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.