previous job

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous job" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a job or position that someone held before their current employment. Example: "In my previous job, I was responsible for managing a team of five people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Looks like my previous job.

Independent

7. What was your previous job?

The New Yorker

Previous job: Bakery co-owner.

The New York Times - Magazine

What did and didn't you like about your previous job?

Nature

At a previous job, he had only one assistant.

The New York Times - Sports

His previous job was at the Four Seasons.

The New Yorker

His previous job experience is also a plus.

The New York Times

She held her previous job for 10 months.

Harvard Business Review

Least-surgical previous job: I played accordion professionally.

The New York Times

Omit your previous job from your CV and cover letter.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

What did you like most about your previous job s)?

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "previous job" when you want to refer to a specific work experience that you had before your current position. Always provide context about what you did and what you learned.

Common error

Avoid dwelling on negative aspects of your "previous job". Instead, frame any challenges as learning opportunities to maintain a positive impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous job" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It refers to a job that someone held before their current one. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples of its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previous job" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a past employment. It holds a neutral register and is frequently found across various sources, including News & Media, Scientific and Academic publications. As Ludwig AI shows, it is crucial to maintain a positive and constructive tone when discussing your "previous job", especially in professional settings such as job interviews. Alternative phrases like "former position" or "past employment" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

former position

Emphasizes the official role held, suitable for professional contexts.

past employment

Highlights the act of being employed in the past.

prior role

Similar to "former position" but slightly less formal.

previous employment

A more formal synonym for "previous job".

last job

Simple and direct, suitable for informal conversations.

earlier post

Focuses on a specific position held in the past.

preceding occupation

A more formal and less common alternative.

historical role

Similar to 'former position' or 'prior role' but emphasizes that it is in the past.

past occupation

Highlights occupation instead of job, focuses on past.

previous work experience

Focuses on experience gained in a prior work setting.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "previous job"?

You can use alternatives like "former position", "past employment", or "prior role" depending on the context.

How do I talk about my "previous job" in an interview?

Focus on your accomplishments and transferable skills. Explain why you left the "previous job" in a positive light, emphasizing growth opportunities and career advancement.

Is it okay to criticize my "previous job" during an interview?

It's generally best to avoid criticizing your "previous job" directly. Instead, frame any issues constructively, focusing on what you learned and how you've grown as a result. Always maintain a professional and respectful tone.

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

While both terms refer to a past employment, "previous job" is more general and informal. "Former position" is slightly more formal and often used in professional contexts to refer to a specific role.