Career & job-search glossary

An appraisal is a periodic review of your performance that often determines your salary increment, bonus and promotion f…

An apprenticeship is a structured programme combining on-the-job training with learning, where you earn while you build…

An aptitude test is an assessment of reasoning, numerical, verbal and logical abilities used early in hiring to screen c…

An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software employers use to collect, scan, filter and rank job applications before a…

Attrition is the rate at which employees leave a company over a period, through resignation, retirement or other separat…

Background verification (BGV) is the process employers use to confirm a candidate's identity, education and employment h…

Basic pay is the fixed core component of your salary, before allowances, on which many benefits like PF, gratuity and HR…

Contract employment is a job for a fixed period or project, where you are engaged for a defined term rather than as a pe…

A counter offer is a revised proposal made to keep you — from your current employer when you resign, or a new employer r…

A cover letter is a short letter sent with your resume that explains why you are a strong fit for a specific role and mo…

CTC (Cost to Company) is the total annual amount an employer spends on you — salary plus all benefits and contributions…

A resume is a short, targeted summary of your skills and experience; a CV (curriculum vitae) is a longer, detailed recor…

An employment bond is an agreement requiring you to serve a minimum period with an employer, often after training, or pa…

ESOPs (Employee Stock Option Plans) give you the right to buy company shares at a fixed price after a vesting period, sh…

An experience letter is a document from a former employer confirming the role you held, your tenure and sometimes your r…

Freelance or gig work is self-employed work done for clients on a per-project or per-task basis, without being a permane…

A fresher is a candidate with little or no prior full-time work experience, typically a recent graduate seeking their fi…

Full-time employment is a regular, ongoing job with standard weekly working hours and typically the full set of employee…

Garden leave is a paid period after resigning when you remain employed but are asked to stay away from work until your n…

Gratuity is a lump-sum benefit an employer pays you for long service, typically after you complete five years of continu…

Gross salary is your total pay before deductions; net salary is what remains after deductions like PF, professional tax…

A group discussion (GD) is a hiring round where several candidates discuss a topic together so evaluators can assess com…

The HR round is an interview with the human resources team that assesses culture fit, communication, salary expectations…

HRA (House Rent Allowance) is a salary component paid to help cover rent, and a portion of it can be exempt from income…

Hybrid work is a model that splits your time between working from the office and working remotely, combining in-person a…

In-hand (take-home) salary is the amount credited to your bank account each month after deductions like PF, professional…

An internship is a short-term, entry-level work experience that lets students and freshers learn a job and build practic…

A KPI (Key Performance Indicator) is a measurable value that shows how effectively you or a team are achieving a specifi…

A KRA (Key Result Area) is a broad area of responsibility in your role where results are expected, defining what you are…

A lateral hire is an experienced professional recruited from another company into a similar or higher role, rather than…

Moonlighting is working a second job or freelance gig alongside your primary employment, often outside regular hours.

A notice period is the time between resigning and your last working day, during which you continue working so the employ…

An offer letter is a formal document from an employer stating the role, salary, joining date and key terms of a job they…

Onboarding is the process of integrating a new hire into a company — paperwork, access setup, training and introductions…

Part-time employment is a job with fewer working hours than a full-time role, often with pro-rated or limited benefits.

PF/EPF (Employees' Provident Fund) is a retirement savings scheme where you and your employer each contribute a portion…

A probation period is an initial trial phase in a new job during which the employer assesses you before confirming you a…

A reference check is when an employer contacts your former managers or colleagues to confirm your work history, performa…

A relieving letter is a document your former employer issues confirming you have completed your notice period and are fo…

Remote work is an arrangement where you perform your job entirely away from a company office, often from home or any loc…

A stipend is a fixed, usually modest payment made to interns, apprentices or trainees to support them during a learning…

A technical round is an interview that tests your role-specific skills and problem-solving — such as coding, design or d…

A telephonic round is an early interview conducted over the phone to screen a candidate's background, basic skills and i…

Variable pay is the part of your compensation that depends on performance or targets, paid on top of fixed salary and no…

Vesting is the process by which you earn full ownership of benefits like ESOPs over time, usually by staying with the co…

A walk-in interview is a hiring event where candidates can attend and interview directly without a prior appointment, at…

Work from home (WFH) is an arrangement where you do your job from your residence instead of commuting to the employer's…