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A Deeper Look at Job Ad Buzzwords

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โ€‹A Deeper Look at Job Ad Buzzwords

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Behind the Buzzwords: What Companies Could Really Mean.

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Companies love a buzzword. They sound exciting, energetic, even visionaryโ€ฆ but what do they really mean for you as a candidate?

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Tech job ads often sound like a bingo card of clichรฉs. โ€œFast-paced environment.โ€ โ€œFlat structure.โ€ โ€œWeโ€™re like a family.โ€ These phrases are meant to excite, but more often than not they leave candidates wondering what the job actually involves.

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At Amicus, we speak to engineers and tech talent daily who are tired of decoding job ads. Hereโ€™s what these common phrases could signal, both good and badโ€ฆ and the questions you should ask to get to the truth.

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"Fast-Paced Environment"

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What it sounds like: An exciting company where youโ€™ll never be bored.

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What it can mean:

โ€ขPriorities shift frequently. Yesterdayโ€™s plan may not survive todayโ€™s stand-up.

โ€ขDelivery timelines are tight, and sometimes unrealistic.

โ€ขYouโ€™ll need to make decisions quickly, often without full information.

โ€ขThere may be pressure to work long hours, especially during sprints or launches.

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The positive spin: Fast-paced can be fun and energising when itโ€™s well-managed. It becomes a red flag when itโ€™s code for chaos or burnout.

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Ask these in your interview:

โ€ขโ€œHow do you manage last-minute changes or shifting goals?โ€

โ€ขโ€œWhat does a typical sprint look like here?โ€

โ€ขโ€œHow do you support developers during high-pressure phases?โ€

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"Flat Structure"

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What it sounds like: No hierarchy, no micromanagement, just freedom and trust.

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What it can mean:

โ€ขThereโ€™s no clear reporting structure, which can lead to confusion or silos.

โ€ขDecision-making can feel like a free-for-all, or be dominated by founders.

โ€ขYou might lack mentorship, career development, or defined progression.

โ€ขExpectations can be inconsistent from one person to the next.

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The positive spin: Flat structures can encourage open communication and collaboration, but only if supported by clarity and accountability.

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Ask this in your interview:

โ€ขโ€œWhoโ€™s responsible for making technical or architectural decisions?โ€

โ€ขโ€œWhat does the org chart look like in practice?โ€

โ€ขโ€œAre there clear paths for career progression in a flat structure?โ€

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"Weโ€™re Like a Family"

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What it sounds like: Supportive, tight-knit culture where everyone looks out for each other.

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