ByGlossary of Terms Related to Internships in Kenya
If you are looking for an internship, entry level job, or graduate trainee job in Kenya, you might encounter some terms that are unfamiliar to you. This glossary will help you understand the meaning and usage of these terms in the context of the Kenyan job market.
Internship
An internship is a short-term work experience that allows you to learn new skills and gain exposure to a specific field or industry. Internships can be paid or unpaid, part-time or full-time, and can last from a few weeks to a few months. Internships are usually offered by employers who want to recruit or train potential employees, or by educational institutions who want to provide practical learning opportunities for their students.
Entry Level Job
An entry level job is a job that requires little or no previous work experience or formal education. Entry level jobs are typically low-paying and low-skilled, but they can also serve as a stepping stone to more advanced positions in the same or related fields. Entry level jobs are often available in sectors such as retail, hospitality, customer service, sales, and administration.
Graduate Trainee Job
A graduate trainee job is a job that is designed for fresh graduates who have completed their academic studies and are looking for their first professional employment. Graduate trainee jobs are usually offered by large or multinational companies who want to develop and retain young talent. Graduate trainee jobs are often competitive and selective, and involve a structured training program that covers various aspects of the business, such as operations, finance, marketing, and human resources.
Resume
A resume is a document that summarizes your education, work experience, skills, achievements, and other relevant information for a potential employer. A resume is usually one or two pages long, and is tailored to the specific job or industry you are applying for. A resume is also known as a CV (curriculum vitae) in some countries, but they are not exactly the same. A CV is more detailed and comprehensive than a resume, and can be several pages long. A CV is more common in academic or research settings, while a resume is more common in business or professional settings.
Cover Letter
A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. A cover letter is a personal introduction that explains why you are interested in the job, how you are qualified for the job, and what value you can bring to the employer. A cover letter is usually one page long, and is written in a formal and courteous tone. A cover letter is also known as a motivation letter or an application letter in some countries.
Interview
An interview is a meeting between you and a potential employer, where you are asked questions about your background, skills, personality, and suitability for the job. An interview can be conducted in person, over the phone, or online, and can last from a few minutes to a few hours. An interview can be structured or unstructured, and can involve one or more interviewers. An interview is a crucial part of the hiring process, as it allows the employer to assess your fit for the job and the organization, and allows you to showcase your strengths and address any concerns.
Hiring
Hiring is the process of selecting and appointing a candidate for a job. Hiring can involve various steps, such as screening resumes, conducting interviews, performing background checks, negotiating salaries, and making job offers. Hiring can be done by the employer directly, or by a third-party agency or recruiter who acts on behalf of the employer. Hiring can be influenced by various factors, such as the availability of talent, the demand for skills, the budget and timeline, and the organizational culture.
Salary
A salary is the amount of money that you are paid by your employer for your work. A salary can be expressed as an annual, monthly, weekly, or hourly rate, and can include various components, such as basic pay, allowances, bonuses, commissions, and benefits. A salary can vary depending on your level of education, experience, skills, performance, location, industry, and employer. A salary can also be subject to deductions, such as taxes, social security, and pension contributions.
Contract
A contract is a written or verbal agreement between you and your employer that defines the terms and conditions of your employment. A contract can include information such as your job title, duties, responsibilities, hours, salary, benefits, duration, termination, and confidentiality. A contract can be fixed-term or permanent, full-time or part-time, and can be renewed or terminated according to the stipulated clauses. A contract is legally binding and enforceable, and can protect your rights and interests as an employee.
Recruiting
Recruiting is the process of finding and attracting qualified candidates for a job. Recruiting can be done by the employer directly, or by a third-party agency or recruiter who acts on behalf of the employer. Recruiting can involve various methods, such as advertising, networking, referrals, headhunting, social media, job fairs, and online platforms. Recruiting can be challenging and competitive, as it requires identifying the best talent, matching them with the right job, and convincing them to join the organization.
HR
HR stands for human resources, which is the department or function that manages the people-related aspects of an organization. HR can include various activities, such as planning, hiring, training, developing, rewarding, motivating, retaining, and terminating employees. HR can also deal with issues such as employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefits, health and safety, diversity and inclusion, and labor laws. HR can play a strategic role in aligning the human capital with the organizational goals and values.
CV
CV stands for curriculum vitae, which is a document that summarizes your academic and professional achievements, skills, publications, awards, and other relevant information for a potential employer. A CV is usually more detailed and comprehensive than a resume, and can be several pages long. A CV is more common in academic or research settings, where you need to showcase your scholarly credentials and contributions. A CV is also known as a resume in some countries, but they are not exactly the same. A resume is more concise and focused than a CV, and is tailored to the specific job or industry you are applying for.
Interview Questions
Interview questions are the questions that you are asked by the interviewer during an interview. Interview questions can be general or specific, open-ended or closed-ended, behavioral or situational, technical or non-technical, and can vary depending on the job and the employer. Interview questions are designed to evaluate your knowledge, skills, personality, and fit for the job and the organization. Interview questions can also give you an opportunity to ask questions about the job and the employer, and to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm.
Job Description
A job description is a document that describes the main duties, responsibilities, requirements, and expectations of a job. A job description can include information such as the job title, department, location, salary, benefits, reporting structure, qualifications, skills, experience, and competencies. A job description can be used by the employer to advertise the job, screen the candidates, and evaluate the performance. A job description can also be used by the job seeker to understand the job, tailor the resume and cover letter, and prepare for the interview.
Job Offer
A job offer is a formal proposal from an employer to a candidate to hire them for a job. A job offer can be verbal or written, and can include information such as the job title, salary, benefits, start date, probation period, and contract terms. A job offer can be conditional or unconditional, and can be accepted or rejected by the candidate. A job offer can also be negotiated by the candidate to improve the terms and conditions of the employment.
Job Application
A job application is a process of submitting your resume, cover letter, and other relevant documents or information to an employer for a job. A job application can be done online, by email, by mail, or in person, and can vary depending on the job and the employer. A job application can be used by the employer to screen and select the candidates, and to invite them for an interview. A job application can also be used by the job seeker to express their interest and suitability for the job, and to highlight their achievements and skills.
Job Portal
A job portal is a website or platform that connects job seekers and employers. A job portal can allow job seekers to search, browse, and apply for jobs, and to create and upload their resumes and profiles. A job portal can also allow employers to post, advertise, and manage their job openings, and to search, view, and contact the candidates. A job portal can offer various features and services, such as job alerts, career advice, resume writing, interview preparation, and feedback.
Job Satisfaction
Job satisfaction is the degree of happiness and fulfillment that you feel from your job. Job satisfaction can be influenced by various factors, such as the nature of the work, the work environment, the work culture, the work-life balance, the compensation, the recognition, the feedback, the growth opportunities, and the relationships with the colleagues, managers, and customers. Job satisfaction can affect your performance, productivity, motivation, loyalty, and well-being at work. Job satisfaction can also impact your career choices, goals, and aspirations.
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