secure a position

USAGE SUMMARY

"secure a position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when talking about getting a job or applying for a role. For example, "John spent months applying for jobs in order to secure a position at his company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once you secure a position, small talk is essential to bond with colleagues, create a positive relationship with your boss, and win the trust and respect of clients, suppliers, and people in your extended professional network.

Harvard Business Review

He arrived in Dover at nine years old, after his mother had managed to secure a position as a housemaid.

Independent

He frankly says that he cannot see any objection to telling these lies in order to secure a position.

The New Yorker

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

The Guardian

After obtaining their degree they must pass an eight-hour state examination and then begin the interview process to secure a position as a school administrator.

The New York Times

A connection to John J. McCloy, a Wall Street mandarin, helped secure a position in the Nixon administration, where he became known as "the economic Kissinger".

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

Mr. Newell traded on his newly minted movie credentials to secure a position with an as-yet-unnamed casino in Las Vegas.

The New York Times

SAN FRANCISCO, March 26 — Yahoo is moving to secure a position on the next Internet battleground: Web search and advertising on cellphones.

The New York Times - Tech

If he cannot secure a position in the coming days, his lawyers said they are prepared to file for political asylum as a last resort.

The Guardian

But, at the age of 25, he was able to secure a position with Thomas Edison in his Menlo Park, New Jersey, laboratories.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always proofread your resume and cover letter before submitting them. Typos and grammatical errors can create a negative impression and hinder your ability to "secure a position".

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on what you hope to gain from the position. Instead, highlight how your skills and experience can benefit the organization and contribute to its goals, showing why you are the best candidate to "secure a position".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure a position" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of successfully obtaining a job or role. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in various contexts. It's often used in formal settings when discussing career goals or job applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "secure a position" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the act of successfully obtaining a job or role. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used across news media, academic, and scientific contexts. It carries a neutral to professional tone, suitable for formal communications and career-related discussions. When aiming to "secure a position", it's best to focus on how your skills benefit the organization, avoiding excessive focus on personal gains. Alternatives like "obtain a job" or "land a role" offer similar meanings, while networking and tailoring your application are practical steps to enhance your chances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtain a job

Focuses specifically on the act of getting employment.

land a role

Implies successfully acquiring a specific part or function.

gain employment

Emphasizes the result of finding work.

get hired

Simple and direct way of saying you were employed.

find a place

Can refer to finding a spot in a program, team, or organization; less formal.

guarantee a spot

Highlights ensuring a place, often in a competitive situation.

lock down a spot

Suggests firmly securing a place or position.

achieve a standing

Implies gaining recognition or status within a field or organization.

carve out a niche

Focuses on creating a unique and secure position for oneself.

establish foothold

Emphasizes gaining an initial, stable position.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "secure a position" in a cover letter?

In your cover letter, use "secure a position" to express your proactive intent to obtain a specific role, for example, "I am writing to express my interest in this opportunity and highlight the skills and experiences that will allow me to "secure a position" with your company."

What's the difference between "secure a position" and "get a job"?

"Secure a position" implies a more strategic and active approach to obtaining employment, often suggesting a competitive process or a desired specific role. "Get a job" is a more general term for finding employment.

Which is a better phrase to use: "secure a position" or "obtain employment"?

Both "secure a position" and "obtain employment" are appropriate, but "secure a position" is often used when referring to a specific role or when there's an element of competition or active pursuit involved. "Obtain employment" is more formal and general.

What are some alternatives to "secure a position"?

Alternatives include "obtain a job", "land a role", or "gain employment", depending on the context.