B220 words · Upper-intermediate

Applying for Jobs vocabulary — B2

Job application vocabulary for the formal side of recruitment, covering a vacancy, a shortlist, a cover letter and a personal statement.

20 questions

Words in this set

vacancy
/ˈveɪkənsi/
A job that nobody is doing at the moment and that a company wants to fill.
Example: There is a vacancy in the finance team.
shortlist
The small group of people chosen from all who applied, to be seen at the next stage.
Example: Only four people are on the shortlist for the role.
cover letter
The short piece of writing you send with your job details to explain why you suit the role.
Example: I always tailor my cover letter to each employer.
recruit
/rəˈkrut/
To find and take on new people to work for a company.
Example: We're trying to recruit two more nurses for the night shift.
applicant
/ˈæplɪkənt/
A person who has formally asked to be considered for a job.
Example: There were over 200 applicants for the position.
criteria
/kraɪˈtɪriə/
The standards used to judge or decide something.
Example: Check you meet all the criteria before applying.
competitive
/kəmˈpɛtətɪv/
Involving many people trying hard to be the best, so it is difficult to succeed.
Example: It's a highly competitive field with many applicants.
personal statement
A short piece of writing where you describe yourself and explain why you are suitable for a job or course.
Example: Write a strong personal statement to stand out.
referral
/rɪˈfɜrəl/
A recommendation of someone for a job, usually made by an existing employee.
Example: I got the interview through an employee referral.
turn down
To refuse or reject something, such as a job offer.
Example: I had to turn down the job because of the low salary.
comprehensive
/ˌkɑmpriˈhɛnsɪv/
Including everything that is necessary; complete.
Example: Send a comprehensive list of your previous roles.
candidate
/ˈkændədeɪt/
A person who is being considered for a job or position.
Example: They interviewed five candidates in one afternoon.
punctual
/ˈpʌŋktʃuəl/
Always arriving at the right time, never late.
Example: Being punctual matters a lot in this company.
panel
/ˈpænəl/
A small group of people who together ask the questions and choose who gets the job.
Example: A panel of three will see me on Thursday.
body language
The way you sit, stand and move, which shows other people how you feel.
Example: Your body language says you aren't interested.
impress
/ˌɪmˈprɛs/
To make someone admire you because of how good your work or answers are.
Example: He wants to impress the panel with his design work.
rehearse
/riˈhɜrs/
To practise something, such as an answer or a presentation, before doing it for real.
Example: I rehearsed my answers in front of the mirror.
anticipate
/ænˈtɪsəˌpeɪt/
To expect something and prepare for it in advance.
Example: Try to anticipate the questions they might ask.
elaborate
/ɪˈlæbrət/
To give more details or explain something more fully.
Example: Could you elaborate on that last point?
screening
/ˈskrinɪŋ/
An early stage in the hiring process used to check if a candidate is suitable before a full interview.
Example: I had a phone screening before the main interview.