Careers glossary

job search and recruitment terms

Assessment center
The aim of an assessment center is that each candidate receives a score usually to be concidered for a job / position. An Assessment Center consists of a set of exercises. Trained raters / observers observe different candidates in different exercises. The raters score candidates according to defined dimensions of performance specific to each exercise. After all the candidates complete all exercises the raters conduct a meeting on each candidate to discuss their performance on each exercise. Sometimes there is not a meeting and the raters’ scores are simply combined in some manner.

Career change
One of the most significant ways to positively impact your life is a career change, say some psychologists. Experts now predict that the average person will change careers about four times over the course of his or her work life. Reasons can be that you don't enjoy the work as much as you used to or maybe you can't progress further in your career.

Career path
Career Path refers to the series of any combination of work roles, occupations, or jobs that a person moves through by design and coincidence as their career unfolds. From the company or industry perspective, Career Path is a route that may be taken by workers within a matrix of positions that are connected by increased and new acquisition of skills and knowledge.

Chronological resume (CV)
A resume that organizes work experience with the most recent position listed first. Most businesses prefer to receive resumes in this style

Competencies
They spell out what we need to know and do at work: the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to be effective.

Functional resume
A resume style that organizes work experience by grouping similar skills, experiences and accomplishments for all jobs held.

Job fairs
Events where various employers gather in one location to offer information about their companies and available positions. Representatives of the firms may also provide opportunities for job seekers to participate in interviews.
Labor Market Information Standards and qualifications, job openings, working conditions. Information may be historical, current or projected; formally or informally collected; based in skills, occupations or industries.

Job interview
An interview led by a potential employer or a recruitment agency with the aim to select a candidate who is the best match for a job / position. Both the employer and the job-seeker want to determine if the fit is right between them. First impressions are very important and preparation is critical to interviewing success. There are various types of job interviews: screening interviews, situational interviews, stress interviews, phone interviews, etc.

Online recruitment
It uses the internet as a channel for advertising job vacancies and often also to manage applications. This streamlines and improves the recruitment process while freeing up managers for other tasks.

Temporary assignment
Position created to meet a short-term or special need. Temporary work can provide valuable experience for recent graduates and may lead to full-time opportunities. Working with a staffing firm can give you exposure to a variety of assignments and corporate environments, while offering access to valuable training and benefits programs.