Work Vocabulary in English

Updated on 27 October 2024

Are you planning to work in an English-speaking country? Or have you been asked to attend an interview in English to assess your language skills?

In any case, it is essential to know and master business vocabulary in English!

In this comprehensive vocabulary lesson, you will find over 300 English words categorized into 7 themes. You can easily navigate to the professional theme that interests you using the table of contents.

Recruitment Vocabulary

Term	Definition	Audio
*a job*	A specific position of employment.
*a job interview*	A formal meeting to discuss a candidate’s qualifications.
*an application form*	A document submitted by a job seeker to apply for a position.
*an interview*	A conversation between a candidate and an employer.
*to be interviewed*	The process of being asked questions by an employer.
*to take on / to hire*	To employ someone for a job.
*to look for a job*	To search for employment opportunities.
*to apply for a job*	To submit an application for a position.
*an applicant*	A person who applies for a job.
*a job applicant*	A person seeking employment.
*to post a job*	To advertise a job opening.
*job center*	An organization that helps people find employment.
*job offer / job vacancy / job opening / job opportunity / job advertisement*	A notice announcing a job available for applicants.
*to fill a position / to fill a vacancy*	To find someone to take an open job role.
*to land a job*	To successfully obtain a job.
*application for a job*	The process of submitting a request to be hired.
*having a permanent job*	Holding a stable, ongoing employment position.
*job description*	A detailed explanation of a job’s responsibilities.
*a shortlist*	A selected group of candidates for a job position.
*to shortlist*	To create a list of top candidates for further consideration.
*to be on the shortlist*	To be among the selected candidates for a job.
*to appoint somebody to a position*	To officially assign someone to a specific job role.
*recruitment*	The process of finding and hiring new employees.
*a recruitment agency*	A company that helps organizations find job candidates.
*a job site*	An online platform where job openings are posted.
*hiring campaign*	A planned effort to recruit new employees.
*human resources*	The department responsible for managing employee relations.

Worker’s Qualities

English Term	Definition	Audio
*adaptable*	Able to adjust easily to different situations.
*capable*	Having the necessary skills or qualities to do something.
*confident / trusting*	Feeling self-assured and able to rely on others.
*conscientious*	Careful, thorough, and diligent in duties.
*honest*	Truthful and sincere.
*ambitious*	Having a strong desire to succeed or achieve goals.
*enthusiastic*	Showing intense and eager interest.
*self-sufficient / independent*	Able to work without needing assistance.
*creative*	Skilled at generating new and original ideas.
*efficient*	Performing tasks in a productive and timely manner.
*reliable*	Dependable and trustworthy.
*motivated*	Showing a strong desire to achieve or complete tasks.
*hard-working*	Putting in a lot of effort and dedication into tasks.
*punctual*	Always on time.
*under pressure*	Able to work well in stressful situations.
*listening*	Willing and attentive to others’ ideas and concerns.
*to show attention to detail*	Thorough and careful in paying attention to all aspects.
*language skills*	The ability to communicate in different languages.
*bilingual*	Fluent in two languages.
*fluent in English*	Able to speak English with ease and accuracy.
*mother tongue / native language*	The language one learns from birth.
*time management*	The ability to plan and control one’s schedule effectively.
*teamwork*	Working effectively with others to achieve common goals.

Qualifications, Degrees, and Diplomas

When comparing educational qualifications from different countries, it’s essential to understand that degrees can vary significantly in terms of structure and naming conventions. Below is a table that explains various English qualifications and school-related terms, which can be useful when preparing your CV.

English Qualification	Explanation
*GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education)*	A qualification awarded in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, typically taken by students at age 16. It covers a range of subjects.
*A-Level (Advanced Level)*	A qualification typically taken by students aged 16-18, usually over two years. A-Levels are often required for university admission.
*NVQ (National Vocational Qualification)*	Work-based awards in the UK that are achieved through assessment and training. They demonstrate competence in a specific job role.
*BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council)*	Vocational qualifications that provide practical, work-related skills in various sectors, available at different levels.
*HND (Higher National Diploma)*	A higher education qualification that focuses on practical skills and knowledge in a specific field, typically taking two years to complete.
*Foundation Degree*	A vocational qualification that is equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree, designed to develop skills in a specific area.
*Bachelor’s Degree*	An undergraduate degree awarded by universities, usually requiring three to four years of study in a chosen field. It can be of different disciplines as follows: *BA (Bachelor of Arts), BS/BSc (Bachelor of Science), BEd (Bachelor of Education), BEng (Bachelor of Engineering), LLB (Bachelor of Laws), BN/BNurs (Bachelor of Nursing)*, etc
*Master’s Degree*	A graduate degree that typically follows a bachelor’s degree, requiring one to two years of study and often involving research or practical work. It can be in different fields and disciplines such as: MA (Master of Arts), MSc (Master of Science), MBA (Master of Business Administration), MEd (Master of Education), MEng (Master of Engineering), LLM (Master of Laws), MPH (Master of Public Health), MSW (Master of Social Work), MArch (Master of Architecture), etc
*PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)*	The highest academic degree, requiring extensive research and the completion of a thesis. Typically takes three to four years after a master’s degree. Other doctoral degrees (professional doctorates) include: *EdD (Doctor of Education), MD (Doctor of Medicine), JD (Juris Doctor), DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice), PsyD (Doctor of Psychology),* etc
*Diploma*	A document certifying the completion of a particular course of study. It can refer to various types of educational qualifications.
*Certificate*	A qualification awarded for completing a specific course or training program, often focused on practical skills or knowledge.
*Curriculum*	The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college. It outlines what students are expected to learn.
*Syllabus*	An outline of the subjects in a course, including topics covered and assignments or assessments.
*Grade*	A measure of a student’s performance, usually expressed as a letter (A, B, C) or number (1-100).
*Transcript*	An official record of a student’s academic performance, including courses taken and grades received.
*GPA (Grade Point Average)*	A numerical representation of a student’s academic performance, calculated on a scale (typically 0.0 to 4.0).
*Extracurricular Activities*	Activities outside the standard curriculum, such as sports, music, clubs, and volunteer work, that contribute to a student’s education and personal growth.
*Enrolment*	The process of registering or signing up for courses or programs at an educational institution.
*Graduation*	The act of receiving a degree or diploma after completing the required course of study.

Salary Vocabulary

English Term	Definition	Audio
*a salary*	Monthly or annual pay for work.
*wages*	Daily or weekly pay for work.
*a pay slip*	Document detailing salary payment and deductions.
*attractive salary*	A motivating or competitive salary.
*basic salary / basic wage*	The starting or minimum pay without bonuses.
*starvation wage*	Very low, insufficient wage.
*guaranteed minimum wage*	Equivalent of a minimum wage.
*gross salary*	Salary before deductions.
*net salary*	Salary after deductions.
*wage difference*	The gap in pay between roles or individuals.
*wage costs*	Total employer costs for paying wages.
*salary increase*	Increase in salary.
*flat rate of pay*	Fixed salary amount.
*to be badly paid*	To receive low pay for work.
*to be well-paid*	To receive good pay for work.
*to be paid by the hour*	To receive pay based on hours worked.
*to be paid monthly*	To receive pay once a month.
*to be paid piecework*	To receive pay based on completed tasks.
*a bonus*	Extra pay or incentive.
*benefits in kind*	Non-cash benefits provided by the employer.
*a seniority bonus*	Extra pay for years of service.
*danger money*	Extra pay for working in hazardous conditions.
*holiday premium*	Extra pay for holiday periods.
*severance pay*	Compensation when leaving a job.
*redeployment compensation*	Compensation for changing roles or job relocation.
*Christmas bonus*	Extra pay during the holiday season.
*overtime*	Hours worked beyond normal work time.
*to pay on an overtime basis*	To pay extra for hours worked beyond the standard.
*to do overtime / to work overtime*	To work additional hours beyond the standard schedule.
*paid holiday / paid leave / paid vacation*	Time off work with pay.

Career Vocabulary

English Term	Definition	Audio
*career*	A long-term professional journey or occupation.
*a career plan*	A structured plan for professional development.
*a contract of employment / an employment contract / an employment agreement*	A legal agreement defining employment terms.
*a temporary contract*	A short-term work agreement.
*a fixed-termed contract*	A contract for a specific period (e.g., one year).
*a permanent contract*	An ongoing work agreement without a set end date.
*termination / breach of the employment contract*	Ending or violating the terms of a job contract.
*reappointment*	Renewal of a job position or contract.
*termination benefits*	Compensation received when a contract ends.
*to make one’s career in*	To pursue a professional path in a specific field.
*career development*	Growth and progress in one’s career.
*career prospects*	Opportunities and future possibilities within a career.
*career goals*	Professional objectives and ambitions.
*professional skills*	Abilities needed to succeed in a profession.
*expertise in something*	Advanced skills or knowledge in a particular area.
to be well-equipped for a job	To possess the necessary skills for a role.
*to start a career*	To begin a professional journey.
*to quit / leave a career*	To end or step away from a professional path.
*to rise through the ranks*	To advance in position within a company or organization.
*to climb the social ladder / to move up the ladder*	To gain higher positions or status.
*a job with a future*	A position with strong career advancement potential.
*internship agreement*	A formal agreement for a training position.
permanent appointment	Official confirmation of a long-term role.

Working Hours Vocabulary

English Term	Definition	Audio
*hours of duty*	Hours assigned for work.
*hours of attendance*	Time required to be present at work.
*office hours*	Standard hours a workplace is open.
*hours of work*	Total duration of working time.
*flexible working hours*	Work hours with adjustable timing.
*flexitime*	Customizable work hours.
*to work flexitime*	To work with a flexible schedule.
*full time*	Working the full standard hours.
*part time*	Working fewer than full standard hours.
*half time*	Working half the standard hours.
*a temporary employee*	A short-term or seasonal worker.
*public holiday / statutory holiday*	A recognized day off for all workers.
*a break*	A short period away from work.
*lunch break*	A break for lunch during work hours.
*coffee break*	A short break for coffee or rest.
*overtime*	Hours worked beyond regular time.
*to pay on an overtime basis*	To compensate extra hours at a higher rate.
*to do overtime / to work overtime*	To work beyond the standard work hours.
*paid holiday / paid leave / paid vacation*	Time off with pay.
*to take a day off work*	To request a day for rest or personal reasons.

Professions Vocabulary

Service Professions Vocabulary

English Term	Definition	Audio
*a CEO*	Chief Executive Officer, head of a company.
*a company manager*	Leader responsible for business operations.
*an estate agent*	Professional who sells or rents properties.
*a property developer*	Person involved in real estate development.
*a sales and marketing person*	Individuals focused on promoting and selling goods.
*an office clerk*	Worker performing administrative tasks.
*a businessman / a businesswoman*	Person involved in commerce or trade.
*a computer scientist*	Expert in computer systems and technology.
*a receptionist*	Person who greets visitors at an office or hotel.
*a secretary*	Administrative assistant in an office setting.
*a sales representative*	Employee responsible for sales outreach.
*a steward*	Flight or event attendant providing assistance.
*a head hunter*	Recruiter specializing in finding top talent.
*a taxi driver*	Licensed driver of a taxi.
*a driver*	Private or commercial vehicle operator.
*an accountant*	Professional managing financial records.
*a broker*	Person who arranges transactions in finance.
*an employee*	A worker hired by a company.

Artists Vocabulary

English Term	Definition	Audio
*a cameraman*	Person operating a camera for filming.
*a painter*	Artist who creates artwork using paint.
*a singer*	Vocal performer of songs.
*a dancer*	Performer who expresses art through movement.
*a musician*	Person skilled in playing musical instruments.
*a photographer*	Professional who captures images with a camera.
*a composer*	Creator of original music or musical scores.
*a draughtsman*	Artist skilled in drawing.
*a director*	Person who oversees film or stage productions.
*an art restorer*	Expert in repairing and preserving artworks.

Manual Trades Vocabulary

English Term	Definition	Audio
*a workman*	General laborer or skilled worker in manual work.
*a house painter*	Professional who paints building interiors/exteriors.
*a woodworker*	Skilled in crafting objects from wood.
*a tiler*	Specialist in laying and fixing tiles.
*a bricklayer*	Worker who builds walls with bricks or stones.
*a cobbler*	Shoemaker who repairs shoes.
*a dressmaker*	Person who makes and alters clothing.
*a tailor*	Specialist in custom-fitting clothes.
*a furniture mover*	Worker who assists with relocating furniture.
*a dustman / a garbageman*	Person who collects and disposes of waste.
*an electrician*	Skilled in electrical installations and repairs.
*a cleaning lady / man*	Professional responsible for cleaning spaces.
*a mechanic*	Technician who repairs machines or vehicles.
*a gardener*	Person who maintains gardens and plants.
*a farmer*	Individual engaged in agriculture or livestock.
*a lumberjack*	Worker who cuts down trees for timber.
*a wine grower*	Farmer specialized in cultivating grapevines.

Intellectual Professions Vocabulary

English Term	Definition	Audio
*a writer*	Person who composes written content.
*an author*	Creator of original written work, such as books.
*a ghostwriter*	Writer producing work credited to another person.
*a librarian*	Information specialist managing library resources.
*a bookseller*	Professional who sells books.
*a publisher*	Company or individual responsible for producing books.
*a journalist*	Reporter who gathers and writes news stories.
*an architect*	Designer of buildings and structures.
*a scientist*	Expert conducting research in scientific fields.
*an economist*	Specialist in economics and economic theory.
*a mathematician*	Expert in mathematics and mathematical research.
*a researcher / a research worker*	Professional conducting studies in specific fields.
*a translator*	Person who converts text from one language to another.

Retail and Merchant Professions Vocabulary

English Term	Definition	Audio
*a cashier*	Person handling payments at a store.
*a postman*	Mail carrier delivering letters and packages.
*a butcher*	Seller of meat, typically in a shop.
*a pork butcher*	Specialist in selling pork products.
*a baker*	Person who makes and sells bread and pastries.
*a barman*	Male bartender serving drinks at a bar.
*a bartender*	Female bartender serving drinks at a bar.
*a florist*	Seller of flowers and floral arrangements.
*a delivery man*	Person responsible for delivering goods.
*a waiter / a waitress*	Server in a restaurant providing food and drinks.
*a head waiter*	Lead server managing other wait staff in a restaurant.
*a pastry chef*	Specialist in making pastries and desserts.
*a fish vendor*	Seller of fish and seafood products.
*a fisherman*	Person engaged in catching fish for sale.
*a chef*	Professional cook, often in a restaurant setting.
*a pizza chef*	Cook specializing in making pizzas.
*a jeweller*	Seller of jewelry and precious items.
*a hairdresser*	Professional cutting and styling hair.
*a manicurist*	Specialist in nail care and manicures.
*a beautician*	Expert providing beauty treatments and services.
*a retailer*	Business selling goods directly to consumers.
*a wholesaler*	Distributor selling goods in bulk to retailers.
*a grocer*	Seller of food and everyday items in a grocery store.

Health Professions Vocabulary

English Term	Definition	Audio
*a doctor*	Medical professional diagnosing and treating patients.
*a surgeon*	Doctor specializing in surgical procedures.
*a dentist*	Oral health professional focusing on teeth and gums.
*a nurse*	Healthcare worker providing patient care and support.
*a midwife*	Specialist in assisting during childbirth.
*a physiotherapist*	Professional helping patients improve movement and manage pain.
*an ophtalmologist*	Eye doctor specializing in eye care and vision.
*a first-aid worker*	Person trained to provide immediate care in emergencies.
*a vet / a veterinarian*	Animal doctor caring for pets and livestock.
*an ambulance driver*	Professional driving an ambulance to transport patients.
*a fireman*	Firefighter responding to emergencies and fires.
*an optician*	Specialist fitting and providing glasses and contact lenses.
*a speech therapist*	Professional assisting with speech and language issues.
*a paediatrician*	Doctor specializing in the health of children.
*a pharmacist / a chemist*	Expert in dispensing medications and providing health advice.
*a psychiatrist*	Medical doctor focusing on mental health and disorders.
*a psychologist*	Professional studying mental processes and behavior.

Security and Justice Professions Vocabulary

English Term	Definition	Audio
*a policeman / a police officer*	Law enforcement official maintaining public safety.
*a cop*	Informal term for a police officer.
*a bobby*	British term for a police officer.
*a lawyer*	Legal professional advising and representing clients.
*a judge*	Official presiding over court proceedings.
*a prosecutor*	Lawyer representing the government in criminal cases.
*a soldier*	Member of the armed forces.
*a military*	General term for armed forces personnel.
*a marine / a sailor*	Member of a naval service.
*a deputy*	Assistant to an elected official or law enforcement officer.
*a court clerk*	Official maintaining records and assisting in court operations.
*a solicitor*	Lawyer providing legal advice and services, often in civil law.
*a bailiff*	Officer enforcing court orders and managing courtroom proceedings.
*a magistrate*	Judge with limited jurisdiction, often in lower courts.
*a mayor*	Elected leader of a city or town.
*a minister*	Government official in charge of a specific department.
*a priest*	Religious leader in certain Christian denominations.
*a minister*	Clergy member leading a church in certain Christian faiths.
*an imam*	Islamic leader guiding prayer and community matters.
*a rabbi*	Jewish scholar and teacher, often leading services.

The Different Professional Fields

Office Supplies Vocabulary

English Term	Definition	Audio
*a fountain pen*	Writing instrument with a nib and ink reservoir.
*a highlighter*	Marker used to highlight important text.
*a pencil*	Tool for writing or drawing, typically with graphite.
*a stapler*	Device used to fasten sheets of paper together.
*a staple*	Metal fastener for holding sheets of paper.
*to staple*	Action of fastening papers with a stapler.
*a ruler*	Tool for measuring length or drawing straight lines.
*a notebook*	Bound collection of blank pages for writing notes.
*scissors*	Tool for cutting materials like paper or fabric.
*a pair of scissors*	Two blades joined at a pivot for cutting.
*tape*	Adhesive material used for sticking items together.
*a marker*	Writing tool with ink that produces bold lines.
*a binder*	Folder or case for holding loose papers together.
*sheets of paper*	Individual pieces of paper for writing or printing.
*an eraser*	Tool for removing pencil marks from paper.
*a calculator*	Electronic device for performing mathematical calculations.
*a paper clip*	Small metal device used to hold sheets of paper together.
*a pencil sharpener*	Tool for sharpening the point of pencils.
*an eraser*	Tool for removing pencil marks.
*to erase*	Action of removing marks made by a pencil or pen.

Computer Vocabulary

English Term	Definition	Audio
*a computer*	Electronic device for processing and storing data.
*a laptop*	Portable computer that can be easily carried.
*the central processing unit*	Main component of a computer that performs calculations and processing.
*hard disk*	Storage device for saving data and files.
*key*	Individual button on a keyboard.
*keyboard*	Input device with keys for typing and data entry.
*mouse*	Hand-held device for navigating a computer screen.
*mouse pad*	Surface for placing a mouse to improve its tracking.
*the cursor*	Visual indicator on a screen that shows where actions will occur.
*an email account*	User account for sending and receiving email.
*an email address*	Unique identifier for sending and receiving emails.
*a mailbox*	Storage area for incoming email messages.
*to send an email*	Action of transmitting a message electronically.
*a password*	Secret word or phrase used to access an account.
*inbox*	Folder for incoming email messages.
*an attachment*	File included with an email message.
*a browser*	Software application for accessing and navigating the web.
*a search engine*	Online tool for finding information on the internet.
*a file*	Collection of data or information stored on a computer.
*to download*	Action of transferring data from the internet to a computer.
*computer network*	System of interconnected computers for sharing data.
*enterprise computing*	Use of computing resources and services in business settings.
*computer programmer*	Professional who writes code and develops software.
*a hacker*	Individual who uses technical skills to gain unauthorized access to systems.

Marketing Vocabulary

English Term	Definition	Audio
*a marketing director*	Individual responsible for overseeing marketing strategies.
*a communication manager*	Person in charge of managing internal and external communications.
*a brand manager*	Professional responsible for developing and managing a brand.
*a distribution manager*	Individual who oversees the distribution of products.
*a product manager*	Person responsible for the development and marketing of a product.
*a community manager*	Professional who manages online communities and engagement.
*a PR (public relations) officer*	Person responsible for managing the public image of a company.
*a sales manager*	Individual who oversees sales strategies and operations.
*a web developer*	Professional who builds and maintains websites.
*a web redactor*	Writer responsible for creating and editing online content.
*a database*	Organized collection of data stored for easy access and retrieval.
*a survey*	Research method for gathering information from a group of people.
*a sample*	Subset of a population used for research or testing.
*a focus group*	Small group of people gathered to provide feedback on products.
*a consumer panel*	Group of consumers selected to give feedback on products and services.
*a data*	Individual piece of information.
*a trend*	General direction in which something is developing or changing.
*a customer satisfaction survey*	Questionnaire designed to assess customer satisfaction levels.
*a customer research*	Study focused on understanding consumer behavior and preferences.
*a market leader*	Company that is the top performer in a particular market.
*a market follower*	Company that follows the lead of market leaders.
*a market niche*	Specialized segment of the market for a specific product.
*a target market*	Specific group of consumers a business aims to reach.
*a market share*	Percentage of total sales in a market held by a company.
*a market research*	Study aimed at understanding market conditions and consumer needs.
*the market expansion*	Strategy to increase the market reach of a product or service.
*the market penetration*	Efforts to increase sales in a particular market.
*a test marketing*	Trial run of a product or service in a specific market.
*a segment market*	Division of a broader market into smaller, defined categories.
*a banner*	Graphic advertisement displayed on a website.
*a landing page*	Web page where visitors land after clicking a hyperlink.
*a sponsored ad*	Paid advertisement that appears on a website or platform.
*a keyword*	Specific word or phrase used to optimize search results.
*display*	Online graphical advertisement.
*search engine optimization*	Process of improving the visibility of a website in search results.
*a website*	Collection of related web pages accessed through a domain.
*a device*	Communication tool or platform (e.g., smartphone, tablet).
*mobile marketing*	Marketing strategy focused on reaching consumers on mobile devices.
*social media*	Online platforms for social interaction and sharing content.

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