Job Search Glossary
Glossary of terms, including definitions, that are frequently used in employment and job searching.
Age Discrimination
HThe Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) protects certain applicants and employees 40 years of age and older from discrimination on the basis of age in hiring, promotion, discharge, compensation, or terms, conditions or privileges of employment.
HThe Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) protects certain applicants and employees 40 years of age and older from discrimination on the basis of age in hiring, promotion, discharge, compensation, or terms, conditions or privileges of employment.
Americans with Disablities Act (ADA)
If you are an American with a disability, it's important to be aware of how the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) act impacts applicants for employment.
If you are an American with a disability, it's important to be aware of how the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) act impacts applicants for employment.
Anonymous Curriculum Vitae
An anonymous curriculum vitae (CV) includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations and other details. Your name and other personal indentifying information are not included in order to avoid discrimination.
An anonymous curriculum vitae (CV) includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations and other details. Your name and other personal indentifying information are not included in order to avoid discrimination.
Back Pay
Back pay is the difference between what an employee was paid and the amount he or she should have been paid.
Back pay is the difference between what an employee was paid and the amount he or she should have been paid.
Behavioral Interview
A behavioral interview is a job interview focused on discovering how the applicant acted in specific employment-related situations.
A behavioral interview is a job interview focused on discovering how the applicant acted in specific employment-related situations.
Blue Collar Job
Blue collar work typically involves manual work that is paid on an hourly basis. Some blue collar workers, especially in the skilled trades are represented by a union.
Blue collar work typically involves manual work that is paid on an hourly basis. Some blue collar workers, especially in the skilled trades are represented by a union.
Bureau of Labor Statistics: BLS
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides labor, unemployment, economics and related facts and statistics.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides labor, unemployment, economics and related facts and statistics.
Career Coach
What a career coach is, how career coaching can help, and where to find a career coach.
What a career coach is, how career coaching can help, and where to find a career coach.
Career Summary
A career summary is an section of your resume that includes a brief overview of your experience, skills, and accomplishments targeted to the job you are applying for.
A career summary is an section of your resume that includes a brief overview of your experience, skills, and accomplishments targeted to the job you are applying for.
Child Labor Law
Child labor law, enacted by the Federal Government, restrict when children can work and what jobs they can do.
Child labor law, enacted by the Federal Government, restrict when children can work and what jobs they can do.
COBRA - Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the option to continue group health benefits provided by their group health plan for limited periods of time under certain circumstances.
COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the option to continue group health benefits provided by their group health plan for limited periods of time under certain circumstances.
Cover Letter
A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience.
A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience.
Curriculum Vitae
A curriculum vitae includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations and other details.
A curriculum vitae includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations and other details.
Drug Testing
There are several types of drugs tests that candidates for employment may be asked to take. The types of drug tests which show the presence of drugs or alcohol include urine drug screen, hair drug or alcohol testing, saliva drug screen, and sweat drug screen.
There are several types of drugs tests that candidates for employment may be asked to take. The types of drug tests which show the presence of drugs or alcohol include urine drug screen, hair drug or alcohol testing, saliva drug screen, and sweat drug screen.
Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA)
The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) is legislation that would enable workers to decide whether to join a union. The Employee Free Choice Act would permit workers to form unions by signing cards providing for union representation, provide mediation and arbitration for contract disputes and establishing stronger penalties for violation of employee rights, both during union negotiations and contract disputes.
The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) is legislation that would enable workers to decide whether to join a union. The Employee Free Choice Act would permit workers to form unions by signing cards providing for union representation, provide mediation and arbitration for contract disputes and establishing stronger penalties for violation of employee rights, both during union negotiations and contract disputes.
Employment Development Department
The Employment Development Department (EDD) is one of the largest California state departments with hundreds of service locations throughout the state. The EDD web site includes information on filing an Unemployment Insurance, Disability Insurance, or Paid Family Leave claim, an online job and resume bank, CalJOBS, and labor market tools and information.
The Employment Development Department (EDD) is one of the largest California state departments with hundreds of service locations throughout the state. The EDD web site includes information on filing an Unemployment Insurance, Disability Insurance, or Paid Family Leave claim, an online job and resume bank, CalJOBS, and labor market tools and information.
Employment Testing
There are several types of employment tests that candidates for employment may be asked to take. Tests can include aptitude, skills, literacy, personality, medical, and drug tests. In addition, employers may perform a background check to verify your work history and credentials.
There are several types of employment tests that candidates for employment may be asked to take. Tests can include aptitude, skills, literacy, personality, medical, and drug tests. In addition, employers may perform a background check to verify your work history and credentials.
Exit Interview
An exit interview is a meeting between an employee who has resigned or been teriminated and the company's Human Resources department.
An exit interview is a meeting between an employee who has resigned or been teriminated and the company's Human Resources department.
Family and Medical Leave Act
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can be of assistance if you need to take time off from work because of family responsibilities. The first step is to ask your employer what Family and Medical Leave Act benefits are provided to employees.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can be of assistance if you need to take time off from work because of family responsibilities. The first step is to ask your employer what Family and Medical Leave Act benefits are provided to employees.
Green Collar Job
A green collar job is a blue collar (a job that involves manual labor) job working for a company focused on environmental issues or in a job function that works to improve the environment.
A green collar job is a blue collar (a job that involves manual labor) job working for a company focused on environmental issues or in a job function that works to improve the environment.
Group Interview
There are two types of group interviews. One is being interviewed by a group of interviewers, the other is being interviewed with a group of other applicants.
There are two types of group interviews. One is being interviewed by a group of interviewers, the other is being interviewed with a group of other applicants.
Hazard Pay
Hazard pay is additional pay for performing hazardous duty or work involving physical hardship.
Hazard pay is additional pay for performing hazardous duty or work involving physical hardship.
Holiday Pay
Holiday pay is pay for holidays, like Christmas Day, or other time not worked (like vacation) when a business may be closed or the employee is permitted to take time off from work.
Holiday pay is pay for holidays, like Christmas Day, or other time not worked (like vacation) when a business may be closed or the employee is permitted to take time off from work.
I-9 Form
When hired for a new job, employees are required to prove that they are legally entitled to work in the United States. An Employment Eligibility Verification form (I-9 Form) must be completed and kept on file by the employer.
When hired for a new job, employees are required to prove that they are legally entitled to work in the United States. An Employment Eligibility Verification form (I-9 Form) must be completed and kept on file by the employer.
Interview - Job Interview
An interview is a personal meeting with a prospective employer to assess the qualifications of an applicant for employment for a job.
An interview is a personal meeting with a prospective employer to assess the qualifications of an applicant for employment for a job.
Job Application
A job application is an application for employment used by companies to hire employees.
A job application is an application for employment used by companies to hire employees.
Job Search Agent
Job seekers can set up job search agents on job sites so that they are automatically notified by e-mail when new job postings that match the criteria they set are listed.
Job seekers can set up job search agents on job sites so that they are automatically notified by e-mail when new job postings that match the criteria they set are listed.
Job Search Keywords
Using keywords to job search helps job seekers narrow search results to get targeted job listings that match their criteria.
Using keywords to job search helps job seekers narrow search results to get targeted job listings that match their criteria.
Last Paycheck
When will you receive your last paycheck if you resign or are terminated from your job? It depends on state law and on company policy.
When will you receive your last paycheck if you resign or are terminated from your job? It depends on state law and on company policy.
Letter of Application
A letter of application, also known as a cover letter, is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience.
A letter of application, also known as a cover letter, is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience.
Letter of Inquiry
A letter of inquiry, also known as a prospecting letter or letter of interest, is sent to companies that may be hiring, but, haven't listed specific job openings.
A letter of inquiry, also known as a prospecting letter or letter of interest, is sent to companies that may be hiring, but, haven't listed specific job openings.
Letter of Intent
A letter of intent, when referenced in a job posting, is the equivilent of a cover letter. Your letter of intent explain the reasons for your interest in the job you are applying for and identifies your most relevant skills and experiences.
A letter of intent, when referenced in a job posting, is the equivilent of a cover letter. Your letter of intent explain the reasons for your interest in the job you are applying for and identifies your most relevant skills and experiences.
Lunch and Meal Breaks
Federal law does not require lunch or coffee breaks for employees. Lunch, dinner, or other meal periods (typically lasting at least 30 minutes) are not work time and employees are not paid for their meal break. However, when employers offer short breaks (usually lasting about 5 - 20 minutes), federal law considers the breaks as compensable work hours that you would be paid for.
Federal law does not require lunch or coffee breaks for employees. Lunch, dinner, or other meal periods (typically lasting at least 30 minutes) are not work time and employees are not paid for their meal break. However, when employers offer short breaks (usually lasting about 5 - 20 minutes), federal law considers the breaks as compensable work hours that you would be paid for.
Merit Pay
Merit pay is a pay increase based on goals or achievements set by an employer, rather than a pay rate based on a union contract or a defined pay scale for a position.
Merit pay is a pay increase based on goals or achievements set by an employer, rather than a pay rate based on a union contract or a defined pay scale for a position.
Mini Resume
A mini resume is a summary of your education, work experience, credentials, and accomplishments.
A mini resume is a summary of your education, work experience, credentials, and accomplishments.
Minimum Wage
Minimum Wage - The current minimum wage, which employers are required to pay a minimum wage, and the federal and minimum wage for each state.
Minimum Wage - The current minimum wage, which employers are required to pay a minimum wage, and the federal and minimum wage for each state.
Niche Job Sites
A niche job site is a job web site that focuses on a specific industry or group of job seekers. Niche job sites include job sites for all levels of job seekers - from entry level to executive. There are also niche job sites that list jobs by industry, by type of position, and by location.
A niche job site is a job web site that focuses on a specific industry or group of job seekers. Niche job sites include job sites for all levels of job seekers - from entry level to executive. There are also niche job sites that list jobs by industry, by type of position, and by location.
Non Compete Agreement
A non compete agreement is a contract between an employee and an employer, where the employee agrees not to enter into competition with the employer after s/he terminates employment.
A non compete agreement is a contract between an employee and an employer, where the employee agrees not to enter into competition with the employer after s/he terminates employment.
Occupational Outlook Handbook
The Occupational Outlook Handbook describes what workers do on the job, working conditions, the training and education needed, earnings, and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook describes what workers do on the job, working conditions, the training and education needed, earnings, and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations.
One Stop Career Centers
One Stop Career Centers are located throughout the United States. They provide training, employment services and job search assistance.
One Stop Career Centers are located throughout the United States. They provide training, employment services and job search assistance.
Overtime
Workers earning less than $23,660 per year ($455 per week) are guaranteed overtime protection, however, there are exemptions to the overtime regulations.
Workers earning less than $23,660 per year ($455 per week) are guaranteed overtime protection, however, there are exemptions to the overtime regulations.
Paycheck
When you start a job, the amount you will take home in your paycheck depends on deductions for federal, state, and local taxes. There are paycheck caculators to help you determine how much your paycheck will be after deductions.
When you start a job, the amount you will take home in your paycheck depends on deductions for federal, state, and local taxes. There are paycheck caculators to help you determine how much your paycheck will be after deductions.
Pink Slip Party
A pink slip party is an opportunity to mingle and mix with companies, recruiters, and other job seekers. Pink slip parties are networking events for those who have lost their jobs.
A pink slip party is an opportunity to mingle and mix with companies, recruiters, and other job seekers. Pink slip parties are networking events for those who have lost their jobs.
Recommendation Letter
A recommendation letter is written by a previous employer and describes a person's qualifications and skills as they relate to employment. The letter recommends the individual for a job.
A recommendation letter is written by a previous employer and describes a person's qualifications and skills as they relate to employment. The letter recommends the individual for a job.
Resign
To resign from employment is the act of leaving your job. Resignation from a job typically involves providing notice to your employer that you are leaving.
To resign from employment is the act of leaving your job. Resignation from a job typically involves providing notice to your employer that you are leaving.
Resignation Letter
A resignation letter is a letter formally advising your employer that you are leaving your job. A resignation letter can help you maintain positive relationship with your employer, while paving the way for you to move on.
A resignation letter is a letter formally advising your employer that you are leaving your job. A resignation letter can help you maintain positive relationship with your employer, while paving the way for you to move on.
Resume Objective
Some job seekers choose to state a job objective on the resume, as opposed to including it in the body of their cover letter. Stating a resume objective helps convince employers that you know what you want and are familiar with the field.
Some job seekers choose to state a job objective on the resume, as opposed to including it in the body of their cover letter. Stating a resume objective helps convince employers that you know what you want and are familiar with the field.
Resume Services
Resume services are provided by professional resume writers. Resume services will write a resume for you, edit and update your current resume, as well as help with cover letter writing.
Resume services are provided by professional resume writers. Resume services will write a resume for you, edit and update your current resume, as well as help with cover letter writing.
Resume Writers
A resume writer is a paid professional who creates and/or updates resumes for employment.
A resume writer is a paid professional who creates and/or updates resumes for employment.
Resume Writing Services
Resume writing services are provided by professional resume writers. Resume writing services will either create a new resume for you or review your current resume.
Resume writing services are provided by professional resume writers. Resume writing services will either create a new resume for you or review your current resume.
Resume
A resume is a written document that contains a summary of your work experience, including positions held at each employer, and your educational background.
A resume is a written document that contains a summary of your work experience, including positions held at each employer, and your educational background.
Severance Pay
Severance pay may be given to employees upon termination of employment. Severance pay is usually based on length of employment.
Severance pay may be given to employees upon termination of employment. Severance pay is usually based on length of employment.
Sexual Harassment - Hiring
Sexual harassment can occur in pre-employment hiring when unwelcome sexual advances (requests for sexual favors) are made as a term of employment, implicity or explicity.
Sexual harassment can occur in pre-employment hiring when unwelcome sexual advances (requests for sexual favors) are made as a term of employment, implicity or explicity.
Sick Pay
Federal law does not provide for paid sick leave, other than the FLMA. State law may vary and companies may have a company policy providing paid time off when you are sick.
Federal law does not provide for paid sick leave, other than the FLMA. State law may vary and companies may have a company policy providing paid time off when you are sick.
Social Recruiting
Social recruiting is when companies and recruiters use Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and and other social media sites to source and recruit candidates for employment.
Social recruiting is when companies and recruiters use Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and and other social media sites to source and recruit candidates for employment.
Social Security Disability Insurance
Social Security Disability Insurance enables workers who are employed in covered employment and who have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability to collect benefits while they are unable to work.
Social Security Disability Insurance enables workers who are employed in covered employment and who have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability to collect benefits while they are unable to work.
Talent Management Software
Talent management software is used by companies to recruit, screen, hire, track, and manage applicants for employment.
Talent management software is used by companies to recruit, screen, hire, track, and manage applicants for employment.
Targeted Resume
A targeted resume focuses on a specific job opening that the candidate is applying for. The targeted resume is written to highlight the skills and experiences relevant to a particular position. When sending targeted resumes, the resume with be edited / rewritten for each job the candidate applies to.
A targeted resume focuses on a specific job opening that the candidate is applying for. The targeted resume is written to highlight the skills and experiences relevant to a particular position. When sending targeted resumes, the resume with be edited / rewritten for each job the candidate applies to.
Telephone Interview
A telephone phone interview is an interview for employment conducted via the phone.
A telephone phone interview is an interview for employment conducted via the phone.
Tips and Pay
hen an employee (typically waitstaff or a similar occupation) receives tips, the employer is only required to pay $2.13 per hour in wages.
hen an employee (typically waitstaff or a similar occupation) receives tips, the employer is only required to pay $2.13 per hour in wages.
Two Weeks Notice
Giving two weeks notice is the standard practice when resigning from a job.
Giving two weeks notice is the standard practice when resigning from a job.
Underemployment
Underemployment refers to people who are working in a lower capacity than they are qualified for, including in a lower-paid job or for less hours than they would like to work.
Underemployment refers to people who are working in a lower capacity than they are qualified for, including in a lower-paid job or for less hours than they would like to work.
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment insurance is compensation provided to workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own.
Unemployment insurance is compensation provided to workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own.
Unemployment
Unemployment eligibility requirements, when to file, how to file, benefits, rates, and answers to questions on unemployment compensation.
Unemployment eligibility requirements, when to file, how to file, benefits, rates, and answers to questions on unemployment compensation.
US Department of Labor
The US Labor Department provides unemployment and employment data and statistics, worker and labor information, forms, and information on employment-related laws, regulations and compliance.
The US Labor Department provides unemployment and employment data and statistics, worker and labor information, forms, and information on employment-related laws, regulations and compliance.
Vacation Pay
Federal law does not provide for vacation pay. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not require payment for time not worked, such as vacations, sick time, or holidays. Vacation pay is based upon an agreement between an employer and an employee, either a collective bargaining agreement or company policy.
Federal law does not provide for vacation pay. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not require payment for time not worked, such as vacations, sick time, or holidays. Vacation pay is based upon an agreement between an employer and an employee, either a collective bargaining agreement or company policy.
Vertical Job Boards
A vertical job board aggregates job listings from many job sites, include job banks, company web sites, associations and other online job sites.
A vertical job board aggregates job listings from many job sites, include job banks, company web sites, associations and other online job sites.
W-2 Form
Employers may ask for copies of your W2 forms to verify your compensation prior to making a job offer. If you don't have copies of your past W-2 forms you can ask your employer(s) for a copy or order copies of your past tax returns directly from the IRS.
Employers may ask for copies of your W2 forms to verify your compensation prior to making a job offer. If you don't have copies of your past W-2 forms you can ask your employer(s) for a copy or order copies of your past tax returns directly from the IRS.
W-4 Form
The W-4 Form is completed by an employee so the employer can withhold the correct amount of federal income tax from your pay.
The W-4 Form is completed by an employee so the employer can withhold the correct amount of federal income tax from your pay.
Work History
Your work history is a detailed report of all the jobs you have held, including company name, job title, and dates of employment.
Your work history is a detailed report of all the jobs you have held, including company name, job title, and dates of employment.
Workers' Compensation
Employees who are injured or become ill on the job are covered by state workers' compensation laws. In every state, employers are required to have workers' compensation insurance though there are a few exemptions.
Employees who are injured or become ill on the job are covered by state workers' compensation laws. In every state, employers are required to have workers' compensation insurance though there are a few exemptions.