Job is an important topic in IELTS writing, with various themes for discussion, such as work-life balance, salary, benefits, unemployment, and career development. Candidates encounter job-related topics almost every day, whether in computer-based or paper-based tests. Therefore, mastering essential collocations in this field is crucial. Additionally, once candidates immerse themselves in English-speaking countries, they will need to seek jobs, collaborate with others, and even recruit team members. This makes a practical set of vocabulary all the more valuable. In this article, I’ll explore essential job-related collocations, their meanings, and examples from authoritative sources, providing you with the tools to impress examiners and convey your thoughts with confidence.
01 / Job
| Collocation | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time job | A job that requires working the standard number of hours per week | Many people prefer a full-time job for financial stability. (The Guardian) |
| Part-time job | A job that requires fewer hours than full-time | A part-time job can be a great way for students to earn extra money. (Forbes) |
| Temporary job | A job that is not permanent | She took a temporary job to gain experience while searching for something more permanent. (CNN) |
| Permanent job | A job that offers long-term employment | Landing a permanent job provides more job security. (BBC News) |
| Entry-level job | A job suitable for beginners in a field | He started his career with an entry-level job in marketing. (Harvard Business Review) |
| High-paying job | A job that offers a significant salary | Many graduates aspire to secure a high-paying job right after college. (The Wall Street Journal) |
| Low-paying job | A job that offers minimal salary | Some people work multiple low-paying jobs to make ends meet. (The New York Times) |
| Dream job | The ideal position one hopes to achieve | Finding a dream job can be challenging but rewarding. (Business Insider) |
| Job satisfaction | The contentment one feels about their work | Job satisfaction is crucial for overall happiness in one's career. (McKinsey & Company) |
| Job security | The assurance of continued employment | Many employees value job security above a higher salary. (Bloomberg) |
02 / Employment
| Collocation | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Employment rate | The percentage of the working-age population that is employed | The employment rate has improved significantly over the last year. (Reuters) |
| Unemployment rate | The percentage of the labor force that is unemployed | The unemployment rate has shown a steady decline recently. (BBC News) |
| Employment opportunities | Job openings available in the market | There are many employment opportunities in the tech sector right now. (Forbes) |
| Employment law | Regulations governing the workplace | Understanding employment law is essential for both employers and employees. (The Guardian) |
| Employment agency | A service that matches job seekers with employers | Using an employment agency can speed up the hiring process. (The New York Times) |
| Employment contract | A legal agreement between employer and employee | An employment contract outlines the terms of your job. (Harvard Business Review) |
| Employment benefits | Perks provided to employees, such as health insurance | Employment benefits are an important consideration when evaluating job offers. (CNN) |
| Employment discrimination | Unfair treatment in hiring based on personal characteristics | Employment discrimination can take many forms, including age and gender bias. (The Economist) |
| Employment statistics | Data regarding employment and unemployment rates | Recent employment statistics show a significant increase in job creation. (Bloomberg) |
| Employment growth | The increase in the number of jobs available | Employment growth is a positive sign for the economy. (Reuters) |
03 / Career
| Collocation | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Career development | Progression in one's professional life | Career development programs can enhance employee skills. (Forbes) |
| Career path | The route one takes in their professional life | Choosing the right career path is crucial for long-term satisfaction. (Harvard Business Review) |
| Career goals | Objectives set for professional advancement | Setting clear career goals can help guide your professional journey. (The Guardian) |
| Career change | Transitioning from one profession to another | A career change can be daunting but also very rewarding. (Business Insider) |
| Career advancement | Promotion or progress in one's job | Career advancement opportunities are often linked to further education. (McKinsey & Company) |
| Career planning | Strategizing for future job opportunities | Effective career planning helps individuals stay focused on their goals. (Bloomberg) |
| Career prospects | The potential for future job opportunities | The career prospects in healthcare are very promising. (CNN) |
| Career satisfaction | Contentment with one's professional life | High career satisfaction is often linked to positive workplace culture. (The Wall Street Journal) |
| Career counselor | A professional who advises individuals on career choices | A career counselor can provide valuable insights for job seekers. (Harvard Business Review) |
| Career transition | Moving from one job or field to another | Career transition can be facilitated through networking and education. (The Economist) |
04 / Workforce
| Collocation | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled workforce | Employees with specialized training or expertise | A skilled workforce is essential for maintaining competitiveness in the market. (Forbes) |
| Unskilled workforce | Employees without specialized skills | The availability of an unskilled workforce can attract certain industries. (The Guardian) |
| Workforce diversity | A variety of backgrounds and experiences in the workforce | Workforce diversity leads to more innovative solutions. (Harvard Business Review) |
| Workforce planning | The process of forecasting and managing workforce needs | Effective workforce planning ensures that the right number of employees are available. (McKinsey & Company) |
| Workforce management | Strategies for overseeing employee performance | Strong workforce management practices can improve productivity. (Bloomberg) |
| Workforce training | Educational programs to enhance employee skills | Ongoing workforce training is vital for adapting to industry changes. (The New York Times) |
| Workforce mobility | The ability of employees to move within or between jobs | Workforce mobility can benefit both employees and employers. (CNN) |
| Workforce participation | The percentage of the working-age population that is employed or actively seeking work | Increasing workforce participation rates is crucial for economic growth. (The Economist) |
| Workforce shortage | A situation where there are not enough workers available | The region is facing a workforce shortage in skilled trades. (The Wall Street Journal) |
| Workforce turnover | The rate at which employees leave a company | High workforce turnover can be costly for businesses. (Harvard Business Review) |
05 / Occupation
| Collocation | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Occupation choice | The decision regarding one's career | Occupation choice can significantly impact one’s lifestyle. (Forbes) |
| Occupation safety | The measures taken to ensure safety in a profession | Occupation safety regulations are vital in hazardous industries. (The Guardian) |
| Occupation hazard | Risks associated with a specific job | Understanding occupation hazards is crucial for worker protection. (Harvard Business Review) |
| Occupation qualification | The credentials required for a specific job | Relevant occupation qualifications can enhance job prospects. (CNN) |
| Occupation satisfaction | Contentment with one’s job in a particular field | High occupation satisfaction leads to lower turnover rates. (Bloomberg) |
| Occupation stability | The security of employment in a profession | Some fields offer greater occupation stability than others. (The Wall Street Journal) |
| Occupation prestige | The respect and admiration associated with a profession | Certain professions carry a higher occupation prestige than others. (The Economist) |
| Occupation turnover | The rate at which employees switch jobs in a field | High occupation turnover can indicate job dissatisfaction. (Harvard Business Review) |
06 / Salary
| Collocation | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Annual salary | The total amount earned in a year | The annual salary for this position is quite competitive. (The New York Times) |
| Monthly salary | The amount earned in a month | Receiving a monthly salary provides financial stability. (Forbes) |
| Hourly wage | Payment based on hours worked | Many workers prefer a hourly wage for its flexibility. (CNN) |
| Salary increase | A raise in pay | A salary increase can motivate employees to perform better. (Bloomberg) |
| Salary negotiation | The process of discussing pay before accepting a job | Effective salary negotiation can lead to better compensation. (Harvard Business Review) |
| Salary range | The spectrum of pay for a particular position | Understanding the salary range for your industry is essential. (The Guardian) |
| Salary package | The total compensation offered to an employee, including benefits | A comprehensive salary package can attract top talent. (The Wall Street Journal) |
| Salary satisfaction | Contentment with one’s pay | Salary satisfaction is linked to overall job satisfaction. (Forbes) |
| Salary gap | The difference in pay between different groups | The salary gap between genders remains a pressing issue. (The Economist) |
07 / Benefits
| Collocation | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Health benefits | Medical insurance and wellness programs | Many companies offer health benefits as part of their employment package. (CNN) |
| Retirement benefits | Compensation provided upon retirement | Good retirement benefits can encourage employees to stay long-term. (The Guardian) |
| Vacation benefits | Paid time off from work | Vacation benefits are important for work-life balance. (Harvard Business Review) |
| Bonus | Extra financial compensation awarded for performance | Employees often look forward to their year-end bonus. (Forbes) |
| Stock options | Opportunities to purchase company shares at a fixed price | Offering stock options can motivate employees to contribute to the company’s success. (Bloomberg) |
| Flexible working hours | Non-standard work schedules | Flexible working hours are increasingly valued by employees. (The New York Times) |
| Work-life balance | The equilibrium between work and personal life | A good work-life balance is essential for mental health. (Business Insider) |
08 / Recruitment
| Collocation | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Recruitment process | The steps taken to hire new employees | The recruitment process can be lengthy but thorough. (Harvard Business Review) |
| Recruitment agency | A company that helps organizations find candidates | Using a recruitment agency can simplify the hiring process. (Forbes) |
| Recruitment advertisement | A notice about job openings | A compelling recruitment advertisement attracts the right candidates. (The Guardian) |
| Recruitment criteria | The qualifications needed for a job | Clear recruitment criteria help filter applicants effectively. (Bloomberg) |
| Recruitment strategy | A plan for attracting and selecting candidates | An effective recruitment strategy aligns with company goals. (CNN) |
| Recruitment target | Goals set for hiring specific numbers of employees | Setting a recruitment target helps track hiring progress. (Business Insider) |
| Recruitment campaign | A marketing effort to attract job seekers | A successful recruitment campaign can significantly increase applications. (The Wall Street Journal) |
09 / Labor
| Collocation | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Labor force | The pool of individuals available to work | The labor force participation rate has increased over the past decade. (The Economist) |
| Labor market | The supply and demand for jobs | The labor market is becoming increasingly competitive. (Harvard Business Review) |
| Labor shortage | A lack of available workers for certain jobs | The industry is facing a labor shortage due to high demand. (Bloomberg) |
| Labor rights | Legal and human rights for workers | Protecting labor rights is essential for fair treatment. (CNN) |
| Labor laws | Regulations governing the workplace | Understanding labor laws is crucial for both employers and employees. (Forbes) |
| Labor dispute | Conflicts between employees and employers | A labor dispute can disrupt business operations. (The New York Times) |
| Labor productivity | The output of labor compared to the input | Increasing labor productivity is a goal for many companies. (Harvard Business Review) |
10 / Unemployment
| Collocation | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment benefits | Financial assistance provided to unemployed individuals | Unemployment benefits can help support families during tough times. (BBC News) |
| Unemployment insurance | A program providing temporary financial assistance | Many workers rely on unemployment insurance after job loss. (The Guardian) |
| Unemployment rate | The percentage of the labor force that is unemployed | The unemployment rate is a key indicator of economic health. (Reuters) |
| Long-term unemployment | Prolonged periods of joblessness | Long-term unemployment can lead to skills erosion. (CNN) |
| Youth unemployment | Unemployment specifically affecting young individuals | Youth unemployment remains a challenge in many economies. (The Wall Street Journal) |
| Unemployment problem | Issues arising from high levels of joblessness | Addressing the unemployment problem requires comprehensive policy solutions. (The Economist) |
Refer to https://ieltswriting.org/ielts-18-test-1-writing-task-2-with-sample-answer-general-training/ for an examiner’s job-related writing sample.
Another job-related writing task at https://ieltswriting.org/ielts-18-test-3-writing-task-2-with-sample-answer-general-training/, ‘In the past, most working people had only one job. However, nowadays, more and more people have more than one job at the same time. What are the reasons for this development? What are the advantages and disadvantages of having more than one job?’
Find more collocations in a writing sample from an examiner addressing the topic of job satisfaction, https://ieltswriting.org/ielts-7-test-3-writing-task-2-with-sample-answer-academic/