Job-ad terms, explained.

Search terms

Base pay

The fixed part of your pay, before commission, bonuses or allowances.

Commission-only

Pay depends entirely on results, with no guaranteed base.

Ad hoc

One-off or irregular work, with no commitment on either side.

Retainer

A regular fee paid to a freelancer to stay available for an agreed amount of work.

Flexi-hours

Flexible start and end times, often around core hours.

FWA

Flexible work arrangement: flexi-time, flexi-place or flexi-load.

Core hours

Hours when you must be available, even in flexible or remote roles.

Hybrid

A schedule that splits time between office and remote work.

Freelancer

Self-employed person paid per project or task, responsible for own tax and contributions.

Platform worker

Person who gets work via an online platform, such as ride-hail or delivery.

Gig

A short-term, task-based job.

Contract / temp

Fixed-term employment, sometimes through an agency.

Probation

Initial trial period at the start of employment.

Notice period

Time you or your employer must give before ending employment.

Training bond

An agreement to stay for a set period after training, or repay costs.

PMET

Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians.

Money mule

Person whose bank account is used to move scam proceeds, often unknowingly. It is a criminal offence.