Glossary - UK job market

A period of employment with a predetermined end point: either a specific date, or the completion of a set piece of work. Many graduate schemes are initially fixed term contracts of 2-3 years. 

A period of work experience lasting from a few weeks to months, often during the summer vacation period. Inernships are available across different job sectors, and while many are paid, some are unpaid and need careful consideration. York Internships from Careers and Placements are paid internships exclusive to University of York students. Note: some employers use the term internship to refer to a placement year or year in industry. Learn more about internships.

A social networking platform used to make connections and build a professional network. LinkedIn is used by employers, employees, students and graduates from various professional backgrounds and can be an important tool in your job search.

A supportive and often formal relationship where you are matched with a more experienced person to benefit from their knowledge in order to develop and reach your potential. This could be a colleague in your current workplace, or a University of York graduate via York for Life.

A tax on earnings, used to fund various state welfare benefits. Contributions are deducted from earnings above a threshold, until you reach state pension age. National insurance must be paid, even if you will not use the benefits it funds in the future. This is in addition to income tax.

A unique, 10-digit personal account number issued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to track your National Insurance contributions and tax records. You need a National Insurance number in order to work in the UK, although you can start work if you have applied and are waiting for it to arrive. Learn more about NI numbers and how to apply.

The time you must give between informing your employer you wish to leave the role, and actually ending your employment. For most roles, this is 1-3 months; it may be as little as one week for part-time work. Your employer can also serve you notice (tell you they are ending your employment) in some circumstances - such as during your probationary period.

All employers must provide a workplace pension scheme. If you are aged between 22 and the state pension age, and "ordinarily" work in the UK, your employer must automatically enrol you into the pension scheme. This will take a minimum 5% contribution from you, unless you opt out.

An employment contract with no fixed end date. It can only be ended if the employee resigns, is dismissed or made redundant.

Usually a structured work experience opportunity lasting 9-12 months that can be integrated into undergraduate studies, giving you a substantial amount of work experience that is recognised within your degree title. Many organisations offer placement opportunities and they are a great way of developing your employability skills while getting a flavour of a particular working environment. Also called a Year in industry, or occasionally internship. Learn more about placements at the University of York. 

A trial period at the beginning of a new contract, usually between 3 and 6 months to allow the employer to ensure the successful candidate is a good fit for the role. Shorter notice periods for both the employer and employee usually apply during this time. If issues are identified which could mean the candidate is not suitable, they should be given ample opportunity to improve before the end of the probation period. 

A Latin term meaning "in proportion". For part-time roles, salary and annual leave are pro rata compared to the full time equivalent. For example, if a full-time role is 40 hours per week, and the job is for 30 hours, your pro rata pay and holiday will be 75% of the advertised full-time figures.

A broad range of tests designed to measure specific abilities, such as verbal, numerical and logical reasoning skills. Tests including aptitude and personality tests, numerical and verbal reasoning, situational judgement tests, critical reasoning tests are often used as part of the recruitment and selection process for graduate jobs; some include a gamification element. Find out more about these tests and how to practise.

A written statement providing a fair and accurate summary of employment (work reference) or character and suitability for the role (character or personal reference). For graduate jobs you can usually expect to provide a reference from a previous employer and your academic supervisor. References are usually requested following a job offer and before you start employment; a job offer may be subject to satisfactory references.

See CV

Before an employee can start work, the employer is legally required to ensure they have the right to work in the UK. They will need to see and take a copy of your documents, including your passport.

Unpaid work experience, where you follow a person or team in an organisation to learn about the work they do and the working culture. Generally, these experiences take place over a short period of time and may require you to perform some basic tasks. 

A cover letter and a CV sent to a company to ask if they have any suitable roles, even if they are not advertising. Learn more about speculative applications. 

An organisation run by workers to protect their rights and collectively negotiate with employers for better pay and working conditions. In the UK it is common for employees in graduate level work (and beyond) to be part of these organisations, although it is not compulsory.

A contract type very common in retail and hospitality roles. These offer no fixed or guaranteed shifts, nor is the employee obliged to accept shifts when they are offered. Sometimes zero hours contracts offer a lot of work, sometimes they offer very little. These contracts have more flexibility but less security than fixed hours contracts. If you are an international student on a zero hours contract, note that it is your responsibility to ensure you do not work more than 20 hours (or the number on your visa) in any one week period.