Glossary

Adaptive Skills

Personal attributes and qualities that demonstrate one's ability to adapt to changing work environments and situations.

Alumni Network

A group of graduates from a specific institution who support each other in their careers, often providing job leads and advice.

Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

Software used by employers to manage the recruitment process.

Assessment

Evaluative tools, tests, or exercises used during the hiring process to measure a candidate's skills.

Background Check

An investigation into a candidate's criminal history, employment history, education, and other relevant details conducted by employers during the hiring process.

Behavioral Interview

Focuses on a candidate's past behavior to predict future performance.

Benefits Package

The comprehensive set of perks and offerings provided by employers to employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other incentives.

Bias

Unfair prejudice influencing hiring decisions.

Candidate

An individual seeking employment and participating in the recruitment process.

Career Fair

An event where employers and job seekers gather to exchange information, discuss job opportunities, and explore potential matches.

Certification

A formal recognition of skills or knowledge in a specific area, often obtained through training programs or exams, enhancing a candidate's qualifications.

Coaching Agreement

A formal contract outlining the terms, goals, and expectations between a coach and a client.

Cold Calling

Proactively reaching out to potential employers or networking contacts, often via phone or email, to inquire about job opportunities.

Company Culture

The shared values, beliefs, and practices within an organization, influencing how employees interact and work together.

Competency-Based Interview

An interview format where candidates are asked to provide specific examples of past experiences and how they demonstrated particular competencies or skills.

Cover Letter

A personalized letter accompanying a resume that introduces the candidate, expresses interest in a position, and highlights relevant qualifications.

Culture Fit

Alignment between a candidate's values and an organization's culture.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A comprehensive document listing an individual's academic and professional achievements, commonly used in academic and international job searches.

Decision-Maker

The person within a company or organization who has the authority to make final hiring decisions.

Deferred Compensation

A portion of an employee's earnings that is set aside to be distributed at a later date, often as part of retirement plans.

Development Plan

A structured roadmap outlining the steps and actions a client will take to achieve their goals with the guidance of a coach.

Digital Interview

Conducted remotely using video conferencing technology.

Digital Presence

The online visibility and reputation of an individual, including social media profiles, professional websites, and other digital platforms.

Discrimination

Unfair treatment of individuals based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or disability, which is illegal in the workplace.

Diversity

Presence of a wide range of human characteristics within a group.

Diversity Hiring

The intentional effort to attract, hire, and retain candidates from diverse backgrounds to create a more inclusive and varied workforce.

Dress Code

A set of guidelines outlining appropriate attire for the workplace or a specific event, influencing how candidates present themselves during job search activities.

Dual Career

A situation where both partners in a relationship or marriage are pursuing their own careers, and decisions are made to support both individuals professionally.

Elevator Pitch

A brief and compelling summary of a person's skills, experience, and career goals, typically delivered in the time it takes to ride an elevator.

Employability Skills

General skills and traits, including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, that make an individual well-suited for employment.

Employee Referral Program

A company initiative that encourages current employees to refer qualified candidates for job openings, often resulting in bonuses for successful hires.

Employment Gap

A period during which an individual is not employed, which can be addressed strategically in resumes or interviews.

Emotional Intelligence (EI)

The ability to understand and manage one's own emotions and effectively navigate interpersonal relationships.

Equity

Fairness in treatment, ensuring equal opportunities.

Executive Coaching

Coaching tailored for leaders and executives to enhance leadership skills, decision-making, and overall effectiveness.

Executive Presence

The combination of qualities, including confidence, communication skills, and a polished appearance, that convey leadership and professionalism.

Executive Search

Recruiting candidates for senior-level positions.

Exit Interview

A structured conversation conducted by employers with departing employees to gather feedback on their experiences and reasons for leaving.

Feedback

Information provided by a coach to a client on their performance, progress, and areas for improvement.

Flexible Work Arrangements

Alternative work schedules or locations that provide employees with greater flexibility in balancing work and personal responsibilities.

Freelancer

A self-employed individual who offers services to multiple clients on a project-by-project basis.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

A unit that indicates the total number of worked hours, representing a full-time employee, used for workforce planning and budgeting.

Functional Resume

A resume format that emphasizes skills and qualifications rather than a chronological work history, often used by individuals changing careers or with employment gaps.

Gig Worker

A term often used to describe individuals who work on a freelance or temporary basis, taking on short-term projects or tasks.

Glass Ceiling

Invisible barriers that prevent certain groups, often women or minorities, from advancing to higher levels within an organization.

Goal Setting

The process of defining specific, measurable, and achievable objectives to guide coaching sessions.

Green Jobs

Positions focused on environmental sustainability and conservation, contributing to eco-friendly practices.

Group Interview

An interview format where multiple candidates are assessed simultaneously by one or more interviewers.

Hard Skills

Specific, teachable abilities or knowledge that can be quantified, such as data analysis, programming, or proficiency in a particular software.

Headhunter

A recruiter or executive search professional hired by a company to find and attract top talent for specific roles.

Hidden Job Market

Job opportunities that are not publicly advertised, often discovered through networking, informational interviews, or personal connections.

Hiring Manager

The person responsible for making final hiring decisions and managing the new employee within an organization.

Hobby Job

A job pursued for personal satisfaction or interest rather than financial necessity, often part-time or as a secondary source of income.

Holistic Coaching

An approach that considers various aspects of an individual's life, including personal and professional, to achieve a balanced development.

Hybrid Work

A work arrangement that combines both remote work and in-office work, allowing employees flexibility in choosing their work location.

Impression Management

The process of controlling or influencing how others perceive you, especially during job interviews and professional interactions.

Inclusion

Creating a work environment where all individuals feel welcome.

Inclusive Language

Communication that avoids exclusive or discriminatory terms and fosters a welcoming and diverse environment.

Industry-Specific Skills

Skills and knowledge relevant to a particular industry or sector, making a candidate well-suited for roles within that specific field.

InMail

A feature on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn that allows users to send messages to individuals they are not directly connected to.

Internal Mobility

The process of employees transitioning to different roles or departments within the same organization.

Interview

Formal discussion to assess suitability for a job.

Job Board

Online platform for posting job openings.

Job Crafting

The process of proactively shaping and redesigning one's job to make it more meaningful, engaging, and aligned with personal strengths.

Job Description

Detailed document outlining job responsibilities and qualifications.

Job Market

The overall demand and supply of labor in the economy, influencing employment opportunities and job-seeking strategies.

Job Satisfaction

The level of contentment and fulfillment an individual derives from their work and job-related experiences.

Job Transition Coaching

Coaching support provided to individuals undergoing career changes, job loss, or seeking new opportunities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Quantifiable metrics used to evaluate the success of a particular process or activity, often used in performance assessments.

Knowledge Transfer

The process of sharing information, skills, and expertise from one individual or team to another within an organization.

Knowledge Worker

An individual whose job involves creating, managing, and applying knowledge, often in fields such as information technology, research, or consulting.

KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

An acronym used in job descriptions and applications to outline the specific requirements for a position.

Lateral Move

Transitioning to a different role within the same level or hierarchy, typically within the same organization.

Layoff

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

Letter of Recommendation

A formal letter written by a professional reference endorsing an individual's qualifications and character, often used in job applications.

Leverage

Using personal strengths, skills, or resources to gain a strategic advantage, especially during negotiations or job searches.

Life Coach

A professional who helps clients set and achieve personal goals, improve life satisfaction, and enhance overall well-being.

Lifelong Learning

The continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout one's career to adapt to evolving industries and technologies.

LinkedIn

A popular professional networking platform where individuals can connect with colleagues, peers, and potential employers, showcasing their professional experience.

LGBTQ+ Inclusion

Ensuring a workplace is supportive and inclusive of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other sexual orientations and gender identities.

Mentorship

A professional relationship in which an experienced individual guides and supports the career development of a less experienced person.

Mock Interview

A practice interview session designed to help job seekers prepare and improve their interview skills.

Motivational Interviewing

A coaching technique that explores and strengthens a client's motivation for change.

Motivational Letter

A document submitted along with a job application that outlines the candidate's motivations, career goals, and reasons for applying to a specific position.

Multitasking

The ability to handle multiple tasks or activities simultaneously, often considered a valuable skill in various job settings.

Negotiation Skills

The ability to reach mutually beneficial agreements, often applied during salary negotiations or contract discussions.

Networking

The process of creating and nurturing professional relationships to exchange information, advice, and support.

Niche Job Board

An online platform specialized in posting job openings for a specific industry, profession, or skill set.

Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

A legal contract that prohibits the sharing of confidential information between parties, often used in recruitment and business partnerships.

Noncompete Agreement

A legal contract that restricts an employee from working for a competitor or starting a similar business for a specific period after leaving a company.

Nonprofit Job Search

Exploring job opportunities within the nonprofit sector, often focused on social impact and community service.

Notice Period

The duration of time an employee or employer must provide before terminating employment, typically stated in employment contracts.

Offer Letter

A formal document from an employer offering a job position to a candidate, including details such as salary, benefits, and start date.

Onboarding

The process of integrating and orienting new employees into an organization, helping them adapt to the company culture and their roles.

Online Presence

The collective existence of a business or individual that is found online via searches. A business’ online presence can be encountered  via LinkedIn, Tik Tok or other social media, entertainment or news media websites and so on.

Open-Ended Question

A question that requires more than a simple "yes" or "no" answer, encouraging candidates to provide detailed responses during interviews.

Organizational Culture

The shared values, beliefs, and practices within an organization that shape its identity and influence how employees interact.

Outplacement Services

Support and assistance provided by companies to employees facing job transitions, including career coaching and job search resources.

Outsourcing

The practice of contracting out certain tasks or functions to external service providers rather than handling them in-house.

Over-qualification

When a candidate possesses more qualifications or experience than necessary for a particular job.

Panel Interview

An interview format where a candidate is interviewed by multiple individuals at the same time, typically representing different departments or roles.

Performance Coaching

A coaching approach focused on improving job performance and achieving professional objectives.

Performance Review

An assessment of an employee's job performance, typically conducted periodically to provide feedback and set goals.

Personal Branding

The practice of creating and maintaining a distinct and favorable image of oneself in the professional world.

Pipeline

A pool of potential candidates who are actively being considered for current or future job openings within an organization.

Phone Screen

An initial screening interview conducted over the phone to assess a candidate's basic qualifications and suitability for a position.

Portfolio

A collection of a candidate's work samples, projects, and accomplishments that demonstrates their skills and expertise.

Probation Period

A specified duration during which a new employee's performance is closely monitored before being confirmed in the position.

Professional Certification

A formal recognition of expertise or qualifications in a specific field, often obtained through examinations or assessments.

Professional Development

Activities and programs aimed at enhancing skills, knowledge, and abilities to improve employability.

Psychometric Test

Assessments designed to measure cognitive abilities, personality traits, and other psychological factors to evaluate a candidate's suitability for a role.

Quality of Work Life (QWL)

A holistic approach to job satisfaction that considers factors such as work environment, job security, and work-life balance.

Qualifications

The skills, education, and experience required for a particular job.

Quantitative Analysis

Examination of numerical data to make informed decisions, often used in HR for workforce planning and analytics.

Quantifiable Achievements

Accomplishments and contributions that can be measured in terms of numbers or percentages, adding credibility to a resume.

Questioning Techniques

Skillful use of questions by a coach to stimulate reflection, exploration, and clarity in the client's thinking.

Quick Apply

A feature on job platforms that allows candidates to apply for positions with minimal effort, often using a resume upload.

Recruitment

Actively seeking, attracting, and acquiring individuals to fill job vacancies.

Reference Check

The process of contacting a candidate's provided references to verify their work history, skills, and qualifications.

Relevant Experience

Work or projects in a candidate's background that directly align with the requirements of the job they are applying for.‍

Relocation Package

Assistance provided by an employer to help employees move to a new location for work, often including financial support, housing assistance, and other benefits.

Remote Interview

An interview conducted using video conferencing technology, allowing participants to connect from different locations.

Remote Work

A work arrangement that allows employees to perform their job duties from a location outside the traditional office, often from home or another remote setting.

Resilience Coaching

Coaching aimed at developing an individual's ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges.

Résumé

A document summarizing a candidate's education, work experience, skills, and accomplishments, typically submitted as part of a job application.

Retention

The efforts and strategies employed by an organization to keep its employees engaged and satisfied, reducing turnover.

Reverse Chronological Resume

A resume format that lists a candidate's work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position.

Sabbatical

A period of extended leave from work, often with the intention of personal development, travel, or pursuing other interests.

Salary Negotiation

The process of discussing and reaching an agreement on the compensation package for a job offer, including salary, benefits, and other perks.

Salary Range

The specified range of acceptable compensation for a particular job, reflecting the lowest and highest amounts an employer is willing to pay.

Self-Reflection

The process of examining one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, often facilitated through coaching conversations.

Skills Gap

The disparity between the skills required for a particular job or industry and the skills possessed by the workforce.

Skill Set

The combination of skills, abilities, and knowledge possessed by an individual, relevant to a specific job or industry.

Social Equity

A concept promoting fairness and justice in opportunities and treatment for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.

Social Media Presence

The representation of an individual or professional on social media platforms, often considered by employers during the hiring process.

Solution-Focused Coaching

An approach that emphasizes identifying and implementing solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

Telecommuting

Working remotely from a location other than the employer's office.

Talent Acquisition

Strategic approach to identifying and hiring top talent.

Transferable Skills

Skills and abilities that can be applied across different jobs or industries, making a candidate versatile and adaptable.

Targeted Resume

A resume customized for a specific job, highlighting relevant skills and experiences tailored to the requirements of the position.

Temporary Employment

A work arrangement where an employee is hired for a specific period, often to fulfill a temporary need within an organization.

Training and Development

Initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of employees to improve performance and career growth.

Team Building

Activities and strategies designed to foster collaboration, communication, and cohesion among team members within an organization.

Two-Week Notice

A customary period of advance notice provided by an employee before resigning from a job, typically two weeks.

Telephonic Interview

An interview conducted over the phone, allowing employers to screen candidates before inviting them for in-person interviews.

Time Management

The ability to prioritize tasks, set goals, and use time effectively to maximize productivity in a work setting.

Temporary-to-Hire

An employment arrangement where an individual is initially hired on a temporary basis with the possibility of transitioning to a permanent role.

Thought Leadership

Establishing oneself as an expert in a particular field, often demonstrated through publications, presentations, and industry influence.

Transformational Coaching

Coaching that aims to bring about profound and lasting change in an individual's mindset, behaviors, and life.

Underemployment

When an individual is working in a position that is below their skill or education level.

Unemployment Rate

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

Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

A distinctive aspect or quality that sets a candidate apart from others in the job market.

Upward Mobility

The ability to advance in one's career by moving into higher-level positions or taking on more challenging roles.

Unstructured Interview

An interview format where questions are not predetermined, allowing for a more conversational and free-flowing discussion.

Unsolicited Application

A job application submitted to a company without a specific job opening, expressing the candidate's interest in working for the organization.

Unconscious Bias Coaching

Coaching designed to address and mitigate unconscious biases that may impact decision-making and interactions.

Virtual Onboarding

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

Voluntary Termination

When an employee chooses to leave a job on their own accord.

Volunteer Experience

Unpaid work or service performed by an individual for the benefit of a community or organization, often included on resumes.

Value Proposition

A statement that articulates the unique value a candidate brings to a potential employer, emphasizing skills, experience, and contributions.

Verification of Employment

The process of confirming a candidate's work history and details with their previous employers during the hiring process.

Vertical Career Move

Transitioning to a higher-level position or role within the same field or industry.

Video Resume

A short video presentation in which a candidate introduces themselves, discusses their qualifications, and showcases their personality and communication skills.

Virtual Career Fair

An online event where employers and job seekers interact, similar to a traditional career fair but conducted in a virtual environment.

Values Alignment

The compatibility of an individual's personal or professional values with those of a company or organization.

Vocational Training

Education and training programs focused on developing specific skills or competencies for a particular trade or profession.

Visioning

Helping clients articulate a clear and inspiring vision for their future, guiding their actions and aspirations.

Wage Gap

The disparity in earnings between different groups, often highlighting gender or racial wage gaps.

Webinar

A seminar conducted over the internet, allowing participants to join remotely and engage in presentations, discussions, or training sessions.

White-Collar Worker

A professional or office worker engaged in non-manual work, typically associated with administrative, managerial, or professional roles.

Work-Life Balance

Striking a healthy equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal life.

Work Samples

Examples of a candidate's previous work or projects, often presented to demonstrate their skills and capabilities.

Workplace Wellness

Initiatives and programs aimed at promoting the health and well-being of employees within an organization.