We continue with typical phrases in job descriptions and what these phrases actually mean.

Requirement: entrepreneurial thinking

The following applies here: It depends on the position you want to fill. If you are responsible for a large team, it is also about business and turnover. But as an IT specialist without personnel responsibility, you shouldn't have to worry about KPIs.

Requirement: willing to travel

How mobile would you like to work? IT developers in particular like to be ‘loaned’ to customers or to instruct and support teams in other locations. If you don't like staying in hotels or don't want to be away from your family for any length of time, you should ask what this willingness to travel looks like.

Our tip: Ask your contact at Bosshard & Partner how much travelling is actually required. We will make sure that you get all the information you need.

Requirement:customer- and service-orientated

At first glance, this statement seems quite clear. The ICT specialist should have a feel for the customer and realise that they are offering a service. Since most companies have customers and offer services that they sell, this is quite common. Nevertheless, you should enquire what exactly is meant by this.

After all, you are being bought in as a specialist. In the project, you should be in a position not only to read a customer's every wish from their eyes, but also to contradict them.

What we offer: exciting and varying tasks...

Nobody wants to carry out monotonous and boring tasks in their project. But what is meant by exciting and varying tasks is not always clear. In the worst case, it means stress and many different obligations. On the other hand, it can be an interesting project with many facets. Ask exactly what the tasks are and what type they are.

What we offer: ...in a renowned company

Working for a well-known company with a good reputation always looks good on a CV. But it's always a bit contradictory if companies have to mention that they are well-known. After all, you are an expert in your profession. If you don't know the company in your sector, it may not be as renowned as it is made out to be.

What we offer: flexible working hours and possibility of remote work

This might sound great to you, but flexible working hours can mean that you have to work a lot of overtime or that you have to do additional task after office hours at home. Flexible working hours are great if they are implemented correctly. It is important that the framework conditions are clear in advance: workload, overtime regulations, etc.

Your project contract is also the most important factor here: are there general daily rates or is every hour worked billed? If you have any questions about this, we will be happy to help you.

What we offer: a friendly working environment

Which company would write that they offer an unpleasant working environment – even if this may sometimes be true?It is usually up to the employee or specialist to decide what he or she finds agreeable. Not everyone likes an open-plan office, but neither a small, cramped office at the end of the corridor. Those familiar with Google's creative spaces in Switzerland may find them fun – but not everyone wants to take the slide or the fire escape to get to the next floor for a meeting.

We hope that we have been able to explain and clarify the wording and descriptions in the job adverts in more detail in our short series of articles.

Do you still have questions? Bosshard & Partner is at your side and will provide you with comprehensive advice so that you, as an ICT specialist, can find the job that suits you best. Just ask us. We will be happy to support you.