HR Definitions

HR 101: Interview Lingo: Words You Need to Know – Revisited

Ever wonder what the difference is between “terminating” an employee and “firing” an employee, or if there is any difference at all? Easy Small Business HR’s “HR Dictionary” takes the mystery out some of the human resources jargon by highlighting some of the basic definitions of words most often used by those in the position to hire and manage staff. Some basic terms used by HR professionals when interviewing candidates. Below is a small sampling. More terms can be found at the Easy Small Business HR – HR Dictionary page.

Behavioral Interview – an interview technique that requires that the person being interviewed provide specific examples that support their responses. The following is an example of a behavioral interview question: Share with me a mistake that you made in your last job. Describe the mistake, how you handled it and what you learned from the mistake?

Close Ended Question – A question that based on the phrasing, can be responded to by stating either “yes”, “no”, “sometimes”, or some other very limited type of response. Close ended questions should be avoided whenever possible if the goal is to obtain detailed information about an applicant’s experience and abilities.

An example of a closed ended question might be: “Do you think that you can handle the fast paced nature of this job”, or, Do you have good interpersonal skills?

Interview – a conversation between the interviewer and the interviewee which allows for the gathering of information on a candidates skills and experience. It is also an opportunity for the applicant to highlight their experience and communication skills as well as to learn more about a particular position or company.

Open Ended Question – A question that requires a detailed response from the applicant. An example of a open ended question might be: “Describe for me the process of creating a database, step by step”?

Get more tips on interviewing, hiring, managing and engaging your employees. Dianne Shaddock is the President of Easy Small Business HR, Employee Hiring and Managing Tips and the author of the eGuide, “How To Supervise: What Your Boss Never Told You Before You Took the Job“, A Step-By-Step Guide For New and Seasoned Managers.

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HR 101: Hiring, Firing and Everything In Between – Terms You Need To Know

Does firing and laying an employee off mean the same thing? What is the difference between on boarding and orienting a new employee? Refer to the definitions that follow to learn more.

Fire – ending the employment of a worker due to poor performance or inappropriate behavior. Also referred to as “termination”.

Hire – the process of offering employment to an individual.

Job Description – a document that highlights the job tasks and responsibilities required to perform the work effectively.

Layoff – when a worker’s position ends due to financial hardship within a company or due to a business restructuring.

Onboarding – the process of orienting or training a newly hired employee. This includes helping the employee to become familiar with work place procedures or practice. Oftentimes onboarding and orientation are used interchangeably.

Resignation – the act of voluntarily ending a job.

Termination – ending the employment of a worker due to poor performance or inappropriate behavior. Also referred to as “firing”.

Dianne Shaddock is the Founder of Easy Small Business HR, Employee Hiring and Managing Tips. Through the Employee Hiring and Managing Tips podcast, blog, and weekly ‘quick tips’ e-newsletters, Dianne offers expert advice on how to make better hiring decisions, manage difficult employees, develop employee policies, motivate staff, and so much more. No stuffy, corporate HR policy lingo; but straight forward, easy to understand and implement advice for businesses just like yours. Stay ahead of the curve and go to Easy Small Business HR for more tips on how to hire and manage your staff effectively.

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HR 101: Resumes, Job Applications, and Offer Letters –Terms You Need To Know

What’s the difference between an acceptance letter and a job offer letter? A functional resume versus a chronological resume?

Acceptance Letter – written confirmation from a candidate who has been offered a job that they accept the terms of an employment offer

Chronological Resume – resume that highlights an applicant’s work history starting from the most recent work experience listed in reverse chronological order.

Confirmation Letter – written confirmation from an employer to a candidate that confirms the terms of a job offer including salary and start date.

Cover Letter – also called motivational letter, is a summary highlighting an applicant’s interest in a particular job.

Functional Resume – a resume that highlights an applicant’s specific experience and skills rather than a chronological listing of work history experience. Functional resumes are often used to emphasize specific experience or to de-emphasize limited experience.

Job Application – A template or form completed by the applicant to express interest in a particular job. Although the type of information required on a job application may vary, most basic applications include sections for the applicant’s name and address, the title of the job that they are interested in, current and prior work experience, references and a signature line.

Job Offer – A verbal or written agreement that confirms details relating to an offer of employment. This may include salary and benefit information, as well as the employee’s start date and scheduled hours of work.

Need more human resources definitions? Check out the HR Dictionary at http://www.EasySmallBusinessHR.com.

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