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
Variable Pay
Compensation tied to performance — bonuses, commission, profit share, equity vesting — that varies b…
Hiring Manager
The person who has the open headcount and will be your future direct boss if you get the role.
Assessment Centre
A multi-exercise hiring day where candidates are tested across group tasks, presentations, role-play…
PIP (Performance Improvement Plan)
A formal documented plan with targets a struggling employee must hit in a fixed window.