You will develop a solid understanding of essential vocabulary for jobs, employment, and career topics. You’ll master common collocations, discover useful idiomatic expressions, and learn how to use these terms fluently and naturally in IELTS Speaking Part 3 answers.
Work and career-related topics frequently appear in IELTS Speaking Part 3. Examiners expect you to confidently discuss:
Different types of jobs and professions
The working environment and conditions
Career plans and ambitions
Unemployment and job market issues
Work-life balance, job satisfaction, and employment trends
To achieve a Band 5–6, you must show a range of vocabulary, use collocations, and avoid simple repetition. Using precise language helps you sound more knowledgeable and organized.
Definition: A person’s job or profession.
Example:
“My occupation is a software engineer.”
Common Collocations:
choose an occupation
change occupation
skilled/unskilled occupation
previous occupation
IELTS Usage:
“In recent years, there has been a rise in skilled occupations related to technology.”
Definition: A type of job that requires special training or education.
Example:
“Medicine is a respected profession.”
Common Collocations:
enter a profession
the medical/legal/teaching profession
a respected profession
professional qualifications
IELTS Usage:
“Teaching is a profession that demands both knowledge and patience.”
Definition:
Employee: A person who works for someone else.
Employer: The person or company who hires workers.
Employment: The state of having a job.
Examples:
“She is an employee at a multinational company.”
“Google is a popular employer for IT graduates.”
“Employment rates have increased this year.”
Collocations:
full-time/part-time employment
long-term employment
become an employee
major employer
IELTS Usage:
“Many people prefer long-term employment for job security.”
Definition: The feeling of pleasure and achievement that you experience in your job.
Example:
“Job satisfaction is important for staff motivation and productivity.”
Common Collocations:
achieve job satisfaction
job satisfaction survey
high/low job satisfaction
IELTS Usage:
“Job satisfaction is often more important than a high salary.”
Definition: The place where you work.
Example:
“A friendly workplace encourages teamwork.”
Common Collocations:
workplace environment
workplace safety
flexible workplace
IELTS Usage:
“Workplace safety should be a priority for every employer.”
Definition: A person you work with.
Example:
“My colleagues are very supportive.”
Common Collocations:
friendly/supportive colleague
work closely with colleagues
new colleague
IELTS Usage:
“Having supportive colleagues makes the work environment more enjoyable.”
Definition:
Salary: Money paid to employees, usually monthly, for professional work.
Wage: Money paid (often weekly/hourly) for manual or unskilled work.
Examples:
“She receives a good salary as a manager.”
“Factory workers usually earn hourly wages.”
Collocations:
earn a salary/wage
competitive salary
minimum wage
increase/decrease salary
IELTS Usage:
“Some people believe job satisfaction is more important than earning a high salary.”
Definition: The state of not having a job.
Example:
“The government is trying to reduce unemployment.”
Collocations:
unemployment rate
youth unemployment
be unemployed
long-term unemployment
IELTS Usage:
“Youth unemployment is a serious issue in many countries.”
Definition: A move to a higher position at work.
Example:
“She received a promotion after working there for five years.”
Collocations:
get/receive a promotion
promotion prospects
promote an employee
chance of promotion
IELTS Usage:
“Employees are more motivated if they see good promotion prospects.”
Definition: The series of jobs that a person has in their life, or opportunities to progress at work.
Example:
“He is considering a career path in finance.”
Collocations:
follow a career path
change career path
choose a career path
successful career path
IELTS Usage:
“Nowadays, people often change their career paths several times.”
Definition: The assurance that you will keep your job.
Example:
“Permanent contracts offer more job security.”
Collocations:
guarantee job security
lack of job security
secure job
IELTS Usage:
“For many employees, job security is more important than a high salary.”
Definition: Working hours that can be changed to suit employees.
Example:
“My company offers flexible hours.”
Collocations:
have flexible hours
introduce flexitime
flexible working arrangements
IELTS Usage:
“Flexible working arrangements can improve work-life balance.”
Definition: The amount of time spent doing a job compared to the time spent with family and on other personal activities.
Example:
“Maintaining a work-life balance is essential for health and happiness.”
Collocations:
achieve work-life balance
poor work-life balance
promote work-life balance
IELTS Usage:
“Employers should help staff achieve a better work-life balance.”
Definition:
Self-employed: Working for yourself, not for an employer.
Freelancer: Someone who works for themselves and is hired by different companies to do particular jobs.
Examples:
“She became self-employed after leaving her job.”
“As a freelancer, he works with several companies.”
Collocations:
become self-employed
work as a freelancer
freelance work
IELTS Usage:
“Being self-employed offers more freedom, but it can be less stable.”
Definition: The process of finding new people to work in a company.
Example:
“Recruitment usually takes several weeks.”
Collocations:
recruitment process
recruitment agency
hire staff
hiring policy
IELTS Usage:
“Recruitment agencies help companies find qualified employees.”
Definition: A job that is available and needs to be filled.
Example:
“There are many job vacancies in the IT sector.”
Collocations:
advertise a job vacancy
fill a vacancy
job vacancy website
IELTS Usage:
“Job vacancy websites have made job hunting much easier.”
Definition: To leave your job voluntarily.
Example:
“He decided to resign because he was unhappy with the management.”
Collocations:
resign from a job
quit one’s job
hand in a resignation
IELTS Usage:
“Many people resign if they feel their work is not valued.”
Definition: To stop working after reaching a certain age.
Example:
“She plans to retire at sixty.”
Collocations:
take early retirement
retirement age
retire from work
IELTS Usage:
“Many workers look forward to retirement after a long career.”
Definition:
Internship: A period of work (often for students or graduates) to gain experience.
Work experience: Practical experience gained from working in a particular field.
Examples:
“He did a summer internship at a law firm.”
“Work experience is essential for many professions.”
Collocations:
unpaid/paid internship
gain work experience
internship opportunity
IELTS Usage:
“Internships are a great way to gain practical skills before starting a career.”
Get the sack / Be fired – to lose your job for doing something wrong
“He got the sack for being late every day.”
Climb the career ladder – to progress in your career
“She is ambitious and wants to climb the career ladder quickly.”
Pull your weight – to do your fair share of the work
“Everyone needs to pull their weight in a team.”
Dead-end job – a job with no chance of promotion
“He left because it was a dead-end job.”
Burnout – extreme tiredness caused by overwork
“Burnout is common in high-pressure professions.”
IELTS Usage:
“Burnout can be avoided by promoting a healthy work-life balance.”
“Many young people look for more than just a job; they want a career path with promotion prospects, not a dead-end job.”
Understanding collocations will help you sound more natural and professional in your answers. Here are key combinations:
pursue a career
seek employment
accept a job offer
secure a position
gain promotion
earn a living
face unemployment
fill a vacancy
attend a job interview
offer flexible hours
promote from within
achieve job satisfaction
Example Sentences:
“It’s becoming more common to pursue a career in IT.”
“Graduates often struggle to secure a position immediately after university.”
“Many companies offer flexible hours to attract more employees.”
“Job satisfaction can be achieved through meaningful work and good relationships with colleagues.”
What factors do people consider when choosing a job?
Model Answer:
“When choosing a job, most people consider salary, job satisfaction, opportunities for promotion, and work-life balance. Some people also look at the reputation of the employer and the potential for career development. In my opinion, job satisfaction and a supportive workplace are just as important as a high salary.”
Why do some people change their career paths?
Model Answer:
“People may change their career paths for various reasons. Some want to find a job with better prospects or higher pay, while others may feel bored or unfulfilled in their current occupation. In recent years, the job market has become more flexible, so it is easier for people to change their professions. Gaining new qualifications or work experience can also encourage a career change.”
Do you think job security is more important than a high salary?
Model Answer:
“In my opinion, job security is more important than a high salary because it gives employees peace of mind and stability. Without job security, even a well-paid position can be stressful. However, some people might prioritize a higher income, especially if they have financial responsibilities.”
What are the advantages and disadvantages of self-employment?
Model Answer:
“Self-employment offers flexibility and independence, as you can choose your own working hours and projects. On the downside, it can be less stable than regular employment, and you have to manage your own taxes and benefits. Also, self-employed people may struggle with irregular income.”
How important is work experience for young people?
Model Answer:
“Work experience is extremely important for young people because it gives them practical skills and helps them understand what to expect in the workplace. Many employers prefer to hire people who have already gained some experience, even if it’s just an internship.”
Fill in the blanks using these words: salary, employer, unemployment, promotion, job satisfaction, work-life balance, resign, internship
She decided to __________ because she wanted to start her own business.
The company is a major __________ in the area, providing hundreds of jobs.
Many young people accept a low __________ at the beginning of their careers.
Achieving __________ is sometimes more important than earning a high wage.
High __________ rates can cause serious social problems.
An __________ can give graduates practical skills and valuable contacts.
__________ is important for maintaining good mental health.
He received a __________ after just one year because of his excellent performance.
Answers:
resign
employer
salary
job satisfaction
unemployment
internship
work-life balance
promotion
Match the word with its meaning:
a. Freelancer
b. Colleague
c. Recruit
d. Dead-end job
e. Retire
Someone you work with
A job with no promotion prospects
To stop working because of age
Someone who works independently for different clients
To find and hire new employees
Answers:
a–4
b–1
c–5
d–2
e–3
Use these words and collocations to write your own sentences:
achieve job satisfaction
change career path
apply for a job
gain work experience
offer flexible hours
attend a job interview
promote from within
hand in one’s resignation
Get the sack / Be fired:
“Employees who repeatedly arrive late may get the sack.”
Climb the career ladder:
“She is determined to climb the career ladder and become a manager.”
Pull your weight:
“In every workplace, it’s important to pull your weight as part of a team.”
Dead-end job:
“He left his previous position because it was a dead-end job with no room for promotion.”
Burnout:
“Many workers experience burnout due to long hours and constant stress.”
Mistake: “He is working as an engineer since five years.”
Correction: “He has been working as an engineer for five years.”
Mistake: “She earns a good salary, but she isn’t satisfy.”
Correction: “She earns a good salary, but she isn’t satisfied.”
Mistake: “My company gives me a lot of work-life balance.”
Correction: “My company helps me achieve a good work-life balance.”
Occupation: profession, job, trade, line of work
Colleague: coworker, team member, associate
Employer: boss, manager, company, organization
Unemployment: joblessness, being out of work
Resign: quit, leave (a job), hand in notice
Promotion: advancement, move up, step up
Practice talking about your own experiences:
“My dream job is to become a civil engineer because I enjoy designing buildings.”
“I am currently seeking employment in the hospitality industry.”
“After finishing my degree, I gained work experience through a summer internship.”
“I value job satisfaction more than earning a high salary.”
Always use specific vocabulary (not just “job” or “work”).
Give reasons and examples for your answers.
Use collocations and idiomatic phrases to sound natural.
Vary your grammar structures and tenses.
If you don’t know the exact word, describe it (“the person who hires workers” = employer).
You have learned:
Key vocabulary for work, jobs, and careers
Common collocations and idioms for work topics
How to use these words and expressions in IELTS Speaking Part 3
Model answers and practice activities to build confidence
Prepare a 1–2 minute answer to the following IELTS Speaking Part 3 question, using at least five advanced words or collocations from this lesson:
“What qualities do you think are important in a good employee?”
With regular practice and the vocabulary from this lesson, you’ll be ready to discuss any work or career topic in IELTS Speaking Part 3 with clarity, fluency, and confidence!