Human Resources (HR) Terms Glossary: Commonly Used Concepts and Their Meanings

If you're new to the business world or want to advance your career, knowing human resources terms provides a significant advantage. Not knowing the meaning of certain concepts you frequently encounter in interviews, job listings, or internal company processes can lead to communication gaps.

In this article, starting with the question "what is human resources?", we've compiled the most commonly used HR terms and their meanings in easy-to-understand language. This way, you can take more informed steps in both job applications and your professional life.

1. What Is Human Resources?

Human resources (HR) is the department responsible for managing a company's most valuable asset its employees. The answer to the question "what is the role of human resources?" covers a wide spectrum ranging from recruitment to training processes, from performance evaluation to employee motivation.

Human Resources Job Description

Managing recruitment processes.

Preparing employee training and development plans.

Overseeing performance evaluation systems.

Increasing employee engagement and motivation.

Human Resources Functions

1. Recruitment and Placement — Placing the right candidate in the right position.

2. Training and Development — Enhancing employees' competencies.

3. Compensation and Benefits Management — Creating fair salary and benefits policies.

4. Employee Relations — Workplace harmony and motivation initiatives.

2. Commonly Used Human Resources Terms

1. Interview

A face-to-face or online meeting conducted to evaluate a candidate's suitability for a position.

2. Onboarding

The process of helping a newly hired employee adapt to the company culture and their responsibilities.

3. KPI (Key Performance Indicator)

Numerical indicators established to measure employee performance.

4. Turnover Rate

Refers to the percentage of employees who leave the company within a specific period.

3. Other Concepts You May Encounter During the Recruitment Process

Competency-Based Interview

A type of interview that aims to predict a candidate's future performance based on their past experiences.

Talent Pool

A database where a company pre-identifies and stores potential candidates for future positions.

4. Advantages of Knowing Human Resources Terms

More Comfortable Communication in Interviews

Knowing HR jargon allows you to express yourself more professionally in interviews.

Better Understanding of Job Listings

Some terms appear directly in job listings. Knowing their meanings helps you more clearly assess whether you're a good fit for the position.

In conclusion, learning human resources terms both increases your professionalism in the workplace and helps you better evaluate opportunities. Create your free CV on İşin Olacak, apply to thousands of current listings right away, and get one step ahead in your career.