previous employment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous employment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to jobs or positions held before the current one, often in the context of resumes or job applications. Example: "In my previous employment, I gained valuable experience in project management and team leadership."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Previous employment and business ownership.

The New York Times

"I am aware of the many political exchanges in relation to Mr Coulson's previous employment.

The Guardian

Each individual is categorised according to 72 data points, such as their birthplace or previous employment.

The Guardian

As befits his previous employment status, there is a great deal we do not know.

The Guardian

Mr. Hilbers's previous employment for Bertelsmann reflects the complicated ties between the two companies.

The New York Times

Eligibility depends on the length of the previous employment spell.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

My previous employment was very important.

Huffington Post

How has your previous employment experience aided your current?

Huffington Post

How has your previous employment experience aided your entrepreneurial journey?

Huffington Post

How has your previous employment experience aided Rivet & Sway?

Huffington Post

How has your previous employment experience aided establishing a franchise?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "previous employment" in formal documents like resumes and cover letters to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "previous employment" with unemployment. "Previous employment" refers to jobs you have held in the past, while unemployment refers to a period when you are without a job and actively seeking work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous employment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to jobs or positions held before the current one and is often used in professional contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "previous employment" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe past work experiences. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's appropriate for professional and neutral contexts, such as resumes, cover letters, and general discussions about work history. While alternatives like "past employment" and "former employment" exist, "previous employment" maintains a balanced level of formality suitable for various situations. Remember to focus on relevant skills and experiences when discussing your "previous employment" and avoid confusing it with unemployment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

past employment

Replaces "previous" with "past", a direct synonym with a slightly more general feel.

former employment

Uses "former" instead of "previous", indicating a more definitive end to the employment.

prior employment

Substitutes "previous" with "prior", which is often used in more formal contexts.

previous job experience

Adds "job" to specify the nature of the experience being referred to.

past work experience

Broadens the phrase to include all types of work experience, not just formal employment.

employment history

Focuses on the chronological sequence of jobs held.

previous roles

Highlights the specific positions held in past employments.

professional background

Highlights the skills and knowledge gained from previous jobs.

career history

Emphasizes the overall progression of one's career through different jobs.

work record

Refers to a documented account of one's employment history.

FAQs

How to use "previous employment" in a sentence?

You can use "previous employment" when describing your work history in a resume or cover letter. For example: "In my "previous employment", I developed strong communication skills."

What can I say instead of "previous employment"?

Alternatives include "past employment", "former employment", or "prior employment". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to discuss "previous employment" during a job interview?

Yes, discussing your "previous employment" is a crucial part of a job interview. Be prepared to highlight your accomplishments and the skills you gained that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

What details should I include when listing "previous employment" on a resume?

When listing your "previous employment", include the job title, company name, dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities and accomplishments. Be sure to tailor the details to match the requirements of the job you are applying for.