Whether you are just starting out, have been with the same company for years, or are just ready to switch things up, odds are you are going to run into some new career-related terms along the way. These definitions are targeted specifically for you, the job seeker, as you navigate the professional world.
Along with a detailed definition of each term, we have included complimentary resources you may find useful. Our career glossary is here to improve your understanding of what these terms mean and gain confidence in knowing how they should be applied.
As a 1099 contractor, you would not necessarily be considered an employee. Terms such as freelancer and independent contractor would better describe your position as a self-employed and self-directed worker. A 1099 contractor has the opportunity to make their own schedules, take on work as desired, and have multiple clients at a time. Instead of receiving a salary or regular wages, you would be paid based on a contractual agreement typically paid after completing a particular job or assignment.
As an applicant, you are taking the necessary steps in order to gain employment at a certain facility. The application process varies by company, but you will likely be required to fill out forms, provide credentials, and participate in interviews.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is intelligent computer software that shares abilities similar to humans. AI continues to evolve and companies like Uber, Amazon, and Tesla have completely transformed their business operations with artificial intelligence. AI allows businesses to improve their productivity and revenue while reducing operational expenses.
A baby boomer is any person born between the years 1946 to 1964. Now averaging in their 60s, baby boomers were born shortly after World War II and were considered the largest generational group before millennials came along.
A background check is an action that typically takes place near the end of the hiring process. Background checks are utilized in order to confirm things like your employment, credit, and criminal history. Organizations may also check out your social media accounts at this point in the process to make sure you will represent their company in a professional manner. Depending on the position, a drug test may also be warranted.
Unlike a traditional interview featuring questions with straightforward answers, a behavioral interview is used to determine how you have acted in past job-related situations. Instead of asking how you would behave in a situation, the interviewer will ask how you did behave. The employer already knows what skills they are looking for, so you will be asked questions in order to determine whether or not you possess them.
Related:
Sample interview questions
Benefits are any perks offered by your employer in addition to your salary. Common benefits may include things like medical, disability, and life insurance, paid time off, and even retirement benefits. Benefits are valuable and something you should consider as part of your compensation.
A branding statement is a short summary about what you do, how you do it, and what makes you unique. Once reserved for big companies to help customers quickly understand what they’re about, a personal brand statement can also be used on your resume to help you stand out. This unique statement will not only leave an impression, but can make networking easy and quickly communicate why you would be a great hire.
Business casual attire is one of a few dress codes you may be asked to comply with at your office. This dress code is considered casual attire with components of professional wear.
Related:
Business casual vs business professional
Business professional attire is one of a few dress codes you may be asked to comply with at your office. This dress code is a great option when it comes to special events like an interview, client meeting, or presentation.
Related:
Business casual vs business professional
A candidate is a job seeker who has applied to a job in hopes of earning a position best suited for their specific skills. As a candidate, you may be pursuing a full-time or temporary position. To help determine the role you are best qualified for, candidates may work with a recruiter to make this process easy.
Candidate experience is your perception of a company throughout the hiring process as a candidate. Your perception of a company may change as you partake in their job application, screening, and interview processes. Companies may survey their candidates in order to determine candidate experience.
The term career is used to define what you do for a living. Career may refer to your profession, occupation, trade, or vocation, and can range from requiring extensive education and training to a high school diploma or simply just a willingness to learn. The career options are endless and it’s important to follow the path you are most passionate about, whether that be a hairstylist or doctor. You will likely spend a significant amount of time towards your career, so make sure your career is one you wake up every day excited about.
A career change is exactly how it sounds, a change in career. Career changes happen when you take the skills gained from one profession and apply them to a completely new one. Whether you want to change careers due to a higher salary or more flexible schedule, career changes happen when one believes there’s a job out there for them that is more meaningful and will better suit their skill set, leading to greater happiness overall.
Related:
Tips for switching career paths
How to write a career change cover letter
Tips for restarting your career
A career fair is an event for job seekers, typically held by employers and recruiters. At these events, you have the opportunity to speak with different organizations and learn about different openings and positions, application processes, and any other information you may be interested in as a job seeker. Career fairs are also a great place to network.
Contract staffing is a hiring method that focuses on workers pursuing short-term work instead of a permanent position. This type of staffing will involve a contract between you and your employer for a defined length of time. While your contract periods will vary, contract staffing can grant the flexibility and independence you desire.
Related:
Questions to ask a recruiter about a contract job
Contract-to-hire staffing is an arrangement between a staffing agency and employer once they agree upon a fixed length of time for employment. Once this time period is over, the employer can decide whether or not they want to hire the contractor as a permanent employee. Utilizing contract-to-hire staffing grants you the opportunity to experience a trial period before deciding whether or not you would want to be hired permanently.
Corp-to-corp describes the relationship between contractors and their employers when the contractor’s services are performed under an incorporated business entity. As a contractor, corp-to-corp implies that you must have an LLC or another business in order to be paid for your services.
When applying for a job, a cover letter is a document you will submit in addition to your resume or CV. This one-page document gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, while summarizing your professional background and highlighting any relevance you may have to the position. A good cover letter is crucial in order to spark the hiring manager’s interest and get them to read your resume.
Related:
How to write a cover letter
Culture fit is the likelihood that your personality and values will align with an organization. During the hiring process, interviewers will likely assess your soft skills and personal goals to determine whether or not you would be the right fit for their company’s culture. Culture fit is very important to organizations and some may even be willing to hire a candidate lacking necessary hard skills if they are deemed a good cultural fit.
When applying for a job, a curriculum vitae (CV) is a detailed document you may be required to submit. CVs are usually two to three pages long and focus on your academic coursework and research. This type of document is used to display a full outline of your accomplishments.
Related:
Sample CVs
What’s the difference between a cv and a resume
A direct hire happens when a candidate sent by a recruiting firm is immediately hired on a full-time basis. If you apply for a direct hire position, you will be sourced and screened by recruiters and sent to the hiring company if they believe you to be a good fit. If the company decides to hire you after an interview, the recruiting firm would be compensated.
Diversity is the understanding as individuals that a broad range of demographic and philosophical differences exist between us. Each of us is unique regardless of gender, age, religion, our physical abilities, ethic backgrounds, socio-economic status, and any other ideologies that define us.
An elevator pitch is a brief and persuasive 30 second speech. This short speech is used to create interest in yourself, or even a project or idea. Elevator pitches are meant to be memorable and unique, and can be used in a variety of situations. They are a great way to introduce yourself and network. You would start an elevator pitch by explaining who you are and what you do, and end it with a question.
Related:
How to sell yourself in an interview
Employee perks are non-wage benefits offered to you by your employer. Organizations may offer these perks, in addition to salary and benefits, as a way to attract you to their company. These perks can range anywhere from a company car to a gym membership to free meals.
Employee termination is when an employee’s time at a company comes to an end. As an employee, this decision could be yours or your employer’s and can occur at any point in the duration of your employment. An employer may terminate you as a result of poor performance, or for economic or restructuring reasons.
Employee turnover is the number determined by organizations in order to determine how many workers have left their company during a certain period of time. Typically calculated yearly, employee turnover numbers include terminations that were both voluntary and involuntary. This calculation helps companies understand their retention rate for future employment purposes.
Employee value proposition (EVP) is offerings from your employer as an exchange for the skills, capabilities, and experiences you bring to their company. As a candidate, EVPs are meant to attract you to the organization. Employers desire your engagement and retention, therefore EVPs will be unique and enticing.
Employment is an agreement between an employee and their employer. As an employee, you agree to provide certain services and your employer will pay you in return. You can negotiate certain terms in your agreement, but your employer will likely determine most items. This agreement will likely be written in a formal contract, signed by you and your employer.
An employment agency is a staffing firm that finds candidates to match to different job openings. As a job seeker, employment agencies can help you find all kinds of jobs. By using an employment agency, these recruiters can open up opportunities for you that you may have not been able to find on your own.
An employment gap is any period of time you didn’t have a job. This gap is understood to be an extended period between jobs, that is much longer than the typical job search. Usually six months or more, an employment gap could be voluntary or involuntary. This gap will likely be something you have to explain to future employers, so be sure it is something you are upfront about and be prepared to make it a non-issue.
Related:
Tips for restarting your career after a break
How to write a cover letter when returning to the workforce
An entrepreneur is an individual who starts their own business. Although they take on big risks, they end up enjoying most of the rewards. Entrepreneurs have the skill and necessary initiative to bring new ideas to the market and as a result, play a key role in the economy. They identify a need, whether that be a product, process, or service, and then build a business around it. Anyone can be an entrepreneur with the right resources.
Related:
How to make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency who enforces laws against job discrimination and harassment. Along with law enforcement, this agency provides legal assistance to complainants. The EEOC investigates discrimination complaints within the workplace and will take action is they believe an employer is violating these laws.
Executive recruiters are recruiters who specialize in filling high-level positions. This type of recruiter must effectively source the most talented candidates for an industry for their client. An executive recruiter will look to fill positions needing directors, senior managers, and other top-tier roles within their client’s organization.
Exit interviews are a type of interview that takes place before an employee departs from an organization. As an employee, this interview would be a conversation between you and your employer to discuss your experience with their company. An exit interview gives you the opportunity to offer feedback and voice any opinions you may have on the topic.
Experience is a section on your resume used to provide information about your employment history. Employers will look at this section to see the different jobs and job titles you have held in the past, and ultimately gain a sense for the skills and responsibility you are capable of. The experience section is a great place to highlight how you’ve developed through your career and should include who you’ve worked for, the positions you’ve held, how long you worked at each, and brief summaries on your different responsibilities, including any achievements along the way.
Facebook is a social media platform used to stay in touch through photos, videos, and messages. Originally created in 2006 as a site to connect with family and friends, Facebook is now the world’s largest social networking platform. Facebook allows users to not only connect with those they know, but to also create relationships with new people and join groups of individuals with similar interests.
A freelancer is an individual who is self-employed and works for multiple companies to complete various responsibilities. Being a contract-based profession, freelancers will typically use third-party services to receive their assignments from different clients. Freelancers can take on different jobs to perform based on their experience, skills, and education required for the specific field.
Full-time employment is typically considered working 35 to 40 hours a week. The number of hours will vary by employer and their company’s policy. This policy will determine the hours you are expected to work, and may even lay out what exactly your work schedule will be. With full-time employment also comes compensation and benefits.
Generation Z is any individual born between the years 1997 and 2012. This group, also known as Gen Z, is both the largest and ethnically diverse generation in America today. With their world having always revolved around technology, Generation Z members have learned to do things like multitask extremely well.
The H1-B is a temporary visa that employers can petition for in order to grant work authorization to foreign workers. If you are a non-US citizen with expertise in a specialized field, you may be subject to the H1-B visa. Through the H1-B visa, US companies are allowed to employ workers in specialty occupations like engineering, architecture, mathematics, and medicine.
Hard skills are the skills required for a job. These are technical skills required to complete specific tasks and include the necessary expertise one needs to successfully do their job. Hard skills are job-specific and can typically be found on job postings. These skills can be measured and defined, and will likely be evaluated during the hiring process.
Headhunters are professionals hired by employers to find potential candidates for job openings. As a job seeker, it could be very beneficial to connect with a headhunter. Headhunters are experienced and well-connected with the intention to place you in the right position with their employer.
A hiring manager is the person who hires new employees for their company. They are the ones who initiate the search for new job openings and have the power to make the final decision on candidates. The hiring manager will be the one to interview you and ultimately be your future manager if you are hired. They will focus on your wellbeing and play a key role in making sure you fit right in.
Related:
Questions to ask a hiring manager
The hiring process is the steps taken by an organization when hiring a new employee. This process begins when a company decides to hire a new employee and ends once their new hire has completed training. As a job seeker, the hiring process and length will vary by organization, but this process is necessary and must be complete in its entirety in order to gain employment.
Human resources is a department within an organization or business that deals with all employee-related matters. This department will develop programs designed to increase their business or organization’s effectiveness, and make the relationship between employers and employees their priority. Human resources ensures that a company’s employees are being managed and supported in a positive work environment.
Related:
The top HR job titles, explained
Things to ask HR before accepting job offer
An I-9 form is a form used to legally authorize work in the United States. Required by all employers, I-9 forms are used to verify a new employee’s identity and employment authorization. Both employees and their employers are legally required to sign this document at the beginning of their employment, and each has designated sections that need their signatures.
Instagram is a free social networking platform focused on sharing photos and videos. Instagram users have the ability to connect with their family and friends, as well as their favorite celebrities and brands. Users can take and edit their content before publishing it on this platform. Created in 2010, Instagram was quickly purchased by Facebook and now any content put out on this network can easily be shared directly to Facebook.
Internal recruiters are employees who fill job vacancies within their organization. As an internal recruiter, you will be an important member of your company’s human resources department. You will determine vacancies and then ultimately assess your coworkers in order to fill the openings at your company through internal transfers and promotions.
An internship is a period of time gaining work experience, offered by employers to students. Internships are a great way to gain exposure to the working environment that interests you and develop useful soft skills that will benefit you in the future. The length of an internship will vary by employer and may be paid or voluntary. Internships are not only a great way to boost your resume, but also to explore different career options.
An interview is a formal meeting that takes place between a candidate and their potential employer. As a candidate, an interview is used to authenticate your application, while also being asked questions about your previous experience and skills relevant to the position. Because an interview is one of the last steps in the hiring process, your potential employer will also be assessing your personality and character traits in order to determine whether you would be the right candidate for the job.
Related:
Sample interview questions
What to bring to an interview
How to prepare for a zoom interview
How to prepare for a phone interview
Panel interview sample questions and answers
How to sell yourself in an interview
The interviewer is the person who will conduct your interview. Most likely they will be the hiring manager or recruiter for the company you hope to work for and their goal is to determine if you would be a good fit for the position. Interviewers are responsible for preparing questions they want to ask you during the interview, and their hope is to gain insight on your skills, relevant experience, and personality to assess whether or not you meet the qualifications for the job.
A job application is a form that job applicants fill out to show interest for an open position. Employers ask applicants to fill out a job application which will typically require your personal information and education, positions held and when, and any contact information for references. Job applications can be found online and usually have a consistent format in order to easily compare applicants.
Related:
How to withdraw your job application
A job description is a helpful tool that describes the tasks, responsibilities, duties, and credentials for a specific job. Job descriptions will go in depth about who completes this work and how the work will be performed. As a job seeker, job descriptions can be a great resource when searching for more information on a particular position you are interested in.
Related:
How to find keywords in a job description to use in your resume
Job ghosting is when a job candidate stops communication during the hiring process. Job ghosting can go both ways and occur at any point during the application process, leaving the misled party wondering what went wrong. Unfortunately, job ghosting is inevitable, but there are prevention methods that can be taken to decrease its likelihood.
A job seeker is an individual searching for employment. As a job seeker, you are likely unemployed and seeking new opportunities. There are three types of job seekers: those actively seeking work, those open to different roles and watching for new opportunities, and those content and not looking for work.
A key performance indicator (KPI) is a quantifiable measurement used to gauge performance over time for a specific objective. Businesses track KPIs to create goals, measure progress, and gain insight for decision-making purposes. These key targets help businesses focus on their desired outcomes in order to make the most impact.
A layoff is the termination of employment for reasons unrelated to the employee’s performance. Done by their employer, layoffs can be temporary or permanent. A layoff typically occurs due to economic reasons and tends to affect groups of workers at a time. While unpopular among workers, some employers may offer severance agreements as a result.
A leave of absence is permission to be away from work given to an employee by their employer. A leave of absence can be paid or unpaid, depending on the employee benefits you receive from your employer. No matter your reasoning, you should always give your employer and coworkers as much notice as possible for how long you will be absent.
LinkedIn is considered the world’s largest professional network on the Internet and this platform is used to connect, share, and learn. Launched in 2003 and focused on professional networking and career development, LinkedIn allows employers to post jobs and job seekers to post their CVs. LinkedIn users can learn about skills needed to be successful in their career, find the right job, and connect and strengthen their professional relationships.
Related:
How to optimize your LinkedIn profile
Tips to build a LinkedIn profile that will get you hired
Any person born between the years 1981 and 1996 is considered to be a millennial. Most millennials today are in their 30s, meaning they came of age with technological innovations and entered the workforce at the height of the economic recession. Millennials are often characterized as social media obsessed and open to change, but also regarded as the most connected generation.
Minimum wage is the lowest amount per hour that a worker can legally be paid. This number is mandated by federal law, but states and cities can set their own rates, as long as they are above the federal one. Most states will set their minimum wage to reflect the cost of living in that region.
Networking is the concept of exchanging information and ideas with people in the same profession or with those who have similar interests. Networking is utilized in the professional world to learn about job opportunities, increase awareness, and expand your connections and contacts. The best networking opportunities may occur in person at career fairs and conferences, but great options can also be found online through social media, especially a network like LinkedIn.
Related:
How to network
A notice period is the length of time your employer becomes aware of your departure before it actually happens. The notice period starts when your resignation letter is submitted and ends on your last day of work with the company. Out of respect, it is so important to give your employer proper notice and additionally, it gives you the time to help your team transition and set them up for success.
Related:
How to write a resignation letter
An offer letter is a written document sent to a candidate once they have been selected for a specific position. Once it is signed by you, the prospective employee, and your new employer, this job offer letter becomes legally binding. It is an official offer of employment and will include details of the position, your salary and commissions, their benefits packages, any conditions and contingencies, contact information, and instructions for how you can accept the offer.
Related:
Criteria for evaluating a job offer
How to negotiate a job offer
Things to ask HR before accepting a job offer
How to accept a job offer
How to decline a job offer
How to handle a counteroffer
As a new hire, onboarding is the process you will go through to learn all about the organization and be provided all the necessary tools in order to be successful in your new role. The onboarding process will vary in length, but its purpose is to lay a foundation for long-term success within your career. Orientation is just the first step in the onboarding process, as you will learn about the organization’s culture and values while also receiving constant feedback and performance measurement.
Outsourcing is a practice implemented by companies to cut their labor costs, by hiring a third-party to perform a specific service. Outsourcing allows organizations to spend less on operations while putting all of their focus on the core aspects of their business. This practice also means gaining competitive advantages within the industry and quicker turnaround times.
Overtime refers to the pay you would receive for working beyond the normal hours. This compensation will depend on how your employer calculates overtime pay, whether or not you’re exempt from them, and your eligibility based on your work schedule and typical pay. If you are a non-exempt employee, you may qualify for overtime pay if you exceed the standard 40-hour workweek. Your employer will decide how you will be paid for overtime, with several different options such as double-time pay or additional time off.
Paid time off (PTO) is time that employees can take off from work while still getting paid their regular wages. PTO policies usually provide a number of paid days that you can use for a variety of reasons. These policies will typically cover holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days. While most are not required to offer PTO, many employers will as a way to attract and retain their current and future employees. PTO policies will vary by company size, structure, and industry.
A panel interview is a formal meeting that takes place between a candidate and two or more people from a hiring team. As a candidate, each member will have the chance to ask you questions about your experience and qualifications. While this type of interview is commonly used for convenience purposes (one big interview instead of multiple individual interviews), panel interviews are also used as a way to assess your ability to handle high-stress situations and determine how you will deal with group collaborations.
Related:
Panel interview sample questions and answers
Parental leave is a benefit offered by employers to their employees who are new parents. This policy grants them paid or unpaid time off to care for their newborn and adjust to their new lifestyle. Employers may offer parental leave to both mothers and fathers, but the policies may differ for maternity and paternity leave. Depending on your company and state’s laws, paid leave will typically cover anywhere from two weeks to around four months. Parental leave may also cover additional leave needed to care for older children who may be sick or have a doctor’s appointment.
Part-time employment is when a person is required to work fewer hours than what their employer considers full-time per workweek. Your employer will be the one to determine which positions are classified as part-time, since there isn’t a legally set number of hours required. Part-time jobs are usually for workers who don’t want or need the time commitment of a full-time job. Part-time employment is a great option for those still in school, have parenting responsibilities, or are working on their own business endeavors.
A pension is a retirement fund for an employee. You and your employer will pay into this fund, with your employer usually covering the largest percentage of contributions. Employers will set aside this money in order to make payments to eligible employees once they retire. There are two types of pension plans, a defined benefit plan that guarantees a monthly set payment for life or a defined contribution plan that creates an investment account that will be available after your retirement.
Phone interviews, also known as phone screenings, are interviews held by recruiters over the phone to evaluate candidates. These interviews will likely lead to an in-person interview if they decide you are qualified for the position. You should prepare for this interview like any other, as the success of this phone call will determine how the rest of the hiring process will go.
Related:
How to prepare for a phone interview
Pre-employment assessments are tests found within a job application created to find out which applicant would be most qualified for the position. As an applicant, you may be asked to fill out questionnaires during the hiring process to test your skills, personality, emotional intelligence, and risk. The goal of pre-employment assessments is to help companies gain a better insight on your traits and capabilities in terms of the position at hand.
A promotion is an advancement within an employee’s career. Employees may receive a job promotion after displaying exceptional performance. Promotions can also occur once you have developed the skills and knowledge necessary to take on additional responsibilities. Many companies have a required amount of time an employee must work before becoming eligible for a promotion. While a promotion means more responsibilities, it also means a new title and potentially an increased salary.
A recruiter is an individual who works with clients to find qualified candidates for their job openings. Recruiters will source and screen candidates according to the new opening, before ultimately presenting the qualified candidates to their client. A recruiter will be the main point of contact for all parties in the hiring process, and will manage background and reference checks and the job offer process. Recruiters will also assist candidates with their resumes, interview preparation, and salary negotiations.
Related:
Benefits of working with a legal recruiter
Recruiter career guide
Questions to ask a recruiter about a contract job
A recruiting agency is a business that finds candidates to fill their clients’ job vacancies. Recruiting agencies source talent, vet candidates, and then present them to their employers. As a job seeker, using a recruiting agency will not only save time and grant you new job opportunities, but they will also provide feedback and offer you advice.
A reference check is a step in the hiring process when employers will contact a candidate’s previous employers to verify information about their background, experience, and skills. When an employer completes a reference check, they are hoping to confirm the information already known about you and potentially gain some insight about your strengths and limitations for the purpose of learning ways to best assist you once hired.
References are those you have worked with in the past and can speak on your employment experience. These references will typically include your past employers, co-workers, subordinates, or clients. These people can attest to your qualifications, work habits, and transferable skills. It is important to ask your references if it’s okay prior to including them on your reference list, as your future employer may contact them to ask questions about you.
Related:
How to write a recommendation request letter
Referrals occur when an individual is referred to a new business opportunity. These recommendations are meaningful and hold value to employers. Through networking, you may receive referrals for new organizations and openings. They are a great way to expand your professional network and create new relationships.
Remote employees are employees who work outside a traditional office environment. While the option to work remotely is decided by your employer and line of work, remote employees have the freedom and flexibility to work wherever they would like. Working remotely will not only broaden your job opportunities, but grant the opportunity to plan out your days in a way that your professional and personal lives may coexist and be experienced together.
Related:
How to overcome remote work challenges
Best remote jobs companies are looking to fill
How to successfully work remotely
Things you need for a productive home office
A resignation letter is a written document from an employee to formally notify their employer that they are leaving their job. This letter will include your intent to resign, last day of employment, contact information, signature, and any questions you may have. Sending your letter out well in advance and thanking your employer by mentioning opportunities provided and experiences gained are great ways to depart in a professional and graceful manner.
Related:
How to write a resignation letter
How to write a short notice resignation letter
Resumes are formal documents that job seekers will submit along with a job application to highlight their work experience, education, skills, and qualifications. Resumes are very valuable during the hiring process, as they are an employer’s first impression of you. Based on the relevant and accurate information you provide on your resume, the hiring manager will decide whether or not you’re worth interviewing.
Related:
Sample resumes
Are video resumes the future?
Do you need a digital resume?
The difference between a cv and a resume
A retained search is a type of recruitment search done by a staffing agency to source candidates. Staffing agencies will decide upon a retained agreement with their clients to be paid for their services, with endless ways to structure these terms and initiate once a payment has been made. Companies will likely prefer a retained search over a contained one as quality over quantity is a priority.
The SMART in SMART goals stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based. The intention is to create goals for yourself by clearly defining each objective within a certain timeframe. Individuals can use SMART goals to help them set and achieve their goals, no matter how big or small.
Social media is any internet communication tool used to share content efficiently and in real-time. Social media applications vary by function and their intended audience, with networking sites like LinkedIn existing solely for the professional world. The possibilities are endless when it comes to social media and because of its popularity, reviewing social media accounts has become an aspect of background checks for the hiring process.
Social recruiting is a method employers use to advertise their jobs, recruit candidates, and make connections with potential employees on social media platforms. Social media’s popularity has encouraged social recruiting and made it easier for job seekers to find jobs on their favorite social network. This type of recruiting makes your job search easy, and LinkedIn is a great place to start.
Soft skills are interpersonal skills and character traits that distinguish a person’s relationships with others. These skills deal with who someone is, rather than what they know. Your soft skills will likely be assessed during the hiring process to determine how well you interact with others and what your personality is like. Soft skills include your communication skills, interpersonal skills, listening skills, time management, and empathy.
Related:
What are soft skills and why are they important
Staffing is the process of finding, evaluating, and selecting candidates for a client’s job vacancies in exchange for a fee. Staffing agencies work to find both jobs for job seekers and qualified candidates for their clients. As a job seeker, staffing will provide you with connections, support, tips, and feedback.
The STAR method is a technique you can use to answer interview questions. This method works best when the questions pertain to real-life examples of how you once handled a past situation at work. After the question is asked, you can implement the STAR method by first laying out the situation. Once the scene is set, you can highlight the task and then share the actions taken. Finally, you can share the results of your action.
Temporary staffing is the placement of candidates with clients who have short-term employee needs. The duration of this placement could be vague or follow a specific timeline, as this will all depend on your employer. Temporary staffing is a great opportunity for those who enjoy the adaptability of casual work.
Transferable skills are skills that can be used in different types of jobs and career paths. These skills can be acquired through experiences, whether that means employment, school, internships, hobbies, or volunteer work. Transferable skills can be used in many career fields, and may be defined as hard or soft skills. They can fall into several categories, such as management skills, interpersonal skills, and clerical skills.
Twitter is an online news and social networking site created to connect users and give them a platform to share content. This social media platform enables users to “tweet,” which are short messages to communicate, using text, links, photos, and videos. Created in 2006, Twitter has become one of the most popular social sites and is a great way to connect with different people and companies.
Unemployment compensation is the benefits a worker is paid when they are laid off. Unemployment compensation is paid by the government and meant to act as a source of income until you find new employment. You must satisfy specific criteria to be eligible for these benefits and will likely be paid through unemployment checks or direct deposits.
The unemployment rate is a number calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to measure the amount of workers in the labor force versus those unemployed. This number is an important economic indicator, as it will rise during recessions and fall with expansions. As job seekers, the unemployment rate is a great indicator when determining the best time to start your job search.
A vacancy is an open job position within an organization. When job vacancies occur, a hiring manager will be responsible for assessing the position before searching for someone to fill it. Once they decide this position is still required, determine a description and qualifications, and make any necessary changes, hiring managers will share a new job posting for candidates to apply to the vacancy.
Video interviews are face-to-face meetings, similar to a regular interview, that take place online. These interviews have recently become more common, as their accessibility and flexibility is undeniable. While video interviews may relieve some of the anxiety that comes with in-person interviews, it is still important to look presentable, dress appropriately, find a quiet space, and avoid any outside distractions.
Related:
How to prepare for a zoom interview
How to write a thank you letter for a zoom interview
A W-2 employee is an employee paid via their employer’s payroll. This type of employee’s payroll taxes are also withheld throughout the year. W-2 employees will receive a W-2 tax form each year that is used to report a business’ annual compensation paid to their employees and the taxes withheld.
A W-4 form is an IRS document employees fill out for federal tax purposes. When you start a new job, your employer will likely provide you with a W-4 form on your first day in order to determine how much they should be withholding from your paycheck. If completed accurately, this form will help prevent you from overpaying taxes throughout the year.
Work from home (WFH) is a newer concept where employees can perform their job from home. Using company approved assets, policies, and tools, WFH offers flexible working hours and the work life balance that so many employees desire. Depending on your career field, many employers now offer this option to their employees in order to help them stay at home while working simultaneously. WFH can help employees feel more motivated and has been proven to increase productivity.
Related:
How to overcome remote work challenges
Best remote jobs companies are looking to fill
How to successfully work remotely
Things you need for a productive home office
Work-life balance involves the establishment of a stable way to work while maintaining your health and general well-being, aps well as minimizing work-related stress. Finding work-life balance means you’ve found equal fulfillment in both your personal and professional lives. This balance is dependent on what you do while you’re working and also what you do outside of work. Work-life balance looks different for everyone, but make sure this is something you prioritize throughout your job search and find what works best for you.
Worker’s compensation is the benefits a worker can be paid if they become injured or fall ill due to their job. This insurance, cash and/or medical care, will be paid by your employer after the Workers’ Compensation Board determines the claim is job-related. No one party will be ruled at fault, as the amount received will not decrease due to your carelessness or increase by your employer’s responsibility.
Workplace culture describes an organization’s internal culture. Workplace culture is an important aspect for candidates to consider when applying for jobs, as each organization’s culture is unique. Defining aspects may include the physical environment, people, policies and philosophies, leadership, management, and communications.