RECRUITMENT GLOSSARY

HR & recruitment
jargon defined

We've pulled together a glossary of terms and definitions used commonly in the recruitment industry.

Cultural Fit
The alignment between a candidate's values, behaviours, and work style with the established company culture. A good cultural fit is likely to feel comfortable, integrate well with the team, and thrive in the company environment.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A detailed document used by job applicants to showcase their qualifications for employment, including education, work experience, skills, and achievements.
Depending on Experience (DOE)
This term indicates a job's salary is flexible and will be based on the candidate's relevant experience level.
Digital Interview (or Virtual Interview)
A job interview conducted remotely using video conferencing technology. Digital interviews allow for greater flexibility and accessibility for both candidates and employers, and can be particularly useful for geographically dispersed workforces.
Diversity Hire Rate
Tracks progress towards building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I)
Initiatives aimed at creating a workplace that is inclusive and representative of a diverse range of backgrounds. AI can support DE&I by mitigating bias in the recruitment process.
Embedded Recruitment
The integration of recruitment tools and functionalities directly within a company's career website or applicant tracking system (ATS). This allows for a more seamless candidate experience and streamlines the application process.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
A confidential work benefit that provides employees and sometimes their families with counselling and support for personal challenges.
Employee Benefits
Non-cash rewards provided by an employer to supplement an employee's salary. Common employee benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, paid time off (holiday pay, sick leave, maternity leave, etc.), pension contributions, and gym memberships.
Employee Engagement
The level of commitment and enthusiasm an employee feels towards their work and workplace. Engaged employees are more productive, satisfied, and less likely to leave the company.
Employee Engagement Score
Indicates how engaged and motivated employees are.
Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS)
A measure of employee sentiment, gauging how likely they are to recommend your company as a great place to work. It helps improve your Employer Value Proposition (EVP).
Employee Referral Program (ERP)
A program that incentivises existing employees to refer qualified candidates from their network for open positions within the company.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
A company program that grants employees ownership in the company by giving them shares of stock.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
A company benefit that allows employees to buy shares of company stock at a discount, often through payroll deductions. This allows them to build ownership over time.
Employee Value Proposition (EVP)
The unique benefits and experiences offered by a company to attract, retain, and motivate talented employees. This goes beyond just compensation and perks, and can include things like work culture, development opportunities, and a sense of purpose.
Employer Brand
An employer brand is the perception that potential and current employees, as well as the broader public, have of your organisation as a workplace. It encompasses everything from your company culture and values to employee benefits, career development opportunities, and your reputation in the community.
Employer Mapping
The process of identifying and researching potential employers in a specific industry or location. This can be helpful for both candidates and recruiters. Candidates can use employer mapping to target their job search, while recruiters can use it to identify potential talent pools.
Employer of Record (EOR)
An organisation that serves as the legal employer for a worker, taking responsibility for payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance, while the worker performs their duties for another company. EORs are often used in situations such as hiring remote workers, expanding into new markets, or engaging contingent workers.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
A legal principle ensuring fair treatment for all job seekers and employees, regardless of factors like race, gender, or religion.
Exit Interview
A formal conversation conducted with an employee who is leaving the company. The purpose is to understand why the employee is departing and to identify areas for improvement within the organisation. Exit interviews can be helpful for spotting trends in employee turnover and developing strategies to address them.
Fair Work Commission (FWC)
Australia's independent workplace tribunal that sets minimum wages, resolves disputes, and regulates awards and agreements to promote fair treatment for employees and employers.
Fair Work Ombudsman (FOW)
An Australian government agency that enforces workplace laws and ensures employees receive their fair entitlements. They also offer advice to employers on minimum legal requirements.
First-Year Turnover Rate
The percentage of employees who leave an organisation within their first year of employment. A high first-year turnover rate can be costly and disruptive.
Fixed Term Contract (FTC)
An employment agreement for a predetermined period, often used for temporary roles, project work, or maternity leave cover.
Flexible Benefits
A system that allows employees to choose the benefits that are most important to them from a range of options.
Freelancer Management System (FMS)
A software solution that helps organisations manage their contingent workforce, including freelancers, independent contractors, and temporary workers. An FMS typically includes features such as talent sourcing, onboarding, performance management, and payment processing.
Fringe Benefits
Another term for employee benefits, though it can sometimes refer to more specific taxable benefits, such as company cars or low-interest loans.
Full Time Equivalent (FTE)
A unit that measures employee workload. One FTE represents the number of hours considered "full-time" at your company. It helps compare workloads of part-time and full-time employees.
Garden Leave
Garden leave is a practice where an employee who has resigned or been terminated is required to stay away from the workplace for a set period during their notice period. They are still considered an employee and receive their full salary and benefits during this time.