Talking about Work and Jobs in English

Hi there! 

How many words and expressions do you know for talking about work and jobs?

I often like to do a class with my students on this popular topic. So, in this lesson, you’ll learn some useful words and expressions for talking about work and jobs in English. Then, you’ll watch a conversation with this language to improve your listening skills. Finally, we’ll do a little speaking activity so you can use the language on Work and Jobs yourself. Then, by the end of the lesson, you’ll be able to talk about jobs easily!

Ready? OK, let’s go!

To apply for a job

If you “apply for a job”, you complete an application form with questions about you and your work experience, education, etc.

A: Did you apply for that teaching job?

B: No, it was too far away from where I’m living.

To get a job

If you “get a job”, you pass the selection process and do well in the interview so they give you a job.

A: So, did you get the job?
B: Yes, they just sent me an e-mail confirming it!

Hire and fire

If a company “hires” someone, they give them a job; then, if they “fire” someone, they tell that person to leave their job.

• Jenny got hired as the marketing manager.
• They fired six employees as sales were down.

A position

A “position” in a company is the job that you apply for. For example: the position of marketing manager; the position of sales executive…

A: So, what have you been up to?

B: Oh, I’ve just applied for the position of advertising executive at a Central London agency.

A field

A “field” is an area of professional activity or interest. For example: programming, teaching, journalism… 
A: So, how could I get into the field of journalism?

B: The best way to start is to get a job on a local newspaper.

Networking

Networking is the action of meeting people who might be useful for your job. People often do networking at conferences, business fairs, industry events…

A: How was the business conference?

B: Oh, it was great. I did loads of networking and made lots of fantastic contacts.

Career

Your career is the job you decide to do for the majority of your professional life.

A: So, what does she want to do with her life?

B: She’s hoping to start a career in the police force.

Remember, what you study at university, etc. is called a “course”.

Work hard

If you “work hard”, you work for many hours and finish a lot of tasks.

A: You look pretty tired.

B: Yeah, I’ve been working really hard this week.