Abbreviations
Here are some common abbreviations that you will come across in job advertisements and correspondence. But note that it might sound unprofessional if you use too many abbreviations in your application. Try to avoid abbreviations if possible and write the full word. You shouldn’t, for example, write “As already stated in your ad in the Times…”. Write “As already stated in your advertisement in the Times…” instead. However, you can write “Encl.” or “Enc.” at the end of your CV.
Furthermore, make sure that you keep correspondence with your soon-to-be employer on a professional basis. It might seem rude if you use too many abbreviations in an email you write to your recruiter. Once you are employed and more familiar with your employer you can of course use abbreviations now and then but don’t overuse them.
Please note that there are variations. For example, some abbreviations may be capitalised or not (ASAP or asap) or they may be followed by a full stop or not (appt. or appt).
| Abbreviation | Abbreviation for |
| ad | advertisement |
| appt | appointment |
| ASAP / asap | as soon as possible |
| asst | assistant |
| attn | attention |
| BA / BSc | Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science |
| ben / befts | benefits (in addition to a salary, such as a company pension scheme) |
| blgl | bilingual |
| bus | business |
| CEO | Chief Executive Officer |
| CFO | Chief Financial Officer |
| COO | Chief Operation(s) Officer |
| cert | certificate |
| CL | cover letter |
| CV | curriculum vitae |
| dept | department |
| dip | diploma |
| doe | depends on experience |
| doc | document |
| encl / enc | enclosed / enclosure (written at the bottom of a cover letter, for example: "Encl. CV") |
| eng | engineer / engineering |
| essent | essential |
| exp | experience(d) |
| FAO | for the attention of |
| FAQ | frequently asked questions |
| fax res | (send) resume per fax |
| f/m | female/male |
| f/t / FT | full-time |
| GPA | grade point average (of college or school exams) |
| hrs / hrs/wk | hours / hours per week |
| HR | Human Resources |
| jr / jnr | junior |
| k ($20k) | thousand ($20,000) |
| loc | location |
| LV | luncheon voucher |
| MA / MBA / MSc | Master of Arts / Master of Business Administration / Master of Science |
| MD | Managing Director |
| mgr | manager |
| nec | necessary |
| neg | negotiable (for example, some salaries may be negotiable) |
| on spec | on speculation |
| p.a. | per annum |
| PA | Personal Assistant (assistant to a manager) |
| p/t / PT | part-time |
| perm position | permanent position |
| PIN | Personal Identification Number |
| PhD | Doctor of Philosophy (this is the most common doctor's degree awarded by universities) |
| pref | preferable |
| ref | reference |
| reg | regards / regarding |
| reqd | required |
| sal | salary |
| sec | secretary |
| sr / snr | senior |
| tel | telephone |
| temp | temporary |
| USP | unique selling point |
| wpm | words per minute (typing speed) |