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Asking About Someone’s Job (B1 English Tutorial – LingExam)
Why Ask About Someone’s Job?
In daily English, asking about someone’s job is one of the most common ways to start a friendly conversation. When you meet new people—at a party, school, work, or while traveling—questions like “What do you do?” or “Where do you work?” help you learn about them, share interests, and build new connections.
Jobs are a big part of our lives—they show our interests, dreams, and skills. Mastering this topic will help you feel more confident when speaking English, whether you want to make friends, travel, or succeed in a job interview!
In daily English, asking about someone’s job is one of the most common ways to start a friendly conversation. When you meet new people—at a party, school, work, or while traveling—questions like “What do you do?” or “Where do you work?” help you learn about them, share interests, and build new connections.
Jobs are a big part of our lives—they show our interests, dreams, and skills. Mastering this topic will help you feel more confident when speaking English, whether you want to make friends, travel, or succeed in a job interview!
Key Steps & Essential Vocabulary for Talking About Jobs
1
Start the Conversation:
Common ways to ask about jobs:
“What do you do?”
“Where do you work?”
“What’s your job?”
Common ways to ask about jobs:
“What do you do?”
“Where do you work?”
“What’s your job?”
2
Give Polite Answers:
Use these structures to reply:
“I’m a teacher.”
“I work as a nurse.”
“I work for a software company.”
Use these structures to reply:
“I’m a teacher.”
“I work as a nurse.”
“I work for a software company.”
3
Useful Follow-up Questions:
“Do you like your job?”
“How long have you worked there?”
“What do you do at work?”
“Do you like your job?”
“How long have you worked there?”
“What do you do at work?”
4
Essential Job Titles:
Practice these for natural English!
teacher, doctor, nurse, engineer, driver, student, manager, chef, artist
Practice these for natural English!
teacher, doctor, nurse, engineer, driver, student, manager, chef, artist
Key Vocabulary: Common Jobs & Useful Phrases
TeacherI’m a teacher at a school.
DoctorMy sister is a doctor.
NurseI work as a nurse.
EngineerHe’s an engineer at a car company.
StudentI’m a university student.
WaiterShe is a waiter in a restaurant.
ManagerMy father is a manager.
ChefHe is a chef in a hotel.
Shop assistantShe works as a shop assistant.
AccountantI work as an accountant.
Police officerHe is a police officer.
MechanicMy uncle is a mechanic.
ArtistMy friend is an artist.
Useful Phrases for Everyday Use:
What do you do for a living?
Are you a student or do you work?
I’m looking for a job at the moment.
What do you do for a living?
Are you a student or do you work?
I’m looking for a job at the moment.
Practice Exercise 1: Asking About Someone’s Job
Choose the correct answer for each question below. Instantly see detailed explanations after each answer to check your understanding of the tutorial!
Mastering Real-Life Job Conversations with Model Dialogues
How do English speakers naturally talk about jobs?
Let’s explore model dialogues and essential communication patterns for talking about jobs in real conversations—at a party, at school, at work, or even at the doctor’s office. Understanding these patterns helps you sound polite, friendly, and confident.
Let’s explore model dialogues and essential communication patterns for talking about jobs in real conversations—at a party, at school, at work, or even at the doctor’s office. Understanding these patterns helps you sound polite, friendly, and confident.
5
Starting a Conversation:
Begin with greetings and an open question:
A: Hi, I’m Sofia. Nice to meet you!
B: Hi Sofia, I’m Alex. Nice to meet you too.
Begin with greetings and an open question:
A: Hi, I’m Sofia. Nice to meet you!
B: Hi Sofia, I’m Alex. Nice to meet you too.
6
Natural Job Questions:
A: So, what do you do, Alex?
B: I’m a graphic designer. I work for a small design company.
A: So, what do you do, Alex?
B: I’m a graphic designer. I work for a small design company.
7
Showing Interest and Asking Follow-Ups:A: That sounds interesting! Do you like your job?
B: Yes, I do. It’s creative, and I learn something new every day. How about you? What do you do?
8
Polite Turn-Taking:A: I’m a teacher. I teach English to young children.
B: That’s great! Do you enjoy teaching?
Conversation Examples in Different Situations
Classmates Talking Before Class
A: Are you working at the moment or just studying?
B: Actually, I have a part-time job. I work as a shop assistant in a supermarket.
A: Oh, really? Do you work in the evenings?
B: Yes, mostly evenings and weekends. What about you?
A: I’m only studying now, but I’m looking for a job for the summer.
A: Are you working at the moment or just studying?
B: Actually, I have a part-time job. I work as a shop assistant in a supermarket.
A: Oh, really? Do you work in the evenings?
B: Yes, mostly evenings and weekends. What about you?
A: I’m only studying now, but I’m looking for a job for the summer.
At a Job Interview
Interviewer: Tell me about your job experience.
You: I worked as an office assistant for two years. I answered calls and helped organize meetings.
Interviewer: Why did you leave that job?
You: I wanted to study more and improve my skills.
Interviewer: Tell me about your job experience.
You: I worked as an office assistant for two years. I answered calls and helped organize meetings.
Interviewer: Why did you leave that job?
You: I wanted to study more and improve my skills.
Chatting with a Neighbor
A: Good morning! Are you off to work?
B: Yes, I’m going to the hospital. I’m a nurse.
A: Oh, that’s a very important job. Do you work every day?
B: No, I usually work three days a week, but sometimes at night.
A: Good morning! Are you off to work?
B: Yes, I’m going to the hospital. I’m a nurse.
A: Oh, that’s a very important job. Do you work every day?
B: No, I usually work three days a week, but sometimes at night.
Tips for Natural Job Conversations
- Use open-ended questions (“What do you do?” “Do you like your job?”).
- Share your own job or study situation to keep the conversation friendly.
- Be polite and show interest—listen and ask follow-up questions.
- Don’t ask too many personal questions if you don’t know the person well.
- If the person seems uncomfortable, change the subject politely.
Practice Exercise 2: Job Conversations & Model Dialogues
Choose the best answer for each question. Instantly review detailed explanations after you answer. These questions help you master real English job conversations and polite responses.
Grammar Patterns for Asking & Answering About Jobs
Sound natural and confident when talking about jobs in English!
Here are the essential grammar patterns for both asking and answering about work, with practical examples and tips.
Here are the essential grammar patterns for both asking and answering about work, with practical examples and tips.
9
Asking About Someone’s Job:
-
What do you do?
(do + subject + base verb) -
Where do you work?
(do + subject + base verb) -
What’s your job?
(What + is + your job)
10
Giving Answers About Your Job:
-
I’m a/an [job title].
e.g. I’m a nurse. / I’m an engineer. -
I work as a [job title].
e.g. I work as a teacher. -
I work in [field/place/industry].
e.g. I work in education. / I work in a bank. -
I work for [company/organization].
e.g. I work for a software company.
11
Polite and Friendly Ways to Ask:
- So, what do you do?
- Can I ask what your job is?
- May I ask where you work?
- Are you working or studying?
- What’s your occupation?
12
Common Follow-Up Questions:
- Do you enjoy it?
- How did you get your job?
- What are your working hours?
- Why did you choose this job?
Example Mini-Dialogue:
A: What do you do?
B: I’m a mechanic. I work in a car company.
A: Do you enjoy it?
B: Yes, I learn something new every day.
A: What do you do?
B: I’m a mechanic. I work in a car company.
A: Do you enjoy it?
B: Yes, I learn something new every day.
Key Tips for Grammar Success
- Don’t use “job” as a verb (“I job” ❌ / “I work” ✔️).
- Add “a” or “an” before job titles (“I’m a doctor” ✔️ / “I’m doctor” ❌).
- Use present simple tense for your current job (“I work as a…”).
- For past jobs, use past simple (“I worked as a…”).
Practice Exercise 3: Grammar for Job Questions
Select the best answer for each question. Review the detailed explanations instantly to master job-question grammar in real conversation!
Speak Naturally: Pronunciation, Mistakes & Culture
Want to sound like a confident English speaker? Learn how to pronounce job titles correctly, avoid the most common mistakes, and use job talk naturally in English-speaking countries.
13
Key Pronunciation Tips:
- Engineer /ˌen.dʒɪˈnɪə(r)/
- Accountant /əˈkaʊn.tənt/
- Police officer /pəˈliːs ˈɒf.ɪ.sər/
- Manager /ˈmæn.ɪ.dʒər/
- Chef /ʃef/
- Mechanic /məˈkæn.ɪk/
14
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- ❌ “What is your work?” → ✔️ “What do you do?”
- ❌ “Where do you job?” → ✔️ “Where do you work?”
- ❌ “You are what job?” → ✔️ “What’s your job?”
-
❌ “What are you doing?” (means right now)
✔️ “What do you do?” (means your job)
15
Cultural Tips:
-
In English-speaking countries, asking about someone’s job is common and polite. But:
- If the person seems uncomfortable, change the subject politely.
- Not everyone wants to talk about work—show understanding and listen.
- Talk about other topics like hobbies, travel, or family if needed.
Example:
A: What do you do?
B: I’m a nurse. I work at the city hospital.
A: Do you like your job?
B: Yes, I enjoy helping people.
A: What do you do?
B: I’m a nurse. I work at the city hospital.
A: Do you like your job?
B: Yes, I enjoy helping people.
Quick Tips for Speaking Practice
- Say job titles slowly and clearly.
- Listen to native speakers (podcasts, YouTube, etc.).
- Ask friends or teachers for feedback on your pronunciation.
Practice Exercise 4: Pronunciation, Mistakes & Culture
Choose the best answer for each question below. Instantly review the detailed explanations to master natural English and avoid common mistakes.
Expand Your Conversation: Talking About Daily Routines & Details
How do you keep a job conversation interesting and natural?
Go beyond job titles! Ask about daily routines, main tasks, and what someone enjoys (or doesn’t enjoy) at work. These details help you build real friendships and show you are interested in the other person’s life.
Go beyond job titles! Ask about daily routines, main tasks, and what someone enjoys (or doesn’t enjoy) at work. These details help you build real friendships and show you are interested in the other person’s life.
16
Ask About Daily Routines:
- What do you do at work?
- What’s a typical day like for you?
- What are your main responsibilities?
- What do you enjoy most about your job?
17
Giving Detailed Answers:
- I usually start work at 8 a.m. and check emails first.
- My main responsibility is helping customers solve problems.
- I enjoy working with my team and learning new things.
- Sometimes my job is stressful, but I like helping people.
18
Useful Phrases for Deeper Conversation:
- What made you choose this job?
- What is the most challenging part of your job?
- What would you like to do in the future?
- If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be?
Example Conversation:
A: What do you do at work?
B: I help customers find what they need. I answer emails and sometimes work at the cash register.
A: What do you like most about your job?
B: I like talking to different people every day. It’s never boring!
A: What do you do at work?
B: I help customers find what they need. I answer emails and sometimes work at the cash register.
A: What do you like most about your job?
B: I like talking to different people every day. It’s never boring!
Tips for Expanding Conversations
- Ask follow-up questions to show you are listening.
- Share your own routine to make the conversation balanced and friendly.
- Don’t ask very personal questions unless you know the person well.
- Smile and use friendly body language.
Practice Exercise 5: Expanding the Job Conversation
Choose the best answer for each question. Instantly review the detailed explanations for deeper job and daily routine conversations.
Real-Life Scenarios: Job Talk & Practical Advice
How do you use your English job talk skills in real life?
Let’s look at practical situations—from job interviews to making friends at work—so you can apply everything you’ve learned with confidence and ease.
Let’s look at practical situations—from job interviews to making friends at work—so you can apply everything you’ve learned with confidence and ease.
19
At a Job Interview
-
Q: Why do you want this job?
A: I want this job because I enjoy working with people and learning new skills. -
Q: Tell us about your work experience.
A: I worked as a sales assistant for two years. I helped customers and learned to solve problems quickly.
20
Starting a Conversation at Work
- Hi, I’m new here. What do you do at this company?
- How long have you worked here?
- What do you like most about your job?
21
Meeting New People Socially
- What do you do?
- Do you enjoy your work?
- Do you have any hobbies outside of work?
22
Practical Advice for Every Situation:
- Be confident but friendly. Smile and use open body language.
- Listen carefully and ask follow-up questions.
- Respect privacy. If the person seems shy, talk about something else.
- Share your own experience too!
Example Mini-Dialogue:
A: How long have you worked here?
B: For about six months. I started last summer.
A: Do you enjoy your job?
B: Yes, I like the people and the projects.
A: How long have you worked here?
B: For about six months. I started last summer.
A: Do you enjoy your job?
B: Yes, I like the people and the projects.
Top Tips for Success
- Prepare answers for interviews.
- Use polite questions to learn about your colleagues.
- Practice speaking in different situations with a friend or teacher.
Practice Exercise 6: Real-Life Job Scenarios
Choose the best answer for each situation below. See instant explanations to improve your job talk in interviews, at work, and with new people!
Boost Your Confidence: Mistake Correction & Review Tips
Ready to become a confident English speaker? Everyone makes mistakes, but learning to notice, correct, and review them helps you improve quickly. Here’s how to do it step-by-step!
23
Common Job Talk Mistakes:
- ❌ I job in a hospital. → ✔️ I work in a hospital.
- ❌ I am teacher. → ✔️ I am a teacher.
- ❌ What are you doing? (means now) → ✔️ What do you do? (means your job)
- ❌ Where you work? → ✔️ Where do you work?
24
How to Self-Correct:
- Listen to yourself: Record your voice when practicing job questions.
- Notice patterns: Which mistakes do you make most often?
- Practice correcting them: Write and repeat the correct sentences.
- Ask a friend/teacher: Get feedback on your speaking or writing.
25
Review Strategies:
- Regular review: Check this lesson again in a week!
- Make flashcards: Write common job questions and answers.
- Practice in real life: Use these questions when you meet new people.
- Celebrate progress: Notice even small improvements!
Example Self-Correction:
I am doctor.
↓ Self-corrected:
I am a doctor.
I am doctor.
↓ Self-corrected:
I am a doctor.
Pro Tips for Confident Speaking
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—correcting them is the fastest way to learn!
- Speak slowly and clearly until you feel comfortable.
- Celebrate each step—progress builds confidence!
Practice Exercise 7: Confidence & Review
Choose the best answer for each question. Instantly see detailed explanations to help you speak more confidently, correct mistakes, and review what you’ve learned.
Final Challenge: Mega Job Conversation Quiz
Test everything you’ve learned! Each time, 10 random questions appear from a set of 30.
Try as many times as you want for a new quiz experience!
Try as many times as you want for a new quiz experience!
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