CELPIP vocabulary: jobs and careers

A document listing your work history.

CELPIP tip Often written "resume" in Canada; keep the accents to avoid confusion with "resume" (to restart).

A letter sent with a job application.

CELPIP tip Recommending a tailored cover letter is solid advice in Speaking Task 1 to a job-hunting friend.

An advertisement for a job.

CELPIP tip You "see" or "find" a job posting, and "apply for" the job, not "apply the job".

A person who applies for something.

CELPIP tip Pattern: an applicant for a position. Reading Part 3 texts on hiring use it often.

Skills and training needed for a job.

CELPIP tip Usually plural for jobs. Pattern: qualifications for a role.

Official proof of education or training.

CELPIP tip "Have your credentials assessed" is a common phrase for newcomers working in Canada.

A person who can recommend you.

CELPIP tip Ask someone to "be a reference" or "give a reference". Also means a letter of recommendation.

A meeting to assess a job applicant.

CELPIP tip Use "have" or "attend" an interview; an interview story is a safe choice for Speaking Task 2.

A final list of chosen candidates.

CELPIP tip Often a verb in the passive: "I was shortlisted". Sounds polished in Speaking Task 2.

A job for a fixed period.

CELPIP tip Contrast it with "permanent position" when weighing job options in Speaking Task 5.

Fixed pay for a year of work.

CELPIP tip Salary is yearly; "wage" is usually hourly. Mixing them up is a common error.

Extras such as health and dental coverage.

CELPIP tip In the job sense it is plural: "health benefits", "a benefits package".

A trial period at the start of a job.

CELPIP tip You are "on probation" during it; passing it is often when benefits begin.

A move into a different type of work.

CELPIP tip Use "make a career change". A rich topic for Speaking Task 2 personal experiences.

Meeting people who can help your career.

CELPIP tip Uncountable. Suggesting networking events is useful advice in Speaking Task 1.

Short work experience for learning.

CELPIP tip Canadian colleges often say "co-op placement"; both may appear in Reading Part 3.

An official document proving a skill.

CELPIP tip Pattern: certification in first aid or certification as a nurse.

Skills useful in many jobs.

CELPIP tip Excellent phrase for Speaking Task 1 when advising a friend changing careers.

A person who finds workers for companies.

CELPIP tip A recruiter "reaches out to" or "contacts" candidates. Common in Reading Part 3 job texts.

A formal offer of employment.

CELPIP tip You "accept", "turn down" or "receive" a job offer.

Suitable for someone with little experience.

CELPIP tip Hyphenate it before a noun: "an entry-level job". A realistic first step to suggest in Speaking Task 1.

Working a complete week of hours.

CELPIP tip Hyphenated before a noun ("a full-time job") but two words after a verb ("She works full time").

Working fewer hours than full-time.

CELPIP tip Same hyphen rule as full-time: "a part-time job" but "I work part time".

To discuss something in order to reach an agreement.

CELPIP tip Pattern: negotiate a salary, negotiate with someone. Useful in Speaking Task 6 compromises.

To officially leave your job.

CELPIP tip The "g" is silent. Pattern: resign from a job; the noun is "resignation".