UK Recruitment Glossary
Performance Review
In recruiter context
Most UK employers run them in Q1 (calendar) or April (financial-year companies). The output usually includes: a numerical or category rating (Exceeds/Meets/Below), feedback notes, goals for the next cycle, and (separately) a calibration with peers across the team that determines your raise/bonus pool position. Your direct manager writes the review, but their score is then 'calibrated' against other managers' candidates — meaning your rating can move up or down based on comparison with people you don't even know. Strong candidates document their achievements throughout the year in a 'brag doc' rather than relying on the manager's memory at review time.
Related terms
Boolean Search
Recruiters using AND, OR, NOT operators on LinkedIn or job boards to find candidates.
Cold Application
Applying to a job without any prior contact, referral, or recruiter conversation.
CV (Curriculum Vitae)
The UK and most of Europe call it a CV; the US mostly calls it a resume.
Cover Letter
A short letter accompanying your CV that explains why you want this specific role.