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Glossary
Here is a concise guide to some of the terms you may come across in your job search.
Article
A message sent to a Newsgroup on the Internet.
ASCII character set
A standard character set consisting of 96 upper and lowercase letters plus 32 nonprinting control characters, each of which is represented by a unique number code to achieve uniformity across different computer platforms.
Attachment
A file (such as a picture or word processor document) which is attached to an email message.
Blue chip company
A large, well-known public limited company with a good reputation.
Body language
Non-verbal communication via posture, gestures and facial expression, which often works at a subconscious level. In an interview it is essential that your body language conveys the same message as the words that you speak.
Commission
A method of paying employees some extra money over and above their normal wage, based on a percentage of turnover or orders taken.
Covering letter
A letter that is sent with a CV/resume.
Curriculum vitae
The main document used by job applicants to provide prospective employers with the key facts about themselves, such as their employment history and educational background. In today's competitive job market, the curriculum vitae (or CV) has become an important personal marketing tool. There are three common formats: Functional, Chronological, and Hybrid. In some parts of the world (such as the USA), the term CV has a slightly different meaning, referring to a highly detailed career biography which is required for certain specialist fields such as scientific research, healthcare and teaching.
CV
Short for curriculum vitae.
CV scanning
A technology used by many large organizations to screen and sort job applicants. A computer program is used to electronically scan applicants' CVs into a computer database. The employer can then search the database for certain keywords to quickly identify which applicants are qualified for a particular vacancy.
Electronic CV
A CV that is suitable for inclusion on a CV database or for publishing on the Web. The term encompasses three main types of CV: Plain Text CVs, Scannable CVs, and Web CVs.
Electronic resume
A resume that is suitable for inclusion on a resume database or for publishing on the Web. The term encompasses three main types of resume: Plain Text Resumes, Scannable Resumes, and Web Resumes.
Flexitime
An arrangement whereby employees can decide when to start and finish work each day, as long as a minimum number of hours are worked each week/month.
Information technology
The handling, processing, storage, retrieval, analysis and distribution of information using computers.
IT
Short for information technology.
Job sharing
Where an employer takes one full-time job and splits it between two people, who each work part-time.
Keywords
These are nouns and phrases that employers are likely to be looking for when they search CV/resume databases. They could be skills, qualifications, software titles, colleges, etc. Many companies use computer programs to automate the search process, so the more keywords you have, the more likely you'll be short-listed by the computer as a candidate for the job. Some experts recommend adding a special section to your electronic CV or electronic resume called "Keywords" where you can put all the keywords that are relevant to the jobs you are applying for.
Newsgroup
A message area or discussion group on part of the Internet known as Usenet.
NVQ
Short for National Vocational Qualification. NVQs are qualifications which measure what you can actually do in the work place, rather than testing how much you can remember about a subject during an examination. In Scotland, the equivalent qualification is known as an SVQ.
On spec
Getting in touch with a firm to find out if they have any vacancies which they haven't advertised.
PA
Short for personal assistant.
Personal assistant
Job title that applies to someone who assists a manager, senior executive or professional person, taking over responsibility for administrative arrangements and the day-to-day office routine.
Personnel department
The department in an organization that deals with recruitment, training, human resource planning, staff welfare schemes, etc.
Plain text CV
A CV that has been saved as a plain text document - the ideal format for sending via email, or posting to Internet job sites. Plain text CVs can be created with text editors such as Notepad (Windows) and SimpleText (Apple Mac). Since most plain text CVs end up on some form of database, it is essential that they contain relevant keywords.
Plain text document
A document that contains nothing but the standard range of numbers, letters and punctuation included in the ASCII character set. Plain text means just that - plain text with no formatting; so no type styles (eg. bold and italic), bullet points, indented paragraphs, etc. On the Windows platform, plain text documents have file names which end with the .txt extension.
Plain text resume
A resume that has been saved as a plain text document - the ideal format for sending via email, or posting to Internet job sites. Plain text resumes can be created with text editors such as Notepad (Windows) and SimpleText (Apple Mac). Since most plain text resumes end up on some form of database, it is essential that they contain relevant keywords.
Psychometric testing
A selection test that some employers use for measuring the psychological characteristics of job applicants, such as personality, intelligence and motivation.
Recruitment agency
A business that finds staff for employers. Some recruitment agencies have a wide range of jobs on their books, while others specialize in a particular field, eg. jobs in accountancy. In most cases, they will also handle the job interview process on behalf of the employer. Reputable agencies will not charge you a fee, as they are paid by companies looking for staff.
Referee
A person who will be able to give a prospective employer details of your experience and comment on your personal qualities.
Reference
A statement provided by someone you nominate to vouch for your honesty and ability to carry out the duties associated with a vacancy.
Resume
In some parts of the world, resume is the preferred name for the document sent by job applicants to potential employers, outlining their key skills and experience. It is basically the same as a curriculum vitae in the UK.
Resume scanning
A technology used by many large organizations to screen and sort job applicants. A computer program is used to electronically scan applicants' resumes into a computer database. The employer can then search the database for certain keywords to quickly identify which applicants are qualified for a particular vacancy.
Scannable CV
A paper-based CV that is "scanner-friendly", ie. suitable for scanning into a computer. Many large companies now use a computer program to electronically scan applicants' CVs into a computer database. The employer can then search the database for certain keywords to quickly identify which applicants are qualified for a particular vacancy. For this reason, it is essential that a scannable CV contains as many relevant keywords as possible (without resorting to lies or exaggeration).
Scannable resume
A paper-based resume that is "scanner-friendly", ie. suitable for scanning into a computer. Many large companies now use a computer program to electronically scan applicants' resumes into a computer database. The employer can then search the database for certain keywords to quickly identify which applicants are qualified for a particular vacancy. For this reason, it is essential that a scannable resume contains as many relevant keywords as possible (without resorting to lies or exaggeration).
Teleworking
A means by which employees or subcontractors can work largely from home, thanks to advances in information technology. Teleworkers communicate with head office via the Internet, telephone calls and prearranged face-to-face meetings.
Web CV
A CV that is published on the Web, so that anyone with a browser and the Web address can view the information instantly.
Web resume
A resume that is published on the Web, so that anyone with a browser and the Web address can view the information instantly. |
