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
PILON
Pay In Lieu Of Notice — the employer pays you for the notice period instead of having you work it.
Garden Leave
A period during your notice where the employer pays you but bars you from working.
Fixed-Term Contract
An employment contract with a defined end date — typically used for project work, parental leave cov…
Salary Sacrifice
An arrangement where you give up part of your gross salary in exchange for a non-cash benefit, savin…