Job Application Vocabulary

interview

A formal meeting between you and a potential employer where you talk about your qualifications for the job.

position

A job title or responsibility, such as manager, clerk, chef, etc.

leave of absence

A period of time when an employee needs to be away from their primary job while maintaining permanent status as an employee.

supervisor

A person in charge, such as a boss or manager.

applicant

A person who applies for a job.

degree

Certificate awarded from a college/university indicating that you have completed a prescribed course of study.

benefits

"Extras" that employers may offer you in addition to your wage. For example, health insurance, annual or sick leave, holidays, paid vacation, etc.

full-time

"Full-time," 30 hours per week or more; often defined by employer.

previous

"Happening before"

overtime (OT)

"Over-time," more then 40 hours per week.

part-time (PT)

"Part-time," fewer than 30-35 hours per week.

resume

A 1 page formal document that lists a job applicant's work experience, education and skills. "Your personal advertisement."

application

A form used to apply for a job.

felony

A serious crime punishable by prison sentences greater than one year.

termination

Fired or dismissed.

Misdomeanor

Lesser crime (petty theft, shoplifting, public intoxication, trespass, vandalism, reckless driving).

gender

Male or female

Words per minute (WPM)

Means "words per minute." The number of words a person can type in a minute.

promotion

Moving up to a better position in your job.

not applicable

Not applicable, does not apply.

dependents

People in your family who need you to help them, such as children.

references

People who know you professionally and can recommend you for a job.

probationary

Referring to a trial period.

experience

Skills/knowledge that you have gained from your past.

attire

The clothes that you wear.

salary

The amount of money a person makes (by hour, week, month or year).

shift

The amount of time you work in a day. For example, you may work the 9 to 5.

most recent job

The last job or position you held.

social security number (SSN)

The number given you by the government in order to provide you with services, such as unemployment benefits and welfare.

human resources office

The office that handles personnel issues (recruitment, orientation, employee benefits, training new employees, etc.).

title

Whether you are known as Mr. Mrs. Miss Ms. etc.

marital status

Whether you are married, single, divorced, or widowed.

surname

Your family name (last name).