Talking about one’s job

Here are some English phrases for talking about jobs, which will allow you to discuss the type of job you do and where you work.

Asking about a person’s job

• What do you do?
• What line of work are you in?
• What do you do for a living?
• What sort of work do you do?
• What line of work is she in?
• What does he do?

Here are some sample answers.

• I’m a teacher.
• She is a doctor.
• He is a writer.
• I work as a salesman.
• I work in advertising.
• He works as a mechanic.
• I am not employed. I stay at home and look after the children.
• I work in education.
• I work in television.
• I work with cancer patients.
• He works in IT.
• She works with special children.
• I’m a housewife.

Employment status

• I’ve got a part-time job.
• I’ve got a full-time job. I work from nine to six.
• I’m unemployed.
• I’m looking for a job.
• I’m between jobs. (When you are between jobs, you are unemployed.)
• I’m out of work.
• I was laid off.
• I’m retired.
• I’m looking for work.
• Other questions
• Where do you work?
• Who do you work for?

Model answers

• I work in a factory.
• I work for an educational publisher.
• I write for some websites.
• I’m self-employed.
• I work for myself.
• I work for a multinational company.
• I work in a shop / factory.
• I run my own business.
• I work in a bank.
• I work in a pub.
• I work from home.