Everyday life

Jobs and careers vocabulary words

This list covers vocabulary for jobs, occupations, and the career process, from common job titles to words used in a resume or interview. It suits students exploring career options, job seekers preparing for an interview, and English learners who want practical, everyday vocabulary for talking about work.

38 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
engineernounA person trained to design, build, or maintain machines, structures, systems, or software.The engineer inspected the bridge to make sure it could safely support heavy traffic.
teachernounA person whose job is to help others learn, especially in a school or classroom.Our history teacher made even the driest facts feel exciting.
nursenounA person trained to care for the sick or injured, often working under a doctor's supervision.The nurse checked his blood pressure before the doctor arrived.
doctornounA person qualified to treat sick or injured people, or one who holds the highest university degree.The doctor examined the child's fever and recommended plenty of rest and fluids.
lawyernounA person qualified to advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court.She hired a lawyer to help negotiate the terms of the contract.
accountantnounA person whose job is to keep, examine, and analyze financial records.The accountant prepared the company's tax returns before the April deadline.
electriciannounA skilled worker who installs, maintains, or repairs electrical systems and wiring.The electrician rewired the old house before the new owners moved in.
plumbernounA person whose job is to install and repair pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing systems.We called a plumber to fix the leaking pipe under the kitchen sink.
mechanicnounA skilled worker who repairs and maintains machines, especially vehicle engines.The mechanic replaced the car's brake pads in under an hour.
architectnounA person who designs buildings and oversees their construction.The architect presented blueprints for a new library with large glass windows.
journalistnounA person who writes, edits, or reports news for newspapers, magazines, television, or other media.The journalist spent months investigating corruption at the city hall.
designernounA person who plans and creates the appearance, structure, or function of products, buildings, or clothing.The designer sketched three concepts for the new company logo.
managernounA person responsible for controlling or overseeing an organization, department, team, or resource.The new manager reorganized the sales team to improve communication between departments.
consultantnounA professional who gives expert advice to organizations or individuals in a particular field.The company hired a consultant to help redesign its outdated computer systems.
entrepreneurnounA person who starts and runs a business, taking on financial risk to do so.The young entrepreneur secured funding for her app after months of pitching investors.
techniciannounA person skilled in the practical or mechanical aspects of a particular technical field.A technician came to repair the broken air conditioning unit.
pharmacistnounA qualified professional who prepares and dispenses medicines and advises on their safe use.The pharmacist explained the possible side effects before handing over the prescription.
therapistnounA trained professional who treats mental, emotional, or physical conditions, especially through talk or exercise.Her therapist helped her work through the anxiety she had carried since childhood.
hairdressernounA person whose job is to cut, style, and care for people's hair.She booked an appointment with her hairdresser for a fresh new haircut.
historiannounA person who studies, researches, and writes about the past.The historian spent years researching the causes of the war.
horticulturistnounA person who specializes in the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.The horticulturist advised us on which flowers would thrive in shady soil.
veterinariannounA doctor who is trained and licensed to treat sick or injured animals.We took the puppy to the veterinarian for its first vaccinations.
dentistnounA medical professional trained to diagnose and treat problems with teeth, gums, and the mouth.I have an appointment with my dentist for a routine cleaning.
surveyornounA person whose job is to measure and map land, buildings, or property boundaries.The surveyor marked the corners of the plot before construction began.
analystnounA person who examines data, information, or situations in detail to draw conclusions or advise on decisions.The financial analyst predicted that the company's profits would rise next quarter.
developernounA person or company that writes computer software, or one that builds and improves land or property.The developer released an update to fix several bugs in the app.
recruiternounA person or company whose job is to find and hire suitable candidates for positions.The recruiter contacted her on social media about an opening at a tech firm.
resumeverbTo begin again or continue something after a pause or interruption.The meeting will resume in ten minutes once everyone returns from the break.
interviewnounA formal meeting in which one person asks another questions to assess them or gather information.She prepared for days before her job interview at the accounting firm.
internshipnounA temporary position offering practical work experience, often for students or recent graduates.She completed a summer internship at a marketing firm before her senior year.
apprenticeshipnounA period during which a person learns a trade or skill by working under an experienced practitioner.He completed a four-year apprenticeship before becoming a licensed electrician.
salarynounA fixed regular payment made to an employee, typically calculated on an annual basis.Her annual salary increased after she was promoted to manager.
promotionnounAdvancement to a higher rank, level, or position, often as a reward for good performance.She celebrated her promotion to senior manager after five years of hard work.
candidatenounA person who applies for a job, seeks an elected position, or is being considered for something.Three candidates applied for the marketing position, but only one had relevant international experience.
employernounA person or organization that pays others to work for them.Her employer offered flexible hours so she could care for her newborn.
employeenounA person who works for another person or organization in exchange for wages or a salary.Every new employee attends an orientation session before starting work on the factory floor.
occupationnounA person's regular job or profession, or the act of taking control of a place, especially by military force.His occupation as a marine biologist takes him to remote coral reefs every summer.
vocationnounA strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or way of life, or the occupation itself.Teaching became her vocation after she volunteered at a local school one summer.

Words for job titles

Job titles range from hands-on trades like electrician, plumber, and mechanic to professional roles like lawyer, accountant, and architect. Some titles, such as hairdresser, historian, and horticulturist, are useful examples of jobs starting with the letter H. Knowing a wide range of job titles helps learners describe careers accurately instead of relying on vague words like worker.

Words for the job search process

Beyond the titles themselves, career vocabulary includes words for finding and keeping work, such as resume, interview, candidate, and internship. A recruiter helps match candidates to an employer, while an apprenticeship offers hands-on training in a trade. Once hired, employees may work toward a promotion, and their pay is usually described as a salary.

Frequently asked questions

What are some jobs that start with H?

Examples include hairdresser, historian, and horticulturist, covering trades, academic work, and outdoor careers.

What vocabulary is useful for a job interview?

Words like resume, candidate, interview, employer, and salary come up often when preparing for and discussing a job interview.