previous roles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous roles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to jobs or positions someone has held in the past, often in a professional context such as resumes or job interviews. Example: "In my previous roles, I have developed strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of project management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As in many previous roles, Mr. Hounsou's bare chest figures prominently in the new film.

The New York Times

His other previous roles include stints at Bertelsmann Online, Blackwell's online bookshop and IBM.

The Guardian

He was prevented from voting because of his previous roles in other media companies.

The New York Times

Dust off details that support your move, such as previous roles, skills, training, projects and achievements.

The Guardian

Clare Whitmell: "List the things that you didn't like about previous roles.

The Guardian

Judging from her previous roles, there is no reason to believe otherwise.

The Guardian - Film

The Combination Redemption returns Basha and Field to their previous roles.

The Guardian - Film

Previous roles of the McConaissance ("I don't mind the word," he grins.

The Guardian - Film

What previous roles did you have in the REA or other student organizations?

Columbia University

That marks a vast improvement over the 30% pay gaps that Atkinson says he has witnessed in previous roles.

The Guardian

In previous roles, Caplan has stood out as a modern girl, all defensive postures and tomboy sarcasm.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "previous roles" to highlight transferable skills relevant to the job you are applying for.

Common error

Avoid simply listing your "previous roles" without providing specific examples or context. Tailor your descriptions to the specific requirements of the target position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous roles" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to refer to the positions or jobs that an individual has held in the past. As Ludwig confirms, this is perfectly acceptable English. It's commonly used in professional contexts like resumes or interviews.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

23%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previous roles" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely used across various contexts, with a strong presence in news, business and professional settings. This term helps to provide relevant background, often highlighting skills and experiences. When using this phrase, remember to quantify accomplishments and tailor descriptions to the target position to make them more effective. Consider using alternatives like "former positions" or "prior responsibilities" for variety and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

former positions

Emphasizes the past nature of the positions held.

prior responsibilities

Highlights the duties and tasks associated with past roles.

past appointments

Focuses on the official assignment to previous roles.

earlier duties

Draws attention to the obligations of roles held in the past.

preceding jobs

Stresses the sequence of jobs held before the current one.

previous engagements

Highlights the commitments involved in past roles.

past functions

Focuses on the purpose and activities of prior roles.

historical track record

Emphasizes the documented history of past roles and achievements.

professional background

Focuses on past roles to describe skills, knowledge, and expertise.

career history

Describes the timeline and progression of different positions someone has held.

FAQs

How can I effectively describe my "previous roles" in a job interview?

Focus on the skills and experiences gained that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide structured and compelling answers.

What are some alternative phrases for "previous roles" when writing a resume?

You can use alternatives like "former positions", "prior responsibilities", or "career history" to add variety to your language.

How do I highlight transferable skills from my "previous roles" when changing careers?

Identify the core skills required in your new career and demonstrate how your experiences in "previous roles", even if seemingly unrelated, have equipped you with those skills. Provide concrete examples of your achievements.

Is it necessary to list all my "previous roles" on a resume?

No, it is not always necessary. Focus on including the roles that are most relevant to the position you are applying for and highlight the accomplishments and skills that align with the job requirements. You can tailor your resume to emphasize the most pertinent experiences.