Job Vocabulary in English: Useful Words for Looking for a Job

Hello English learners. Welcome to a new lesson. Vocabulary for looking for a job is essential if you want to apply for work, write a CV, understand job advertisements, and prepare for interviews in English. In this lesson, you will learn useful words and expressions connected with job applications, qualifications, references, salaries, and working conditions.

Let’s get started.

Applicant / Candidate

An applicant or candidate is a person who applies for a job.

• There were only a few applicants for the job, so I hope they will invite me for an interview.
• She was one of the strongest candidates for the position.

Both words are common, although candidate is often used when someone is being seriously considered for the job.

Application Form

An application form is a document you fill in when you apply for a job. It usually asks for information about your education, work experience, skills, and personal details.

• You need to fill in an application form before the company can consider you for the position.
• Make sure all the information on your application form is accurate.

CV (Curriculum Vitae) / Enclose a CV

A CV (short for curriculum vitae) is a document that gives information about your education, work experience, qualifications, and skills.

When applying for a job, you usually need to enclose your CV with your email or application.

• Your CV should be clear, well-organised, and free from mistakes.
• When applying for the job, she enclosed her CV and a recent photograph.

In British English, CV is much more common than résumé.

Covering Letter

A covering letter is a letter you send with your CV. In it, you explain who you are, why you are applying, and why you are suitable for the job.

• Please send your CV and a covering letter to the email address below.
• A good covering letter should be short, clear, and professional.

A covering letter is your chance to make a strong first impression, so it should never be rushed.

Employer

An employer is a person or organisation that hires people and pays them to work.

• My former employer gave me an excellent reference.
• A good employer values hardworking and reliable staff.

Interview / Interviewer / Interviewee

After reading your application, the employer may invite you to a job interview.

• The interviewer is the person who asks the questions.
• The interviewee is the person answering the questions.
• My interview lasted for nearly two hours.
• The interviewer was polite and professional.
• The interviewee answered the questions confidently.

At a job interview, you may be asked about your education, previous experience, skills, strengths, and future goals.

Job Advertisement

A job advertisement (or job advert) is a text that gives information about a job vacancy. It usually includes the job title, duties, requirements, and instructions on how to apply.

• You should read the job advertisement carefully before applying.
• The advertisement stated that applicants must have at least two years of experience.

Previous Experience / Work Experience

Previous experience or work experience means the knowledge and skills you gained in earlier jobs.

Employers often ask about your previous experience to see whether you are suitable for the role.

• She has previous experience in customer service.
• Make sure your answers about your work experience match the information in your CV.

Job Prospects

Job prospects are your chances of finding work or being successful in a particular career.

• Many students continue their studies in order to improve their job prospects.
• Computer skills can greatly improve your job prospects.

Qualifications

Your qualifications are the exams, certificates, diplomas, or degrees you have successfully completed.

• You need the right qualifications for this position.
• When applying for a job, you should list both your qualifications and your work experience.

Recruit

To recruit means to find and hire people to work for a company or organisation.

• The company is recruiting new staff this month.
• Many hotels recruit seasonal workers during the summer.

Referee / Reference

A referee is a person who knows your work well and can say positive things about you to a future employer. This is often a former manager or employer.

A reference is the letter or statement that person writes for you.

• My former boss agreed to be my referee.
• She wrote me a very strong reference.

It always helps to leave a good impression at work — you never know when you may need a reference later.

Requirements

Requirements are the qualities, skills, education, or experience needed for a job.

• If you want to get the job, you must meet all the requirements.
• One of the main requirements is fluency in English.

Skills

Skills are abilities you have developed through study, training, or experience.

Examples include communication skills, computer skills, organisational skills, and leadership skills.

• They are looking for someone with strong communication and organisational skills.
• Good language skills are essential in this role.

Starting Salary

Your starting salary is the amount of money you earn when you begin a job.

• The starting salary was too low, so he decided not to apply.
• The company offers a competitive starting salary.

Salary is often one of the first things people look at — and who can blame them? Enthusiasm is wonderful, but the rent still expects its payment.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Your strengths are your positive qualities, while your weaknesses are the areas where you are less strong.

This is a very common interview topic.

• During the interview, they asked me about my strengths and weaknesses.
• One of her strengths is her ability to work under pressure.

When talking about weaknesses in an interview, it is best to be honest but sensible.

Working Conditions

Working conditions refer to the environment and situation in which people work. This includes working hours, salary, safety, pressure, benefits, and general treatment at work.

• Factory workers protested for better working conditions.
• Before accepting a job, it is important to ask about the working conditions.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for work in English, this vocabulary will help you understand job advertisements, write applications, and prepare for interviews more confidently. Words such as applicant, CV, covering letter, qualifications, skills, and working conditions are all essential when talking about employment.

Try to learn them in context and use them in your own example sentences. That way, they will stay in your memory much more easily.

FAQ 

What is the difference between an applicant and a candidate?

An applicant is anyone who applies for a job, while a candidate is usually someone being considered more seriously for the role.

What is a CV in British English?

A CV means curriculum vitae. It is a document that shows your education, work experience, qualifications, and skills.

What is a covering letter?

A covering letter is a short letter sent with your CV to explain why you are applying and why you are suitable for the job.

What are job requirements?

Job requirements are the skills, qualifications, education, or experience needed for a particular role.

Why is job vocabulary important in English?

Job vocabulary helps you understand job adverts, complete application forms, write professional emails, and perform better in interviews.

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