Career Glossary: 120+ Job Terms & HR Vocab to Know

Filtering through thousands of resumes and understanding the intricates of terms used for job search, employment, remote work and career development. We’ve compiled a list of most common career and job search lingo and explain each career terms in simple, layman terms.

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Career Glossary: Job Terms You Need to Know

If you are a job seeker, fresh graduate, company hiring manager, human resource professional, or just someone who is in a job, this glossary of career terms and modern office jargon will be what you’ll need.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | W | X | Y | Z

A

Agile Work

A flexible work approach emphasizing adaptability, collaboration, and responsiveness to change in project management and product development.

Algorithmic Bias

Unintentional discrimination resulting from the use of biased algorithms in hiring, promotions, or other employment processes.

Annual Review

A yearly evaluation of an employee’s performance and achievements, often conducted by a supervisor or manager.

Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

Software used by employers to manage job applications, screen resumes, and streamline the hiring process.

Apprenticeship

A training program where individuals, known as apprentices, learn and work in a specific trade or profession under the guidance of a mentor.

B

Benefits Package

The supplementary offerings provided by employers, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.

Blended Learning

A combination of in-person and online learning methods in educational or professional development settings.

Blue-Collar Worker

Refers to individuals employed in manual labor or industrial work, often involving physical tasks and skilled trades.

Brand Ambassador

An individual, often an employee, who represents and promotes a brand, company, or product, typically in a positive and authentic manner.

B2B (Business-to-Business)

Transactions and relationships between businesses rather than between a business and individual consumers.

C

Career Advancement

The process of progressing and growing within one’s career, often involving promotions and increased responsibilities.

Career Coaching

Personalized guidance provided by a professional coach to help individuals navigate career decisions, set goals, and overcome challenges.

Career Fair

An event where employers and job seekers come together to explore job opportunities, network, and discuss potential employment.

Career Glossary

A comprehensive list of career-related words and their definitions.

Contract Work

Employment based on a specific contract, typically for a defined period or a specific project, without long-term commitment.

Cover Letter

A personalized document accompanying a resume, introducing the applicant and expressing their interest in a specific job.

Coworking Space

Shared workspaces where individuals from different companies or freelancers can work in a collaborative and community-oriented environment.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A comprehensive document detailing an individual’s academic and professional achievements.

D

Digital Nomad

An individual who uses technology to work remotely, allowing for flexibility in location.

Digital Skills

Proficiency in using digital tools, software, and technology relevant to one’s job or industry.

Diversity and Inclusion

A workplace culture that values differences and ensures equal opportunities for all employees.

Dog-Eat-Dog

An intensely competitive or ruthless environment, especially in the business world.

Downsizing

The reduction of a company’s workforce to cut costs, often resulting in layoffs or job eliminations.

Dual Career

A situation where both partners in a relationship or marriage pursue separate careers.

E

eXit Strategy

A plan outlining how an entrepreneur or business owner intends to leave or sell their business.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employer-sponsored programs providing confidential support services, counseling, and resources to address personal or work-related issues.

Employee Engagement

The level of emotional commitment and involvement an employee has towards their work, colleagues, and organization.

Employee Handbook

A document outlining company policies, procedures, and expectations for employees.

Exit Interview

A meeting conducted with an employee leaving a company to gather feedback on their experiences and reasons for departure.

F

Flextime

A work schedule that allows employees to vary their start and end times within established limits, offering flexibility in working hours.

Freelance Economy

The growing trend of individuals working as freelancers or independent contractors.

Freelance Marketplace

Online platforms connecting freelancers with clients seeking specific services.

Freelance Writer

A self-employed individual who writes content for various clients, publications, or platforms.

Freelancer

A self-employed individual who offers services on a project or contract basis.

Freemium Model

A business model offering basic services for free and charging for premium features or upgrades.

G

Gig Economy

A labor market characterized by short-term, flexible jobs and freelance work.

Glass Ceiling

An invisible barrier that prevents certain groups, often women or minorities, from advancing to higher levels in the workplace.

Golden Handshake

A financial incentive or compensation offered to an employee as part of a retirement or departure agreement.

Green Jobs

Positions that contribute to environmentally sustainable practices and address climate change.

Grit

A combination of passion and perseverance, often considered a key factor for long-term success in one’s career.

H

Headhunter

A professional recruiter or executive search consultant hired by companies to find suitable candidates for specialized roles.

Hawthorne Effect

The phenomenon where individuals improve their performance due to increased attention or observation.

I

Inclusion Rider

A contractual clause that requires diversity and inclusion in casting and hiring decisions.

Informational Interview

A conversation with a professional to gain insights, advice, and industry knowledge.

Intangible Assets

Non-physical assets such as brand value, reputation, or intellectual property that contribute to a company’s overall worth.

Intergenerational Workplace

A work environment where individuals from different generations collaborate and work together.

J

Job Board

An online platform where employers post job vacancies, and job seekers can search for and apply to positions.

Job Crafting

The intentional modification of one’s job roles and tasks to better align with personal strengths, values, and preferences.

Job Hopper

An individual who frequently changes jobs, often moving between companies within a short period.

Job Interview

A formal meeting between an employer and a candidate to assess qualifications for a position.

Job Rotation

A career development strategy where employees are moved through various roles within an organization to broaden their skills.

Job Satisfaction

The level of contentment and fulfillment an individual experiences in their job and work environment.

Job Search

The process of actively looking for employment opportunities.

K

Knowledge Management

The systematic process of capturing, organizing, and applying an organization’s collective knowledge.

Knowledge Transfer

The process of transmitting knowledge and expertise from one individual or group to another within an organization.

L

Laissez-Faire Leadership

A leadership style where leaders provide minimal guidance and allow employees considerable freedom.

Lateral Career Move

A job change that involves a similar level of responsibility but may provide new challenges or opportunities for growth.

Layoff

The temporary or permanent termination of employment due to reasons such as downsizing, restructuring, or economic challenges.

LinkedIn

A professional social networking platform for job searching, networking, and building a professional online presence.

M

Managerial Skills

The abilities and competencies required for effective management, including leadership, decision-making, and communication.

Masterclass

An in-depth and advanced course or seminar focused on enhancing specific skills or gaining specialized knowledge.

MBA (Master of Business Administration)

A graduate-level degree focused on business and management education.

Mentorship

A relationship where a more experienced person provides guidance, advice, and support to a less experienced individual.

Meritocracy

A system where individuals advance based on their abilities, skills, and achievements rather than factors like social class.

Micromanagement

A management style where a supervisor closely oversees and controls the work of their subordinates to an excessive degree.

Microlearning

Learning in small, focused segments, often through brief online modules or short sessions, designed for quick absorption of information.

N

Networking

Building and maintaining professional relationships for information, advice, and job opportunities.

Nominal Group Technique

A structured method for group decision-making that encourages equal participation and idea generation.

Noncompete Agreement

A legal contract restricting an employee from working for a competitor or starting a similar business for a specified time after leaving their current job.

O

Occupational Burnout

A state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion resulting from prolonged workplace stress.

Office Culture

The shared values, beliefs, and behaviors within a workplace that influence interactions and the overall work environment.

On-the-Job Training

Training provided to employees while they are actively working on their assigned tasks.

Onboarding

The process of integrating new employees into a company.

Overtime

Additional work hours beyond the standard workweek, often compensated with extra pay.

P

Paternity Leave

A period of paid or unpaid time off granted to fathers after the birth or adoption of a child.

Performance Review

A formal assessment of an employee’s job performance, typically conducted annually, to provide feedback and set goals.

Personality Assessment

Tools and methods used to evaluate an individual’s personality traits and characteristics.

Professional Development

Activities and opportunities that help individuals enhance their skills, knowledge, and abilities in their chosen field.

Q

Qualifications Framework

A standardized system defining and aligning educational qualifications within a specific country or region.

Quantitative Skills

The ability to understand and work with numerical data, often essential in various professional fields.

Quit Rate

The percentage of employees who voluntarily leave a company within a specific period, indicating turnover or attrition.

R

Recruitment

The process of attracting, selecting, and hiring qualified individuals to fill job vacancies within an organization.

Remote Collaboration

Collaborative work conducted among team members who are geographically dispersed, often utilizing digital tools and communication platforms.

Remote Work

A work arrangement that allows employees to perform their job duties outside the traditional office setting, often facilitated by technology.

Resume

A concise document summarizing an individual’s education, work experience, skills, and achievements.

Reverse Culture Shock

Disorientation and discomfort experienced by individuals returning to their home culture after living abroad.

Reverse Mentoring

A mentoring relationship where a less experienced individual provides insights and guidance to a more experienced professional.

S

Salary Negotiation

Discussing and reaching an agreement on compensation and benefits with an employer before accepting a job offer.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Techniques used to optimize online content, including resumes or LinkedIn profiles, for better visibility in search engine results.

Severance Package

Compensation and benefits provided to an employee who is laid off or let go, typically including financial support and job transition assistance.

Skill Set

The unique combination of skills, abilities, and knowledge that an individual possesses.

Skunkworks Project

A small, often secretive, group within a company focused on innovative and experimental projects.

Strategic Planning

The process of defining an organization’s direction and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this direction.

T

Talent Management

A strategic approach to attracting, developing, and retaining top talent within an organization.

Targeted Resume

A customized resume tailored for a specific job, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.

Temp Agency

A company that connects businesses with temporary or part-time workers, often for short-term projects or to cover absences.

Time Management

Strategies and techniques to prioritize tasks and allocate time effectively.

Transferable Skills

Skills that can be applied across different roles, industries, or situations, making individuals adaptable to various professional environments.

U

Underemployment

The condition where individuals are employed in roles that do not fully utilize their skills, qualifications, or education.

Unemployment Rate

The percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment.

Unstructured Interview

An informal interview where questions are not predetermined, allowing for a more conversational and spontaneous discussion.

Upskilling

Acquiring additional skills or enhancing existing ones to remain competitive in the job market.

V

Value Proposition

A statement highlighting an individual’s unique value and contributions they bring to an organization.

Virtual Interview

An interview conducted through video conferencing, allowing participants to connect remotely.

Virtual Onboarding

The process of integrating new employees into a company remotely, often using digital tools and technology.

W

Work Ethic

The set of values, principles, and beliefs that guide an individual’s behavior and work-related actions.

Work-Life Balance

Maintaining equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal life for overall well-being.

Workplace Wellness

Programs and initiatives designed to promote the health and well-being of employees within a workplace.

X

Xenocentrism

A preference for or appreciation of foreign ideas, products, or practices over those of one’s own culture.

Xenophily

A positive attitude towards foreign cultures and a preference for working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

X-Factor

Unique qualities, skills, or experiences that set an individual apart and contribute to their success.

Y

Yellow-Collar Worker

A term referring to service-oriented workers in the technology or creative industries.

Youth Apprenticeship

A structured work-based learning program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction for young individuals.

Youth Employment Initiative (YEI)

Programs or initiatives aimed at providing employment opportunities for young individuals entering the workforce.

Youthquake

A significant cultural, political, or social change arising from the actions or influence of young people.

Z

Zenith Career

The peak or highest point in an individual’s career, often representing their most successful and fulfilling professional period.

Zero-Based Budgeting

A budgeting approach where each expense must be justified for each new budgeting period.

Zero-Day Contract

A work arrangement where individuals are called to work on an as-needed basis without a guaranteed number of hours or a fixed schedule.

Zero-Hour Contract

A work agreement where employees are not guaranteed any fixed number of working hours, often used for flexible or on-call arrangements.

Zoom Meeting

A virtual meeting conducted using the Zoom platform, allowing participants to connect remotely.

360-Degree Feedback

A performance evaluation method that collects feedback from an employee’s supervisor, peers, subordinates, and sometimes clients.