Career & CV Glossary
Understand the key terms used in job searching, CV writing, and recruitment.
ATS (Applicant Tracking System)
Software that companies use to manage job applications and filter candidates.
Learn more →Action Verbs
Strong verbs used to describe achievements and responsibilities on a CV.
Learn more →Annual Leave
Paid time off work for holidays, with a statutory minimum of 5.6 weeks in the UK.
Learn more →Assessment Centre
Extended selection process with multiple exercises, tests, and interviews.
Learn more →Background Check
Review of a candidate's history including employment, criminal records, and credentials.
Learn more →Career Change
Transitioning from one profession or industry to a different one.
Learn more →Career Progression
Advancement through increasingly senior roles and responsibilities over time.
Learn more →Competency-Based Interview
Interview using structured questions to assess skills through past examples.
Learn more →Contract Work
Being hired for a specific project or time period with higher rates but no benefits.
Learn more →Cover Letter
A one-page letter accompanying your CV that explains why you're applying.
Learn more →CPD (Continuous Professional Development)
Ongoing process of maintaining and developing professional knowledge and skills.
Learn more →CV Format
How you structure your CV: chronological, functional, or combination.
Learn more →CV Tailoring
The process of customising your CV for each specific job application.
Learn more →DBS Check
Criminal record check required for roles involving vulnerable people.
Learn more →Employee Benefits
Non-wage compensation including pension, healthcare, insurance, and perks.
Learn more →Fixed-Term Contract
Employment for a specific period that ends on a predetermined date.
Learn more →Flexible Working
Work arrangements including flexible hours, compressed weeks, and remote work.
Learn more →Freelancing
Self-employed work offering services to multiple clients on a project basis.
Learn more →Full-Time Employment
Working 35-40 hours per week with full benefits and job security.
Learn more →Gig Economy
Labour market characterised by short-term, flexible work arrangements.
Learn more →Group Interview
Multiple candidates assessed together through discussions and exercises.
Learn more →Hard Skills
Specific, teachable abilities measured through qualifications or tests.
Learn more →Headhunter
Recruiter who proactively approaches candidates for senior or specialised roles.
Learn more →Hybrid Working
Combining remote work with office attendance, typically splitting the week.
Learn more →Job Board
Online platform where employers post vacancies and job seekers apply.
Learn more →Job Description
Document outlining duties, responsibilities, and requirements for a role.
Learn more →Job Interview
A formal conversation to assess a candidate's suitability for a role.
Learn more →Job Sharing
Two people sharing the responsibilities and salary of one full-time position.
Learn more →Keywords (in CVs)
Specific words and phrases from job descriptions that should appear in your CV.
Learn more →KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)
Measurable values showing how effectively objectives are being achieved.
Learn more →LinkedIn Optimisation
Improving your LinkedIn profile to increase visibility to recruiters.
Learn more →Maternity Leave
Time off work for mothers before and after childbirth, up to 52 weeks.
Learn more →Professional Networking
Building relationships with people who can provide career opportunities and support.
Learn more →Notice Period
Time between announcing resignation and your last working day.
Learn more →Onboarding
Process of integrating a new employee into an organisation.
Learn more →Panel Interview
Being interviewed by multiple interviewers simultaneously.
Learn more →Part-Time Work
Working fewer than full-time hours, typically under 35 hours per week.
Learn more →Paternity Leave
Time off work for fathers or partners following birth or adoption.
Learn more →Workplace Pension
Retirement savings plan with contributions from you and your employer.
Learn more →Performance Review
Formal assessment of work involving feedback and goal-setting.
Learn more →Permanent Employment
Open-ended contract with no fixed end date, offering ongoing job security.
Learn more →Personal Statement (CV Summary)
A brief paragraph at the top of your CV summarising your professional background.
Learn more →Phone Screening
Brief initial phone interview to assess basic qualifications.
Learn more →Portfolio Career
Pursuing multiple part-time roles or income streams instead of one job.
Learn more →Probation Period
Initial employment phase where performance is assessed before confirmation.
Learn more →Professional Certification
Credential verifying expertise in a specific skill or field.
Learn more →Promotion
Advancement to a higher position with increased responsibility and pay.
Learn more →Recruitment Agency
Company that matches job seekers with employers, paid by employers.
Learn more →Redundancy
When an employer reduces workforce because a role is no longer needed.
Learn more →References
People who can vouch for your work experience and character.
Learn more →Remote Work
Working outside the traditional office, typically from home.
Learn more →Reskilling
Learning entirely new skills to transition into a different career.
Learn more →Resignation
Voluntary termination of employment by an employee.
Learn more →Right to Work
Verification that a person is legally permitted to work in the UK.
Learn more →Salary Negotiation
The process of discussing and reaching agreement on compensation.
Learn more →Shared Parental Leave
Parents sharing up to 50 weeks of leave when a baby is born or adopted.
Learn more →Sick Pay
Payment to employees unable to work due to illness.
Learn more →Soft Skills
Interpersonal abilities like communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.
Learn more →Technical Interview
Interview assessing job-specific knowledge through practical problems.
Learn more →Transferable Skills
Skills that can be applied across different jobs and industries.
Learn more →Upskilling
Learning new skills to advance in your current career path.
Learn more →Video Interview
Interview conducted remotely via video conferencing software.
Learn more →Work-Life Balance
Equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal life.
Learn more →Zero Hours Contract
Employment with no guaranteed minimum working hours.
Learn more →How Long Should a CV Be?
Ideally 2 pages for most professionals; 1 page for graduates, 3+ for academics.
Learn more →CV vs Resume: What's the Difference?
In the UK, CV and resume mean the same thing. In the US, a CV is longer and academic.
Learn more →What to Wear to an Interview
Dress one level above the company's dress code. When in doubt, business professional.
Learn more →How to Negotiate Salary
Research market rates, wait for the offer, state your range, and focus on value you bring.
Learn more →How Many Jobs Should I Apply For?
Quality over quantity. 5-10 tailored applications per week typically yield better results than mass applying.
Learn more →When to Follow Up After an Interview
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Follow up on status after 5-7 business days if no response.
Learn more →What is a Good Salary?
Depends on role, location, and experience. Use salary data for your specific job title and city.
Learn more →How to Explain an Employment Gap
Be honest, brief, and focus on what you learned or did productively during the gap.
Learn more →How to Write a Cover Letter
One page, 3-4 paragraphs: why this company, why this role, why you, and call to action.
Learn more →Should I Include a Photo on My CV?
No in UK/US/Canada. Yes in Germany, France, and some European countries.
Learn more →How to Ask for a Raise
Document achievements, research market rates, time it right (after wins), and make a specific ask.
Learn more →How to Answer "What Are Your Weaknesses?"
Choose a genuine weakness, explain how you're improving, and avoid cliches like "perfectionist".
Learn more →How to Answer "Why Do You Want This Job?"
Connect your skills to their needs, show company research, and express genuine enthusiasm.
Learn more →How to Answer "Tell Me About Yourself"
2-minute pitch: present role, past experience, and why you're excited about this opportunity.
Learn more →How to Quit a Job Professionally
Give proper notice, tell your manager first, write a resignation letter, and stay professional.
Learn more →What is IR35?
UK tax legislation affecting contractors who work like employees but through a limited company.
Learn more →How to Work Remotely Effectively
Set boundaries, create a dedicated workspace, overcommunicate, and maintain work-life balance.
Learn more →What is a Probation Period?
Initial employment period (typically 3-6 months) with shorter notice periods for both parties.
Learn more →How to Prepare for a Job Interview
Research the company, prepare STAR answers, practice common questions, and prepare your own questions.
Learn more →What is Equity Compensation?
Ownership stake in a company through stock options, RSUs, or shares as part of your pay package.
Learn more →