past job

USAGE SUMMARY

"past job" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a job or employment position that someone held in the past. Example sentence: I included my past job experience in my resume, including my previous roles as a marketing coordinator and a sales manager.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'll think about my past job.

The New York Times - Magazine

You can use past job, volunteer, or classroom experiences to demonstrate your skills.

Cornell University

Define the ways your past job performance is an asset to your future employer.

The Guardian

Rousseau says your decision to negotiate should also be dependent on your past job performance.

Harvard Business Review

But the method of filtering applications through past job titles blinds one to a wealth of potentially ideal candidates.

Harvard Business Review

His wife has a 401(k) balance, too, from a past job at Telemundo, the Spanish-language television network.

The New York Times

The report on past job performance has morphed into a driver of future job performance, essentially mucking up the thing it's measuring.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ask any current or past job seeker and they can easily spout off examples of firms that have treated them in an unprofessional or unethical way.

The Washington Post

Past job cuts have not damaged the economy in western New York State, but the new cuts may have a greater impact.

The New York Times

Early on in your career, you might not have a past job that can offer an appropriate reference so consider other contacts.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Intensified emphasis on these issues - and drawing a sharp distinction against those who have supported past job-killing pacts - is proving to be a lifeline in some races.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clearly state the time period you held the “past job” on your resume using a consistent format.

Common error

Avoid bad-mouthing a "past job" or employer; instead, focus on what you learned and how you grew professionally, even if the experience wasn't ideal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "past job" functions as a noun phrase describing a job that someone held at a previous time. Ludwig confirms that this is a common and acceptable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

14%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "past job" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to previous employment, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's versatile, fitting into neutral registers and various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Academia. When discussing a "past job", focus on relevant skills and experiences, and avoid negative framing. Alternatives such as "former job" or "previous position" can add variety to your language. Use the STAR method to describe your role effectively. Ludwig's analysis emphasizes the phrase's broad applicability and importance in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

former job

Uses a different adjective to indicate a previous job.

previous position

Replaces "job" with a more formal term, "position".

prior employment

Uses a more formal noun to refer to a previous work experience.

earlier role

Focuses on the function or capacity in a previous job.

old job

A simpler, more informal way to refer to a "past job".

previous work

Refers to the activity done in a "past job".

past employment

A slightly more formal version of "past job".

historical role

Emphasizes that the job is in the past and part of one's history.

past occupation

Uses the more formal term "occupation" instead of "job".

bygone position

Emphasizes that the job is a thing of the past.

FAQs

How can I effectively describe my responsibilities in a "past job" during an interview?

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide concrete examples of your accomplishments and how you overcame challenges in your "past job".

Is it okay to leave a "past job" off my resume?

Yes, it's acceptable to omit a "past job" if it's irrelevant to your current career goals or if it was a very short-term position. However, be prepared to explain any gaps in your employment history.

What's the difference between a "past job" and "former position"?

While both terms refer to previous employment, "past job" is generally more informal, whereas "former position" often implies a higher level of responsibility or a more formal work environment.

How do I address concerns about leaving a "past job" on bad terms?

Focus on what you learned from the experience and how you've grown since then. Frame it as a learning opportunity and emphasize your commitment to improvement and professional development. Try to use alternatives like "previous work" or "prior employment".