UK Recruitment Glossary
Competency Framework
In recruiter context
Most large UK employers have one. Common frameworks: Civil Service competencies (12 behaviours, 4 levels), banking competencies (often technical + behavioural mixed), tech ladders (IC1-IC7 + manager track). For candidates, the framework is the implicit scoring rubric in any structured interview — interviewers tick boxes against pre-defined behaviours. Before a final-round interview, ask the recruiter for the competency framework; many will share it. Map your STAR examples directly to the documented competencies. This is the single highest-leverage move in late-stage UK interviews — you stop guessing what the panel wants to hear and start answering against their actual scoring criteria.
Related terms
PIP (Performance Improvement Plan)
A formal documented plan with targets a struggling employee must hit in a fixed window.
PILON
Pay In Lieu Of Notice — the employer pays you for the notice period instead of having you work it.
Counter-Offer
When you resign and your current employer offers a raise, promotion, or new title to make you stay.
Pension Auto-Enrolment Opt-Out
A UK employee right to leave their workplace pension within 30 days of auto-enrolment — refunds cont…