Hello everyone,
Do you want to improve your English skills when talking about jobs and careers?
Whether you are looking for a new job, starting a career, or discussing work with colleagues, it’s helpful to know some common English phrases related to this topic.
In this lesson, I’ll cover all kinds of job and career phrases used in English.
From phrases about different occupations to expressions for describing workplace situations and career progress, you’ll learn lots of useful vocabulary.
Let’s get started!
Phrases About Different Jobs and Occupations
There are many different words to describe people’s jobs and what they do for work.
Some examples of job titles and occupations are:
– I’m a teacher. I work at a school teaching children.
– He’s a doctor. He examines patients and provides medical treatment.
– My brother is an engineer. He designs bridges and roads.
– She has a job as an accountant at a big company.
– I work in sales at a software firm.
When talking about your occupation, you can say “I’m a…” or “My job is…” or “I work as a…”
There are also phrases for describing what people do in their line of work:
– Software developers write code and build apps.
– Plumbers repair pipes and install sinks.
– Chefs cook food at restaurants.
– Police officers protect people and enforce laws.
– Writers create books, articles, scripts, etc.
Applying and Interviewing for Jobs
If you are looking for a new job, there are particular phrases used during the hiring process:
– I’m currently job searching and applying for open positions.
– I saw your job posting for a marketing associate.
– I submitted my resume and cover letter last week.
– I have an interview scheduled for next Tuesday.
– In the interview, they’ll probably ask about my qualifications and experience.
During a job interview, the interviewer may ask questions like:
– Tell me about yourself and your background.
– What are your strengths and weaknesses?
– Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
– Why are you interested in this role with our company?
And you may want to ask questions like:
– Could you describe the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
– What are the opportunities for career advancement here?
– What is the company culture like?
– What are the next steps in the hiring process?
Phrases for Describing Workplace Situations
There are many phrases for talking about different workplace situations and conditions:
– I have a very heavy workload with tight deadlines.
– The job involves a lot of multitasking and stress.
– I don’t have enough work-life balance lately.
– There are great benefits like health insurance and paid time off.
– I get along really well with my boss and colleagues.
You can also describe your physical work environment:
– I work from home and have a quiet home office.
– My office is in a high-rise building downtown.
– We have an open floor plan with cubicles.
– The workplace is very modern with natural lighting.
– My commute takes over an hour each way.
Getting Hired, Leaving a Job, and Career Changes
There are common phrases used when starting a new job, leaving a job, and making bigger career changes:
– I was offered the position and accepted the job.
– My first day at the new company is next Monday.
– I’ll be giving my two weeks’ notice to quit.
– I decided to resign from my previous role.
– I’m looking to change career paths entirely.
You may move up or get promoted at work:
– I was promoted from junior employee to manager level.
– They advanced me to a senior position with more responsibilities.
– I’m up for a promotion to the director’s role soon.
– This could lead to upward career mobility.
Or you may get fired or laid off from a job:
– Unfortunately, I was terminated from my previous job.
– The company let me go due to corporate downsizing.
– I got laid off after a workforce reduction.
– Now I’m unemployed and actively seeking new employment.
Career Goals, Skills, and Progress
When discussing your career, you can talk about your goals, skills you want to develop, and overall progress:
– My long-term career goal is to become an executive.
– I’m working toward a management position.
– To advance my career, I need to improve my public speaking ability.
– I lack technical skills, so I’m taking programming courses.
– My career is stagnating, and I’m not growing professionally.
You can describe how your career is going in a certain direction:
– I’m on a career path toward becoming a marketing director.
– My career seems to have stalled or hit a plateau.
– If I get this promotion, it will be a huge career boost.
– I’m still early in my career as a recent graduate.
– As a seasoned professional, I have over 20 years of experience.
Jobs and Income
Don’t forget there are also phrases related to jobs, income, and personal finances:
– I work full-time and make an annual salary.
– Teachers in my area tend to have modest salaries.
– Doctors and lawyers earn high incomes and big paychecks.
– I’m paid on a monthly or bi-weekly basis.
– With my current compensation, I make a decent living.
Some people have a side gig or side hustle for extra income:
– I do freelance writing as a side gig in addition to my day job.
– He has a side hustle selling products online.
– The extra money from my side business helps make ends meet.
If you’re unemployed, you may talk about being on unemployment benefits or collecting unemployment pay after a job loss.
Describing Work Schedules and Hours
You can describe your weekly work schedule and the hours for your job:
– I work typical business hours, about 9 to 5 each day.
– Nurses often work long shifts of 12 hours or more.
– My retail job involves working evenings and weekends.
– As a firefighter, he’s on 24-hour rotational shifts.
– I have an inflexible, rigid schedule with no time off.
You may have a flexible or alternative work arrangement:
– I’m able to work remotely from home a few days per week.
– My company offers flexible working hours and schedules.
– I work part-time hours from 7am until noon.
– As a contractor, I’m self-employed with inconsistent hours.
So, there you have it people – tons of common English phrases about jobs, careers, and the workplace!
With this vocabulary, you’ll be able to express yourself more clearly in English when discussing jobs, occupations, career goals, and employment situations.
Practice using these phrases in conversation to improve your fluency.
