Key Terms: How to Get a Tech Job Generated with AI assistance — review for accuracy and compare against your course materials. --- APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEM (ATS) Software used by employers to automatically screen and filter job applications before a human reads them. ATS tools scan resumes for keywords from the job description, which is why tailoring your resume to each posting matters. BASE SALARY The fixed amount of money paid to an employee per year, not including bonuses, equity, or benefits. The number most commonly quoted in a job offer but often not the most important part of total compensation. BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW An interview format where questions focus on how you handled past situations — "Tell me about a time when..." The assumption is that past behavior predicts future behavior. Often answered using the STAR method. BENEFITS PACKAGE Non-salary compensation including health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, parental leave, and other perks. The value of benefits varies widely and can add tens of thousands of dollars to total compensation. COVER LETTER A short professional document submitted with a resume that explains why you are interested in a specific role and what you would bring to it. A generic cover letter is worse than a tailored one; it signals low effort. EQUITY / STOCK OPTIONS Compensation in the form of company ownership — typically shares or options to buy shares at a set price. More common at startups; can be very valuable or worthless depending on whether the company grows. JOB DESCRIPTION A document posted by an employer describing the role, responsibilities, required qualifications, and often preferred qualifications. Reading it carefully is the first step in deciding whether and how to apply. KEYWORDS Specific terms from a job description that signal what skills and experience an employer is looking for. Including relevant keywords in your resume improves the chances that an ATS system or recruiter flags your application. NETWORKING Building and maintaining professional relationships that can lead to referrals, information, and opportunities. Most jobs are filled through connections rather than cold applications. OFFER LETTER A formal written document from an employer outlining the terms of employment: title, start date, salary, benefits, and other conditions. Nothing is agreed upon until it is in writing. PORTFOLIO A collection of work samples — projects, code, designs, writing — that demonstrates your skills. For technical roles, a GitHub profile with real projects is often the most effective portfolio. STAR METHOD A framework for answering behavioral interview questions: describe the Situation, the Task you were responsible for, the Action you took, and the Result. Keeps answers structured and specific. TECHNICAL INTERVIEW An interview format that assesses technical skills directly, often through coding problems, system design questions, or live debugging. Requires different preparation than a behavioral interview. TOTAL COMPENSATION Everything of monetary value an employer offers: base salary, bonuses, equity, benefits, retirement matching, and other perks. Comparing job offers only on base salary misses a significant part of the picture. WHITEBOARD INTERVIEW A style of technical interview where candidates are asked to solve a problem by writing code or diagramming a solution by hand in real time. Tests problem-solving process as much as the final answer.