Work history

USAGE SUMMARY

"work history" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English
It refers to someone's past employment experiences and can be used in various contexts, such as in a resume, job application, or biography. Example: "John's extensive work history includes positions at multiple Fortune 500 companies, showcasing his strong leadership skills and proven track record of success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Work history.

Forbes

Work history was available in time units of one year.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Work history data from the three plants were collected by NIOSH in the mid-1970s.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Work history data were missing for 9% of workers who terminated before 1954.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Mr. Page had a spotty work history.

The New York Times

We look at their work history.

The Economist

Wonderful education, great work history.

The New York Times

Megumi's work history provides a good one.

The New York Times - Books

I have a consistent work history.

The Guardian - Opinion

His work history was not completely clear.

The New York Times

"It's her work history I really want.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "work history", be specific about roles, responsibilities, and achievements to provide a clear picture of your professional background.

Common error

Avoid simply listing job titles and dates in your "work history". Elaborate on your key responsibilities and accomplishments to showcase your skills and value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work history" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it denotes a record or summary of an individual's past employment experiences. It is used to describe someone's professional journey, detailing the sequence of jobs they have held.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "work history" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to describe an individual's past employment experiences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a concise way to present one's professional background in various contexts, including resumes, job applications, and biographies. Its usage spans across diverse fields like news, science, and academia, highlighting its versatility. While alternatives like "employment record" or "professional background" exist, "work history" remains a common and effective way to summarize one's career journey. When writing about a "work history", specificity and detail are key to conveying the full scope of one's qualifications and experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

employment history

A more formal variation, swapping "work" with "employment".

career history

A general alternative that can be useful in many different contexts.

job history

A slightly more informal alternative, using "job" instead of "work".

employment record

Replaces "history" with "record", focusing on a documented account of employment.

record of employment

Similar to employment record, emphasizes the documentation of employment.

professional background

Uses a broader term, "background", to encompass overall professional experience.

past work experience

Highlights the experience gained through work in the past.

professional experience

Highlights the cumulative experience gained in various professional roles.

previous employment

Highlights the past work experiences of an individual.

career trajectory

Focuses on the progression and path of someone's career.

FAQs

How do I effectively present my "work history" in a resume?

Start with your most recent job and work backward. Include the job title, company name, dates of employment, and a bulleted list of responsibilities and accomplishments. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

What details should I exclude from my "work history"?

Omit irrelevant jobs or positions held for very short periods, unless they demonstrate a specific skill relevant to the job you're applying for. Also, avoid including personal details or reasons for leaving previous jobs.

What can I say instead of "work history" in a cover letter?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "professional background", "career trajectory", or "employment record".

Is it necessary to explain gaps in my "work history"?

It's a good idea to briefly address significant gaps in your "work history". You can provide a concise explanation, such as further education, family responsibilities, or personal development, without going into excessive detail.