A Simple Guide to Hiring & Recruiting Terms
Use this staffing dictionary to understand common terms you may come across when hiring employees or working with a recruiting agency. These definitions explain the basics of finding candidates, reviewing their experience, and making a permanent hire.
Active Candidate
Someone who is currently looking for a job. They may be applying for positions, contacting recruiters, or attending interviews.
Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
Software employers and recruiters use to organize applications, store resumes, and track candidates through the hiring process.
Learn About Applicant Tracking Systems
Background Check
A review of selected information about a candidate’s history. Depending on the role and type of check, this may include employment, education, criminal records, or driving records. The scope varies by employer and position.
Candidate Screening
An initial review of a candidate’s background and interest in a position. Screening may include reviewing a resume and discussing experience, availability, work location, and pay requirements. It is separate from a background check.
How Tier2Tek Screens Candidates
Candidate Sourcing
The process of finding people who may be a match for an opening. Recruiters may use candidate databases, referrals, professional networks, job boards, and other search channels.
Compensation
The pay and benefits an employer provides. Base salary is the fixed pay for a role, while total compensation may also include bonuses, commissions, benefits, and other rewards.
Direct-Hire Staffing
A service in which a recruiting agency helps an employer find a permanent employee. The person hired joins the employer’s team and is paid directly by that employer.
Learn About Direct-Hire Staffing
High-Volume Hiring
Recruiting for many openings within a planned period. This may involve hiring several people for the same role, filling different positions, or building teams across multiple locations.
Learn About High-Volume Hiring
Hiring Manager
The person responsible for the team or position being filled. The hiring manager helps define requirements, interviews candidates, and usually plays a key role in the hiring decision.
Job Description
A summary of a position’s responsibilities, required skills, experience, and reporting relationships. It helps employers explain the role and assess candidates.
Job Posting
An advertisement for an open position. It usually includes information about the work, qualifications, location, and how to apply.
Onboarding
The process of helping a new employee get started. It may include paperwork, equipment setup, introductions, training, and a review of job expectations.
Passive Candidate
Someone who is not actively looking for a job but may be open to discussing a suitable opportunity.
Permanent Placement
A hire into an ongoing position with no planned end date. In staffing, this commonly refers to a direct hire in which the candidate becomes the client company’s employee.
Placement Fee
The amount an employer pays a recruiting agency for a successful hire. The fee may be a fixed amount or a percentage of salary, depending on the recruiting agreement.
Reference Check
A conversation with someone who has worked with a candidate, such as a former manager or colleague. It can help an employer learn more about the candidate’s responsibilities, work habits, and experience.
Replacement Guarantee
An agreement describing when a staffing agency will help replace a hire who leaves or does not work out. Coverage periods, conditions, and any related costs depend on the agreement.
Shortlist
A smaller group of candidates selected for the employer to review or interview based on the position’s requirements.
Talent Acquisition
The work of finding and hiring people to meet a company’s current and future needs. It can include recruiting, hiring plans, and building relationships with potential candidates.
Talent Pipeline
A group of potential candidates an employer or recruiter stays in contact with for current or future openings. Their qualifications, interest, and availability still need to be checked for each position.
Technical Recruiting
Recruiting for roles that require specific technical knowledge or skills, such as IT support, network engineering, CAD, and engineering positions.
Need Help With a Permanent Hire?
Tier2Tek Staffing helps employers find and screen IT support, engineering, and CAD professionals nationwide. Tell us about your position and the experience your team needs.
Prefer to talk? Call 720-722-2385.