Discussing your work in IELTS Speaking: Strategies and examples

When you're struggling with an unfamiliar topic or diving into a familiar one, the desire to convey your ideas accurately and persuasively remains constant. It's a reminder that effective communication isn't just about the words you choose; it's about the connection you establish with your listener.

In the IELTS Speaking test, one of the topics you may be asked to talk about is your job or employment, especially in Part 1. 

Here are some different ways to talk about what you do for work, depending on your circumstances. 

Current Job 

I’m a (software engineer), and I specialise in ___________.  I’ve been in my present job for about (3 years) now and the company I work for (description of what the company does or offers). 

I work on a part-time basis as a (cashier) and I’ve been doing that for the past (6 months).  My long-term goal though, is to eventually have a job as a (nurse).   I’m currently working towards that as I’m studying (nursing) and once I complete my studies I can then ________. 

 Past Job 

I used to be an (accounts manager) at a (law firm), but I decided to move on from that and focus on (what you are doing now or want to do).  I think (what you are doing now or want to do) is a better fit for me because ____________. 

Future Job 

I wouldn’t mind trying my hand at being a (project manager) because __________.  My idea  is to ___________, and I’m really setting my sights on ____________. So, hopefully all goes to plan and it works out well. 

No Job 

I’ve only just graduated from university with a degree in (Business), specialising in (International Relations), so I’m job hunting at the moment.  I’ve applied for _________, and I’m looking to _____________.  I want to steer clear of (type of work or company you don’t like) and hopefully I can initially land a job as (administration assistant) because __________. 

I’m actually between jobs at the moment.  I was working as a (tutor) in a (language academy), but because of (particular circumstances), I’m no longer working there.  I’m on the job hunt at the moment, and I’m hoping to find some work related to (teaching) so I can make use of my skills. 

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I really love what I do because a passion of mine is ____________ and this job helps me do that.  An enjoyable aspect is how ___________. 

Something that I find quite a struggle is how ____________, so one of the challenges I have is ____________.  I’m working on (how to improve the situation). 

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I get on really well with my colleagues because ____________.    I also look up to my boss because he/she is ______________.  I work really well with our customers/clients because they ____________. 

Some of my workmates are a bit tricky to deal with because they ___________.  My boss can be a bit of a handful at times because he/she ______________.  The customers/clients we deal with can be draining at times as they _____________. 

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Of late, I’ve been working remotely which I don’t mind at all actually because __________.   

Sometimes we have to go off-site to _______________, which is great because I don’t like being stuck in a cubicle all day.   

The company is located just a stone’s throw away from (the train station), so it’s in quite a good spot. 

The location of the office is a bit out of the way because it’s ___________ , so it takes me a while to commute there and back home.

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Achieving a great IELTS score takes time and planning. You can’t just book and take your test in a matter of days – no matter how strong your English skills are. 

Successful test takers create a schedule to help them study everything they need to know before they sit an IELTS test. They make time to practise all four English skills – Listening , Reading , Writing  and Speaking  – as they know that each one is different.

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