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
Four-Day Week
A working pattern where employees work 4 days for full-time pay, with the same output expected — dis…
Equity / Share Options
An ownership stake in your employer, granted as options or shares that vest over time.
Employment Gap
Any period without paid employment shown on a UK CV — redundancy, parental leave, illness, caring, s…
Job Description (JD)
The official posting that lists role responsibilities, requirements, and sometimes salary.