Starting your first job comes with a lot of new things to learn.
You may hear job terms such as probation, KPI, gross salary, EPF and notice period and wonder what they actually mean. This simple guide explains 50 common job terms every first-time worker should know.
Before You Start Your Job
1. Job Offer
A job offer is when a company offers you a position. It normally comes with details such as your job title, salary and start date.
2. Offer Letter
An offer letter is the document that outlines the main details of the job being offered to you.
3. Employment Contract
An employment contract is the agreement between you and your employer. It explains important terms such as salary, working hours, leave and notice period.
4. Probation
A probation period is the initial period of your employment when the employer assesses your suitability for the role.
5. Confirmation
Confirmation usually means you have successfully completed your probation and are officially confirmed in your position.
6. Notice Period
A notice period is the amount of time you normally need to give your employer before leaving your job, according to your employment terms.
7. Start Date
Your start date is the date you officially begin working for the company.
8. Reporting Manager
Your reporting manager is the person you normally report to and who oversees your work.
9. Job Scope
Your job scope refers to the main tasks, duties and responsibilities you are expected to handle.
10. Working Hours
Working hours are the hours you are expected to work. Your schedule may depend on your company, role or shift.
Salary and Pay Terms
11. Basic Salary
Your basic salary is your fixed salary before certain allowances, bonuses or deductions.
12. Gross Salary
Gross salary is your pay before applicable deductions are taken out.
13. Net Salary
Net salary is the amount left after applicable deductions.
14. Take-Home Pay
Take-home pay is the amount you actually receive in your bank account after applicable deductions. It can be lower than your stated salary.
15. Allowance
An allowance is extra money provided for a specific purpose, such as transport, meals or certain work arrangements.
16. Bonus
A bonus is an additional payment that may be given by an employer based on company performance, individual performance or other conditions.
17. Commission
Commission is payment based on specific results, such as sales made by an employee.
18. Overtime (OT)
Overtime, or OT, refers to working beyond your normal working hours where applicable.
19. Payslip
A payslip is a record of your salary for a particular pay period. It normally shows your earnings and deductions.
20. Salary Deduction
A salary deduction is money taken from your pay. This can include applicable statutory contributions and other permitted deductions.
Leave and Time Off
21. Annual Leave
Annual leave is paid time off that you can use for holidays, personal matters or other approved reasons.
22. Sick Leave
Sick leave is time away from work because you are unwell, subject to the applicable requirements.
23. Medical Certificate (MC)
A medical certificate, commonly called an MC, is a document from a medical practitioner confirming that you are unfit for work for a certain period.
24. Public Holiday
A public holiday is an officially recognised holiday. Whether you work on that day depends on your job, employment terms and applicable rules.
25. Unpaid Leave
Unpaid leave is approved time away from work for which you do not receive your normal salary.
Common Workplace Terms
26. KPI
KPI stands for Key Performance Indicator. It is a target or measurement used to assess your work performance.
27. KRA
KRA stands for Key Result Area. It refers to an important area of responsibility in your role.
28. Onboarding
Onboarding is the process of helping a new employee get started. It may include introductions, training, paperwork and learning about company processes.
29. Orientation
Orientation is an introduction to the company, workplace, policies and basic procedures.
30. Performance Review
A performance review is a discussion about your work, achievements, challenges and areas for improvement.
31. Job Grade
A job grade is a level used by some companies to classify positions based on responsibility, seniority and pay.
32. Team Lead
A team lead usually helps guide a team and coordinate its day-to-day work.
33. Work Culture
Work culture refers to how people communicate, work together and behave within a company.
34. Training and Development
Training and development refers to opportunities provided to help employees improve their skills and knowledge.
35. Career Progression
Career progression means moving into roles with greater responsibility, skills or seniority as your career develops.
Job Types and Working Arrangements
36. Full-Time
A full-time job is a role where you work the employer's regular working schedule.
37. Part-Time
A part-time job generally involves fewer working hours than a full-time position.
38. Contract Job
A contract job is a position where employment is provided under specific contractual terms, often for a stated period.
39. Shift Work
Shift work means working scheduled hours that may vary, such as morning, afternoon or night shifts.
40. Hybrid Work
Hybrid work means splitting your working time between the workplace and another location, such as home.
41. Remote Work
Remote work means performing your job away from the company's usual workplace, often from home or another location.
42. Entry-Level
An entry-level job is generally a position suitable for people starting their careers or with limited professional experience.
43. Fresh Graduate
A fresh graduate is someone who has recently completed their studies and is beginning their professional career.
Leaving or Changing Jobs
44. Resignation
Resignation means an employee decides to leave their job.
45. Termination
Termination means an employment relationship comes to an end. The circumstances and process can vary depending on the situation and applicable employment terms.
46. Reference
A reference is someone who can provide information about your work, skills or experience to a potential employer.
47. Career Path
A career path describes the possible progression of your career as you gain experience and take on greater responsibilities.
Malaysia Employment Terms
48. EPF
EPF, or the Employees Provident Fund, is a retirement savings scheme for eligible employees in Malaysia.
49. SOCSO
SOCSO, administered by PERKESO, provides social security protection for eligible employees.
50. EIS
EIS, or the Employment Insurance System, provides support and re-employment assistance to eligible employees who lose their jobs.
Note: EPF, SOCSO and EIS requirements can depend on factors such as your employment status and other eligibility conditions. Check the latest information from the relevant official authorities.
Why These Terms Matter for First-Time Workers
You do not need to memorise every workplace term before your first day.
However, understanding these basic terms can help you:
Read job advertisements more easily
Understand your offer letter and employment contract
Know what your salary and payslip mean
Understand your leave and working arrangements
Communicate better with your manager and HR
Make better decisions when comparing job offers
Most importantly, always read your employment documents carefully before signing them. Ask your employer or HR team about anything you do not understand.
FAQs
What should first-time workers learn before starting a job?
Start with basic terms such as probation, salary, notice period, working hours, leave, KPI and employee benefits.
What is probation?
Probation is the initial period of employment when an employer assesses whether a new employee is suitable for the role.
What is the difference between gross salary and take-home pay?
Gross salary is your pay before applicable deductions, while take-home pay is the amount you receive after those deductions.
What are EPF, SOCSO and EIS?
They are important employment-related schemes in Malaysia. EPF focuses on retirement savings, while SOCSO and EIS provide different forms of social security and employment support for eligible workers.
What should I check before accepting my first job?
Check your salary, job scope, working hours, probation period, leave, benefits, notice period and other important terms in your offer letter or employment contract.
