jargon

Office Jargon 101 – What Does ‘Bring to the Table’ Mean?

What Does Bring to the Table Mean?

Bring to the table is a commonly used phrase in the business and office settings. It is used to describe the unique strengths, knowledge, and experiences someone brings to a role or a task. It is often used to highlight to new candidates the unique attributes an organization is looking for.

When you are entering the job market, the phrase “bring to the table” means to bring to the table a specific skill set or something that will help an organization or team. It can refer to anything from a specialization in a particular subject, to know-how on a certain type of software program, to excellent communication skills. Each individual should bring something unique to the table to help the organization or team reach their goals.

For example, if you are applying for a customer service position, you could highlight your people skills and how your past work experience makes you an ideal candidate. Perhaps, you can bring to the table years of experience working with customers, a friendly demeanor, and the ability to problem solve quickly.

Understand that employers are looking for new candidates who not only hold the necessary qualifications but who also bring something intangible to the table. Make sure to highlight what your unique talents and experiences are, as this is often what sets someone apart from other candidates.

Bottom Line

Bring to the table is an often used phrase in the business and office setting that means to bring to the table a unique set of skills, knowledge, and experiences. Understand that this could include anything from a specialization in a subject to strong communication skills. Be sure to highlight your unique attributes when entering the job market to help you set yourself apart from other candidates.