looking to secure a position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking to secure a position" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you can use this sentence in a cover letter to a potential employer: "I am a recent college graduate looking to secure a position at your company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Tim is now looking to secure a position in a media organisation where I can develop my current skill set.

The Guardian

For example: "I am looking to secure a position at a top tier publishing house, where I can bring immediate and strategic value and develop my current skill set further".. Avoid buzzwords.

WikiHow

A more specific, interesting, and successful personal profile might be: "I am a motivated and detail oriented professional editor looking to secure a position at a top tier publishing house, where I can bring immediate and strategic value and develop my current skill set further.

WikiHow

Looking to secure a position in a media organisation, where I can bring immediate and strategic value and develop current skillset further.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Now they have to take advantage of having the easiest regular-season schedule left out of the 10 Western Conference teams that are either maneuvering for playoff position or looking to secure a postseason spot.

Los Angeles Times

The company is looking to secure a total of $3.0 billion in financing for the development.

Forbes

These are terms that are used when you are looking to secure a mortgage loan.

WikiHow

Tate looks to secure a rear naked choke and gets her arm under Holm's neck.

Los Angeles Times

"We've underachieved this season, we're still looking to secure our position in the Championship, but the Cup is giving us and in particular the supporters a little bit of joy in a difficult season.

The Guardian - Sport

Germans go to the polls on 22 September, with Chancellor Angela Merkel looking to secure to secure a third term.

BBC

But in 2 years of trying, Hoft was unable to secure a position, so she began to look for alternatives.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "looking to secure a position" in a cover letter or resume, be specific about the type of position you are seeking and the industry you are targeting. This adds clarity and focus to your objective.

Common error

While "looking to secure a position" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal documents such as academic papers or legal briefs. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language that reflects the gravity and complexity of the subject matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking to secure a position" functions as an expression of intent or purpose. It conveys the actor's desire or proactive effort to obtain a job or role. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looking to secure a position" is a grammatically sound and professionally acceptable expression used to communicate one's intent to find employment, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While considered neutral in formality, it's more frequent in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, specificity and context are key: tailor it to reflect the industry and position you're targeting. For more formal or academic settings, consider alternatives such as "seeking a role" or "pursuing an opportunity". By understanding its nuances and using it judiciously, you can effectively convey your professional aspirations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking to obtain a role

Focuses on the act of 'obtaining' a role, emphasizing the achievement.

pursuing an opening

Highlights active pursuit and refers to a job as an 'opening'.

aiming to land a job

Uses the verb 'land', suggesting a successful acquisition of a job.

hoping to find employment

Highlights the 'hope' aspect, indicating a desire for employment.

intending to gain a post

Emphasizes 'intention' and uses the term 'post', which can sound more formal.

planning to acquire a placement

Focuses on 'planning' and uses 'placement', often implying a temporary role.

endeavoring to get a situation

Uses 'endeavoring', which implies a more earnest or sustained effort. 'Situation' is a more general term.

desiring to fill a vacancy

Highlights the 'desire' and frames the search in terms of filling a 'vacancy'.

aspiring to hold an office

Emphasizes 'aspiration' and uses 'office', implying a more official or leadership-oriented position.

wishing to take up a career

Focuses on the 'wish' and uses 'career', suggesting a long-term professional path.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "looking to secure a position" in a cover letter?

You can use alternatives like "seeking a role", "pursuing an opportunity", or "aiming to obtain a position depending on the context.

What is the difference between "looking to secure a position" and "seeking employment"?

"Looking to secure a position" implies a more active and targeted search for a specific role, while "seeking employment" is a broader term that indicates a general interest in finding any job.

Is it appropriate to use "looking to secure a position" in a professional email?

Yes, it is generally appropriate, especially when expressing your career goals or intentions. However, consider the formality of the email and adjust your language accordingly. For instance, in a highly formal context, phrases like "aspiring to a role" may sound more refined.

What are some common synonyms for "secure" in the context of "looking to secure a position"?

Synonyms for "secure" in this context include "obtain", "gain", "land", "acquire", and "achieve". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. For instance, "land a job" suggests a successful outcome after some effort.