RECRUITMENT TERMS

Common terms used by recruitment consultants:

Agency

An agency refers to a recruitment agency, also called a recruitment company.
 

Candidate

The person seeking employment.
 

Casual position

These are usually short -term positions on an ad hoc basis. It is most likely that the position would be paid by the hour and can be terminated at an hour's notice.
 

Client

The company for who you will work for if you are successful in your application. Recruitment companies refer to them as clients because they are finding workers on their behalf.
 

Consultant

Consultants are the people who work for recruitment agencies. It is their role to find the right candidate for the right position. They are involved in taking the job brief from the client, screening resumes and interviewing. Consultants are also referred to as 'recruiters'.
 

Contractors/consultants

Consultants normally have well-honed skills and sound self-management. A big advantage with consultants is that they can bring in a "fresh view from outside".
 

C.V. / Resume

C.V. is an abbreviation for curriculum vitae. Some people prefer to say 'c.v.' whilst others prefer the word 'resume.' It makes no difference, so take your pick!
 

Employee specification

Details the qualities needed to perform the job to your client's satisfaction.
 

Job analysis

A systematic process of identifying the specific tasks, responsibilities and required outcomes of the position as well as the precise skills and abilities, education and training required to perform the job. It tells you what tasks are involved, where the job is performed, how the job is performed, why the job is necessary and when, if ever, the job is completed
 

Job description

Describes the component tasks, responsibilities, knowledge, skills and abilities that are required to complete a specified function within an organisation. It will outline the current reporting structure and systems, the methods of performance assessment and the expected outcome of functions performed.
 

Permanent position

A permanent position means you are employed until either you or your employer terminates the arrangement. If the employer does want to dismiss a permanent employee, the employer must give counselling about poor work performance, and then it is required to give warnings should further instances of poor work occur. A final warning must be given. Notes of each counselling/warning session must be kept.
 

Probationary period

When you start work it is usual to have a probationary period. This can be up to six months. Staff can be dismissed during this period but must be given warnings about what is wrong with the work.
 

Project or Fixed Term positions

These are limited life jobs and are usually the result of a simple outsourcing arrangement by an organisation. These positions terminate at the end of the agreed fixed term. It is possible that that contract will be rolled over. It should be noted that continual rollovers to the contract could make the position permanent. On projects you may be working solo or as part of a team. These days it is possible to be part of a virtual project team.
 

Sessional

This describes part time work, which is in a specific or chosen field. This can be a common occurrence in the teaching and medical fields. That is being a sessional teacher for example.
 

Temporary position

This is where you are hired in a temporary capacity for a fixed duration of employment. It could be a time fixed by a number of days, weeks or until the end of the project. If you are employed through an agency, you will be paid by the agency.