Are you a recent graduate or young professional just getting into the wonderful world of work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or perhaps you\u2019re an HR professional needing to brush up on modern office jargon?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This career glossary is just for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this post, we\u2019ll give you all the common job vocabulary, career terms, HR phrases, and employment lexicon, as well as some lesser-known vocational words and phrases, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nHere is our glossary of career terms and workplace vocabulary to know:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Applicant<\/strong> – An applicant is a job seeker who has applied for employment at a company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Applicant Tracking System<\/strong> – An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software employed by hiring managers and human resources employees to assist in filtering out candidates based on resume keywords, specific skills, and other variables designated by the operator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Application<\/strong> – An application is an official request from a job seeker to be considered for employment given to a company or recruiter. A job application may be a simple email with a resume or cover letter attached to it, or it could be on a proprietary company system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ATS<\/strong> – See “applicant tracking system.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Background Check<\/strong> – A background check is a review process performed by a company on a particular job applicant to determine if they are qualified, legitimate, truthful, and whether there are any items in their past which could harm the company were it to hire the applicant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Benefit<\/strong> – Benefits are items and services offered by a company on top of monetary compensation (salary). Common employer benefits include medical insurance<\/a>, dental insurance, retirement benefits, disability insurance, and paid time off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Career Change<\/strong> – A career change is when a person in one field, industry, or line of work switches paths to be outside of their current employment trajectory. For example, a person working their way up the legal career path from law assistant to paralegal makes a career change when they decide to leave law and head into marketing. Learn more about careers here: What is a Career?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cover Letter<\/strong> – A cover letter is an employment document that a job seeker writes to formally state their application for a job, explain why they\u2019re qualified, and detail why they\u2019d be an ideal candidate and future employee, if hired. A cover letter usually accompanies a job resume and is attached together in an email as a job application. Read our cover letter tips<\/a> to make sure yours is perfect!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elevator Pitch<\/strong> – An elevator pitch is a short speech meant to persuade someone to take an action or consider an idea proposed. The goal of an elevator speech could be just about anything, from getting a CEO to consider someone for a job to pitching a million-dollar idea to a Silicon Valley investor. Learn more about elevator pitches here: How to Create an Elevator Pitch in 5 Easy Steps<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Employment Website<\/strong> – An employment website, also known as an online job board, is a website where job seekers can search for available opportunities and apply for jobs. There are many employment websites<\/a> available, including niche ones, such as job boards for remote work<\/a> and job boards for creative professionals<\/a>, but check out Goodwall Opportunities<\/a> for our version, which we think you’ll love \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Family Leave<\/strong> – See “parental leave.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to learn more about internships, read our guides: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Internships 101: Everything to Know About Internship Programs<\/a><\/li>
- Why are Internships Important?<\/a><\/li>
- How to Get an Internship in 5 Easy Steps<\/a><\/li>
- 15+ Best Internship Websites to Find Intern Programs Near You<\/a><\/li>
- 25+ Types of Internships to Know<\/a><\/li>
- 21+ Internship Quotes for Motivation<\/a><\/li>
- How to Get an Internship Using Goodwall in 5 Easy Steps<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Interview<\/strong> – An interview is a meeting between a job candidate and one or more company representatives for the purpose of determining whether the candidate would be a good fit as a potential employee. Read our interview tips to ace your next meeting<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Job Board<\/strong> – See “employment website.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maternity Leave<\/strong> – See “parental leave.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paternity Leave<\/strong> – See “parental leave.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pounding the Pavement<\/strong> – The term “pounding the pavement” is an idiom used to describe the act of diligently and vigorously searching for employment. Job seekers pound the pavement<\/em> when they are eagerly and constantly looking for their next dream opportunity. If you want help pounding the pavement, check out our best job search tips<\/a> for great advice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Promotion<\/strong> – A promotion is a company action which involves advancing an employee to a higher rank in the organization. Many promotions involve more responsibilities and may include an increase in benefits and perks<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Resume<\/strong> – A resume is an employment document a job seeker creates detailing their work history, academic achievements, skills, certifications, awards, and any other relevant information. A resume is less extensive and comprehensive than a CV. Read our top resume tips<\/a> to make sure yours is on point!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learn more about the web profile<\/a>, how to use it to land a job<\/a>, or how to use it to score a scholarship<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- 13 Best Remote & Online Jobs for 2020 & Beyond<\/a><\/li>
- 25+ Working From Home Tips for Productivity<\/a><\/li>
- 10+ Tips on How to Stay Healthy Working From Home<\/a><\/li>
- How to Stay Connected Socially While Stuck at Home<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Work-Life Balance<\/strong> – A “work-life balance” is the ability to tune the time you spend on your professional and personal lives in order to find a healthy medium that enhances your quality of life. To have a good balance between work and your personal life, you need to know when to work, of course, but you also need to know when to take time for yourself, as it’s important for your mental health, physical health, relationships, and career. Learn more about what is a work-life balance<\/a>, or read our top work-life balance quotes<\/a> for inspiration!<\/p>\n\n\n\n