Career glossary

Here is a list of terms that you need to know.

Browse concise definitions of job search and workplace terms. Click any term to read more.

A

Paid time off granted by employers for rest, vacation, or personal use.

Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

Software recruiters use to collect, parse, and search job applications.

A structured program combining on-the-job training with formal education.

Assessment Center

A structured recruitment method using multiple exercises to evaluate candidates.

B

Background Check

A process employers use to verify a candidate’s history and credentials.

Behavioral Interview

An interview style focused on past experiences to predict future performance.

Benefits Package

A collection of non-wage perks offered by employers to employees.

A recruitment practice that removes personal identifiers to reduce bias.

Branding (Personal Branding)

The practice of promoting your professional identity to stand out in the job market.

A short-term or transitional role taken while pursuing long-term career goals.

A state of physical and emotional exhaustion caused by chronic workplace stress.

Business Etiquette

The set of professional norms and behaviors that guide workplace interactions.

C

Career Advancement

The process of progressing in one’s career through promotions, skills, and achievements.

A planned pause from employment for personal, educational, or family reasons.

A professional who guides individuals in career planning and development.

The sequence of jobs and experiences that shape a professional’s career journey.

A stage where career growth slows or stalls despite continued effort.

An official credential proving skills or knowledge in a specific field.

Compensation Package

The total pay and benefits an employee receives from an employer.

Continuous Learning

The ongoing process of gaining new skills and knowledge throughout a career.

A temporary employment arrangement for a fixed duration or project.

A personalized document that introduces a job applicant and highlights their suitability.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A detailed document highlighting academic, professional, and personal achievements.

D

The practice of analyzing data to uncover insights and support decision-making.

Digital Portfolio

An online collection of work samples showcasing skills and achievements.

Diversity & Inclusion

Workplace practices that promote fairness, equity, and representation for all employees.

The careful evaluation of information before making decisions in hiring or business.

E

Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

The ability to understand, manage, and express emotions effectively in the workplace.

Employee Engagement

The emotional commitment employees have toward their work and organization.

Employee Retention

The ability of an organization to keep employees long-term by fostering satisfaction and loyalty.

Employment Contract

A legally binding agreement outlining the terms of employment between employer and employee.

A period of time when an individual is not employed, shown on a resume.

Entrepreneurship

The process of starting and managing a business to create value and generate profit.

Entry-Level Job

A starting position for individuals beginning their careers with minimal experience.

A structured conversation held when an employee leaves a company to gather feedback.

F

Flexible Work Arrangements

Work options that allow employees to adjust schedules, locations, or hours.

Follow-Up Email

A professional message sent after an interview or application to express interest and gratitude.

An independent worker who provides services to multiple clients on a flexible basis.

Full-Time Employment

A standard employment arrangement with consistent hours and benefits.

G

A planned break from work or study, often for travel, volunteering, or personal growth.

A labor market defined by short-term, flexible jobs often facilitated by digital platforms.

An invisible barrier that limits career advancement, often affecting women and minorities.

Graduate Program

A structured training scheme for recent graduates entering the workforce.

H

Specific, teachable abilities or knowledge areas measurable through tests or practice.

A recruiter specializing in finding candidates for executive or specialized roles.

A temporary halt on recruitment by an organization, usually for financial reasons.

The collective skills, knowledge, and abilities that employees bring to an organization.

A flexible work model combining remote and in-office work.

I

Informational Interview

A meeting to learn about a role, company, or industry from a professional insider.

A temporary work experience offering practical exposure and skill development.

J

Job Application

The formal process of applying for a job, typically including a resume and cover letter.

An online platform where employers post jobs and candidates apply.

Job Description

A detailed summary of duties, responsibilities, and qualifications for a role.

A formal proposal of employment including terms, compensation, and conditions.

A career development strategy where employees move across roles to gain experience.

A learning method where an individual observes a professional in their daily work.

The official designation of a role within an organization.

A short-term work period used to assess a candidate’s suitability for a role.

An individual actively looking for employment opportunities.

L

A career change involving a shift to a similar role at the same level, often in a new area.

Leadership Skills

Abilities that enable individuals to guide, motivate, and inspire teams effectively.

Learning and Development (L&D)

Organizational activities focused on employee skill-building and growth.

Leave of Absence

Authorized time away from work for personal, medical, or professional reasons.

LinkedIn Profile

An online professional profile showcasing experience, skills, and achievements.

Low-Hanging Fruit

Easily achievable tasks or goals requiring minimal effort for quick results.

M

Management Style

The approach a manager uses to lead, motivate, and guide employees.

A developmental relationship where an experienced professional guides a less experienced one.

N

Building and maintaining professional relationships for career growth and opportunities.

The time an employee must work after resigning or before termination becomes effective.

O

Objective Statement

A short section in a resume that states career goals and job intentions.

The process of integrating new employees into an organization.

Open Enrollment

The annual period when employees can select or change benefit plans.

Organizational Culture

The shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape how employees work together.

Career transition services provided to employees after layoffs or termination.

The practice of contracting external organizations to perform tasks or services.

Work hours beyond the standard schedule, often compensated at higher rates.

P

Panel Interview

An interview conducted by multiple interviewers assessing a candidate together.

Part-Time Employment

Work arrangements with fewer hours than full-time roles, often offering flexibility.

Passive Candidate

An individual not actively job-seeking but open to new opportunities if approached.

A structured system defining salary ranges for different job levels.

Performance Appraisal

A formal evaluation of an employee’s work to assess contributions and growth.

Performance Review

A regular meeting between employee and manager to discuss progress, goals, and feedback.

Probation Period

A trial phase at the start of employment to evaluate a new hire’s performance and fit.

Professional Development

Continuous learning and skill-building to advance careers and improve performance.

The advancement of an employee to a higher role with greater responsibility and pay.

Q

The credentials, skills, and experiences that demonstrate readiness for a role.

Formal communication from an employee about resigning from their job.

R

A professional responsible for finding and attracting job candidates for employers.

The overall process of attracting, evaluating, and hiring candidates for jobs.

Reference Check

The process where employers contact past employers or colleagues to verify a candidate’s background.

An incentive paid to employees for recommending successful hires.

A work arrangement where employees perform tasks from outside the traditional office.

Resignation Letter

A formal letter written by an employee to announce leaving their job.

A formal document summarizing a candidate’s work history, skills, and education.

A period of time when an individual is unemployed or not formally working.

Resume Objective

A statement at the top of a resume that outlines career goals and intentions.

Retirement Plan

A financial arrangement to support employees after they stop working.

S

Salary Benchmarking

The process of comparing pay rates to industry standards to ensure competitiveness.

Salary Negotiation

The process of discussing and agreeing on compensation between employer and candidate.

Compensation provided to employees when their employment is terminated.

Skills Assessment

A process of evaluating an individual’s abilities through tests or practical exercises.

The difference between the skills employees have and the skills employers need.

Non-technical skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving that impact job performance.

Succession Planning

A strategy to identify and develop future leaders for critical organizational roles.

T

Talent Acquisition

A strategic approach to identifying, attracting, and hiring skilled employees.

A database or group of potential candidates available for future hiring needs.

Talent Shortage

A situation where demand for skilled workers exceeds supply in the labor market.

The collaborative effort of a group to achieve shared goals effectively.

A work arrangement where employees work remotely using telecommunications tools.

Transferable Skills

Abilities developed in one context that are applicable in different roles or industries.

The percentage of employees leaving an organization during a specific time period.

U

Underemployment

A situation where workers are employed below their skill level or desired hours.

The condition of being jobless while actively seeking employment.

The process of learning new skills to stay relevant in evolving industries.

V

Authorized time off from work granted to employees for rest and personal activities.

Value Proposition

The unique benefits and value an employee or employer offers in the job market.

Voluntary Resignation

When an employee chooses to leave their job willingly by submitting notice.

Volunteer Experience

Unpaid work performed to support communities, organizations, or causes, often valuable on resumes.

W

Wellness Program

Employer initiatives aimed at supporting employee health and well-being.

An employee who reports unethical or illegal practices within an organization.

Work From Home (WFH)

A work arrangement where employees perform tasks remotely from their residence.

Work-Life Balance

The equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal life.

Workforce Diversity

The inclusion of employees from varied backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.

Workforce Planning

The strategic process of analyzing and forecasting workforce needs for future goals.

Workload Management

The process of effectively distributing and balancing tasks among employees.

Workplace Bullying

Repeated mistreatment of an employee through verbal, physical, or psychological abuse at work.

Workplace Culture

The shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape an organization’s environment.

Workplace Flexibility

Policies and practices that allow employees to adjust work schedules, locations, or methods.

Workplace Safety

Practices, policies, and conditions that ensure the health and protection of employees.

Workplace Training

Educational programs provided by employers to develop employee skills and performance.

Workplace Wellness

Programs and practices that support employees’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Z

Zero-Hour Contract

An employment contract where employers are not obliged to provide minimum working hours.