applying for a job

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "applying for a job" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing the process of applying for employment opportunities. For example, "I have been applying for a job in the finance industry for the past few months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Applying for a job at Leeds.

The Guardian - Sport

"He was applying for a job with Action Aid".

The Guardian

A young woman is applying for a job.

The Guardian

"You know when you're applying for a job?" she said.

The New York Times

He ended up applying for a job as his assistant.

The New York Times

One of the hardest things to overcome when applying for a job is work experience.

The Guardian

"But athletic directors don't have two, three or four people applying for a job.

The New York Times

You are thinking about applying for a job as an administrative assistant.

The New York Times

Do you really want to be applying for a job for a "colour distribution technician"?

The Guardian

If my career goes bung I shall be applying for a job on Heir Hunters.

The Guardian - Books

It should feel more like applying for a job than booking a holiday.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Specify the industry or role when discussing "applying for a job" to provide context and clarity; for example, "applying for a job in the tech industry" or "applying for a job as a software engineer".

Common error

Avoid using "applying for a job" when you mean simply expressing interest. Instead, use "considering a job" or "researching job opportunities".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applying for a job" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the action of seeking employment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "applying for a job" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of seeking employment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It functions as a gerund phrase, typically used as a noun, and is appropriate in both neutral and professional contexts. It's important to use this phrase when specifically referring to submitting applications and actively seeking a position, as opposed to simply expressing interest. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

putting in an application

Focuses on the action of submitting an application form.

submitting a job application

Focuses on the act of submitting the application rather than the ongoing process.

sending out resumes

Emphasizes the distribution of resumes to potential employers.

seeking employment

Emphasizes the overall goal of finding a job.

looking for work

A more general term for the process of finding a job.

interviewing for jobs

Focuses on the interview stage of the job application process.

job hunting

Informal term for the process of searching for a job.

trying to get hired

Highlights the intention of getting a job.

pursuing a career opportunity

Highlights the advancement aspect of job seeking.

canvassing for a position

Implies actively seeking out a job, often through direct contact.

FAQs

What's the difference between "applying for a job" and "looking for a job"?

"Applying for a job" refers to the specific action of submitting an application for a particular position. "Looking for a job" is a broader term that encompasses all activities related to finding employment, including searching for openings, networking, and submitting applications.

How can I improve my chances when "applying for a job"?

Tailor your resume and cover letter to match the specific requirements of each job you're "applying for a job" for. Highlight relevant skills and experience, and showcase your understanding of the company and the role.

Is it correct to say "applying to a job" instead of "applying for a job"?

No, the correct preposition is "for". You "apply for a job", not "to a job". Using "for" indicates that you are making a request or formally seeking consideration for the position. Therefore, using "applying to a job" is incorrect.

What are some synonyms for "applying for a job"?

Some alternatives include "submitting a job application", "seeking employment", or "putting in an application", depending on the context.