Job seeker glossary

A

• Apprenticeship

  A structured on the job and related training course to learn a trade or occupation.

B

• Background check

  A background check is usually completed in the later stages of the selection process. An employer will more than likely verify the information you have supplied relating to previous job history, qualifications, criminal records etc.

• Behavioral interview

  A behavioral interview endeavors to uncover past behaviors displayed. These are seen to be a good indication as to how you may well perform in a similar situation in the future. The interviewer will ask questions like: Tell me a time when you were placed under pressure, or tell me a time when you confronted with conflict in the workplace.

C

• Cover letter

  A formal to semi formal letter sent along side your resume to a prospective job interviewer / hiring manager. A cover letter is your self introduction and gives a brief summary as to why you are a worthy candidate. See: Cover letters

• CV

  (Curriculum Vitae) Similar to a resume though usually longer in length (greater than two pages) providing much greater detail.

D

• Declining letter

  A type of letter sent to an interviewer who has made a job offer in which you do not wish to accept.

E

• EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity)

  Employers which do not discriminate against age, sex, disability, race, ethnic, religious or sexual background, marital status or career responsibilities. In the majority of countries an EEO policy is legally required for all employers.

• Employment gaps

  Evident gaps in your employment history when you where not in the work force either by choice or unforeseen circumstances. Examples of employment gaps include taking time to travel or recovering from an illness or accident.

F

• Freelancer

  Someone who works for themselves usually completing small jobs or projects for other people or organizations. Benefits free lance work include flexibility, freedom and personal satisfaction working for ones self. For example a freelance journalist may produce and sell articles to a newspaper from time to time.

G

Gross pay

The amount earned before income tax and other deductions are subtracted from your earned pay.

H

• Hard copy

  Relating to a document such as a cover letter or resume in its printed form. A soft copy is copy that is in its un printed form. For example you may be required to attach a soft copy of your resume in an email.

• Human resources (HR department)

  The department responsible for the screening, recruiting and training of job applicants. The HR department is also responsible for the administration of existing employees.

I

• Induction

  An introductory training program for a new employees designed to welcome them into the organization.

• Industry

  Commercial production / sale of goods and services.

J

• Job seeker

  An available person actively looking for work.

N

• Networking

  The means of forming new relationships with other people you have met at particular functions such as social and business engagements. These new relationships may assist you in the short to medium term with job leads, advice and guidance as a job seeker.

O

• Occupation

  An activity (job) that serves as one's regular source of livelihood / income.

P

• Phone interview

  Used to substitute meeting face to face. May be appropriate when the job on offer is in a different state or country. Phone interviews may also be used by interviewers to short list candidates for a traditional face to face interview. See: Phone interviews

• Probationary period

  Also know as a trail period, probationary periods are used to determine if a newly hired employee is suitable for the job. Normally lasting 3 months employees may be asked to leave the company without notice and with out the being able to file a claim for unfair dismissal or redundancy.

Q

• Qualifications

  A quality, ability, or accomplishment that makes a person suitable for a particular job or task. Qualifications can be in the from of the successful completion of degrees, diplomas and certificates.

R

• References

  In the later stages of the interview process the employer will usually ask for a list of job references which they can call. (A job reference may also be known as a referee). The purpose of a job reference is to verify who you and what you are capable of. Usually job references will be supervisors who you have recently or currently work with. Other references may also include possible suppliers, clients, teachers, voluntary work contacts, etc.

• Resume

  A brief account of one's professional or work experience and qualifications, often submitted with an employment application. Your resume is a selling tool and should easily communicate your skills and experience so that an employer can see, at a glance what you can bring to the company. See: Resumes

• Resignation letter

  A formal letter given to your your one-up manager when you wish to cease work with your current employer. Commonly a resignation letter will also explain briefly your future plans and what date you plan terminate your employment officially. See: Resignation letters

S

• Salary

  A regular payment received by an employee from and employer in exchange for labor(work).

• Screening interview

  Generally conducted by a job agency or a member of the HR (human resources) department. Used to filter out unqualified / unsuitable candidates.

• Seasonal work

  Seasonal work is is a form of employment which may only last for a particular period (weeks or months) during the year. For example fruit pickers might only be employed during the summer months when fruit crops are due to be harvested.

• Short listed

  A list of preferable job candidates that have been selected for final consideration to fill a position.

• Skills

  A natural or acquired talent that assists when completing a particular job or task.

• SME's

  Small to Medium Enterprises - Companies which have fewer than 50 employees are classified as small and less than 250 Medium.

• Soft copy

  Relating to a document such as a cover letter or resume in its un printed form. For example you may be required to attach a soft copy of your resume in an email. A hard copy is copy that is in its printed form on paper.

T

• Temping

  Someone who works short employment stints with a variety of firms / clients with the help of a temping agency. This kind of temp work usually is at a higher rate of pay.

• Trainee

  A recently employed person who is in the process of learning new skills on the job.

  Transferable skills

  Skills you may have gained from any activity in your life. This may include previous job experience, playing for a sporting club as part of a team, etc. Basically any activity in which you have been able to demonstrate a skill relevant to a job you are apply for.

W

• Work experience

  Time and skills acquired whilst working for any organisation (paid or unpaid.)