what does “energetic” mean in a job posting? — Ask a Manager

A reader writes:

I’ve a number of medical circumstances that make me typically a low-energy individual. Nevertheless, my attendance isn’t a difficulty, and I’m fairly sensible and a very good employee and worker. Earlier managers have raved about me. To not toot my very own horn, however I feel I’m a reasonably superior worker.

I utilized for an inside place that I’m certified for. The posting says they’re on the lookout for a “motivated, energetic, self-starter who could make instant contribution to the staff.”

What does “energetic” imply on this context?

I really feel I’m motivated and a self-starter, however bodily I’m not energetic, nor will I ever be. I’m simply bodily not capable of be and sure that in all probability comes throughout in zoom conferences and such. I’m at all times pleasant {and professional}, simply not “energetic” as I feel it means.

I’ll in all probability get an interview as a result of it’s an inside function, so I must know how one can deal with that. Simply convey up tasks I’ve initiated to higher my groups? Discuss tasks I’ve accomplished earlier than their due dates? I’m undecided how one can convey how I’d be a terrific decide in the event that they’re on the lookout for somebody to be outgoing and “energetic.”

A lot of the time, “energetic” on this context doesn’t imply a rah-rah / bubbly / outgoing / bodily power kind individual. It means issues like: you see work that must be executed and also you do it, you provoke helpful new tasks, you will have a way of urgency when it’s wanted, and also you strategy work with a can-do spirit (when lifelike) quite than at all times on the lookout for causes one thing gained’t work.

The best way you’d convey these issues in an interview is to speak about occasions if you’ve approached work that manner — suppose again by your work accomplishments for examples that illustrate these traits and work them in as you’re discussing the job and what you’d convey to it.

And naturally, in case your interviewer is on the lookout for an excellent rah-rah kind, it’s smarter to not attempt to seem that manner in the event you’re not. You need the hiring supervisor to grasp who they’re hiring in order that there aren’t surprises when you’re on the job … and so that you don’t find yourself in a job that wishes you to be somebody you’re not or the place you gained’t thrive. Present them what you would convey to the function so to each work out whether or not it’s the suitable match or not.