible.
  • low-hanging fruit: Something that can be accomplished with little effort.
  • Hail Mary: A plan that has a small chance of being successful.