Recruitment Key Terms Dictionary

This dictionary provides an overview of essential terms used in the recruitment process.

General Terms:

  • Recruitment: The process of attracting, screening, and selecting qualified candidates for a job opening.
  • Applicant: An individual who submits an application for a job opening.
  • Candidate: A qualified applicant who is shortlisted for further consideration in the recruitment process.
  • Candidate Experience (CX): The overall experience a candidate has throughout the recruitment process, from initial contact to offer or rejection.
  • Job Description: A document outlining the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for a job opening.
  • Job Posting: An advertisement for a job opening, typically placed online or in relevant publications.
  • Sourcing: The process of identifying and attracting potential candidates for a job opening.
  • Screening: The initial evaluation of candidates to shortlist those who meet the basic qualifications.
  • Interview: A structured conversation between a recruiter or hiring manager and a candidate to assess suitability for a job.
  • Selection: The process of choosing the most qualified candidate for a job opening.
  • Onboarding: The process of integrating a new employee into a company and its culture.

Recruitment Technology:

  • Applicant Tracking System (ATS): Software used to manage the recruitment process, including storing resumes, tracking applications, and scheduling interviews.
  • Boolean Search: A search strategy utilizing keywords and operators (AND, OR, NOT) to find relevant candidates on online platforms.
  • Social Recruiting: Using social media platforms to find, attract, and engage with potential candidates.

Recruitment Strategies:

  • Talent Pool: A database of potential candidates who have expressed interest in working for a company or have been identified as suitable for future openings.
  • Employee Referral Program: A program that incentivizes existing employees to refer qualified candidates from their network.
  • Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Recruiting: Strategies and practices that ensure a diverse and inclusive pool of candidates is considered throughout the recruitment process.

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Salary: The fixed amount of money an employee receives for their work, typically paid monthly or bi-weekly.
  • Benefits: Additional compensation offered by employers, such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.
  • Signing Bonus: A one-time payment offered to a candidate to incentivize them to accept a job offer.

Additional Terms:

  • Headhunting: The practice of actively searching for qualified candidates, often for senior-level positions.
  • Headcount: The total number of employees authorized for a company or department.
  • Offer Letter: A formal document outlining the terms and conditions of employment offered to a candidate.
  • Counteroffer: An offer from a candidate’s current employer to prevent them from leaving for a new position.

This dictionary serves as a starting point for understanding recruitment terminology. The specific terms and their nuances may vary depending on the industry and company size.