UK Recruitment Glossary
Sick Note / Fit Note
In recruiter context
Officially called 'Fit Note' since 2010 (replacing 'Sick Note'). Issued by GPs, hospital doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists since changes in 2022. Two options on the form: 'not fit for work' or 'may be fit for work' (with suggested adjustments). The first 7 days of illness are self-certified (no fit note needed). UK employers must accept fit notes; some operate stricter internal requirements. Fit notes can be backdated up to 7 days. Lost fit notes can be replaced by the issuing GP for free.
Related terms
Furlough
A temporary leave of absence with reduced or zero pay, where the employee remains employed.
Resume
The US term for what the UK calls a CV — a 1-2 page summary of work history.
Job Description (JD)
The official posting that lists role responsibilities, requirements, and sometimes salary.
LinkedIn Recruiter
LinkedIn's paid sourcing tool used by recruiters to search the full LinkedIn member base.