Learn the Talent Sourcing Lingo
Common Recruiting Terms
AI Recruitment
The use of artificial intelligence to source and reach out to candidates. This technology is designed to automate repetitive, high-volume tasks, so recruiters can focus on other elements of hiring.
Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
The software used to automate many of the steps in the recruitment cycle. In many cases, an ATS automatically filters job applications, using criteria such as former employers, skills, years of experience, schools attended, etc. The ATS then creates a list of applications that fit the given criteria.
Aptitude Testing
Test(s) used to assess a candidate’s knowledge and capabilities, in order to determine suitability. These tests can also be used to determine if a candidate is being truthful about qualifications and skills listed on their resume.
Boolean Search
A method that refines a web search by allowing the user to use words or phrases such as AND, OR, NOT to limit, broaden, or define the search results. Boolean search allows the combination of five different elements to conduct a search.
C-Level
Top-level managers in organizations, with titles that include the word “Chief”. Examples include CEO (Chief Executive Officer), CFO (Chief Financial Officer), and COO (Chief Operating Officer), CIO (Chief Information Officer), CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer), CMO (Chief Marketing Officer).
Call to Action (CTA)
An outreach message that invites the recipient to start a conversation or take action.
Candidate Experience
A candidate’s first-hand experience of a company’s hiring and recruiting process.
Candidate Profile
A description of characteristics, qualities, qualifications, skills and experience, that you wish to see in a candidate for a certain job.
Cost Per Hire
The total cost of bringing new hires into a company. This metric includes all expenses of the recruitment process including administrative costs, travel, and equipment. It can be calculated by adding all costs of hiring then dividing that sum by the number of hires in a certain time frame.
Depending on Experience (DOE)
When the compensation for a position is not fixed, but depends on the candidate’s previous experience in the field.
Employee Referral Program
A sourcing option used by recruiters where current employees are rewarded for recommending candidates for open positions. Often this sourcing method can reduce time to hire and cost per hire.
Executive Search Firms
Specialized exclusive search firms used to seek out and recruit highly qualified senior-level candidates.
Ghosting
When a candidate suddenly stops communicating with a recruiter.
Gig Worker
An individual who works a job for a specified period of time only.
H1B
A visa in the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act, section 101 that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.
Hidden Job Market
Typically refers to available positions that are not listed on job boards or online.
HM
An abbreviation for Hiring Manager.
Incentive Pay
Additional compensation awarded to high-performing employees and meant to motivate employees
Individual Contributor (IC)
Someone who does not formally lead or manage other people.
Insourcing
Filling an open position with someone already employed at the organization.
Intake Meeting
When the Recruiter or Sourcer meets with the Hiring Manager to understand the job requirements, candidate profile, culture, experience, function, job title, responsibilities, skills, technical challenges (if any), target company universe, etc., for a new opening.
JD
An abbreviation for Job Description.
Job Board
A website that allows employers to post open positions and accept applications.
Job Hopper
A person who jumps from job to job, generally staying with any one company less than two years.
Job Offer
When a candidate is formally extended a job opportunity.
Keyword
Any significant word or phrase that you would expect to find within a resume, profile, or other database entity.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA)
The knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform a job well.
Lateral Job Transfer
A move to another position in the same organization with relatively the same level of responsibility and pay.
Lead Nurturing
The process of developing relationships with candidates at every stage of the recruiting cycle, and through every step of the candidate's journey.
LIR
An abbreviation for LinkedIn Recruiter.
On Target Earnings (OTE)
The estimated earnings of an employee, when he/she meet their targets.
Onboarding
A series of events (including orientation) to help new employees understand how to be successful in their new role and how their work contributes to the organization.
Panel Interview
A job interview in which an applicant answers questions from a group of people who then make the hiring decision.
Passive Candidate
An individual who is satisfied in their current role and not looking for new career opportunities. These candidates are typically more difficult.
Pipeline
A ready pool of candidates, with the right qualifications, to be considered for a specific role.
Post and Pray
A passive recruitment method in which a recruiter places a job ad on an online job board and hopes that great candidates, with the right qualifications, apply.
Pre-Employment Screening (PES)
A background check and validation of previous work experience meant to uncover criminal history or previous employment issues related to the candidate.
Probationary Arrangement
A new employee and employer agree that the new employee will work for a set amount of time on a trial or probationary period.
Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO)
A business model in which a company outsources the management of talent sourcing or acquisition in whole or in part to a third-party firm.
Referral Bonus
An expense-saving strategy where current employees are offered a monetary bonus for referring a candidate, who then accepts a position and successfully completes the trial period.
Requisition (or Req)
The job opening, often abbreviated to Req.
Resume Spam
The act of submitting resumes to a multitude of job postings with little attention to the job description, required qualifications, or general job fit.
Retained Recruiter/Search Firm
Firms/Recruiter, who charge an upfront fee to the client to conduct a search. The recruiter will provide a shortlist of qualified candidates for the client to choose from.
Screen
A phone call or video chat to determine whether a prospect has the qualifications and interest to interview for the position.
Signing Bonus
Money paid upfront to a new employee by a company as an incentive to join that company.
Social Media Recruiting
Attracting candidates, using social platforms for advertising and to find information on candidates.
Sourcing
The use of one or more strategies to attract or identify candidates for a certain open position. Internal and external recruitment advertising may also be used.
Talent Acquisition
The strategy used to attract and hire the best people.
Target Company
Any company whose talent is desirable for a number of reasons, e.g. working on a competing product, holding desirable degrees, enjoying a similar culture, etc.
Temp
A temporary employee.
Time to Fill
The average time it takes, to fill an open position.