How to use this lesson: read each item aloud, notice the collocation, cover the definition and retrieve the word from memory. Then use at least three items in your own sentences.
10 useful words and phrases
colleague
A person you work with.
Example: I asked a colleague to review the report.
Natural collocation: former colleague
recruit
To find and employ new staff.
Example: The company plans to recruit three engineers.
Natural collocation: recruit staff
candidate
A person being considered for a job.
Example: Each candidate will have a second interview.
Natural collocation: strong candidate
promotion
A move to a more senior job.
Example: She received a promotion after two years.
Natural collocation: get a promotion
salary
Regular pay for a job, usually stated as a yearly amount.
Example: The salary is competitive for the sector.
Natural collocation: annual salary
contract
A formal agreement, especially about work.
Example: Please read the contract before signing it.
Natural collocation: permanent contract
qualification
An exam result or course showing knowledge or skill.
Example: This role requires a recognised qualification.
Natural collocation: professional qualification
responsibility
A duty that you are expected to deal with.
Example: Managing the budget is one of my responsibilities.
Natural collocation: take responsibility
feedback
Comments intended to help someone improve.
Example: The manager gave me useful feedback.
Natural collocation: constructive feedback
negotiate
To discuss something in order to reach agreement.
Example: They negotiated a better starting salary.
Natural collocation: negotiate terms
Quick vocabulary check
- 1. Which word means “a person you work with”? colleague
- 2. Which word means “to find and employ new staff”? recruit
- 3. Which word means “a person being considered for a job”? candidate
- 4. Which word means “a move to a more senior job”? promotion
- 5. Which word means “regular pay for a job, usually stated as a yearly amount”? salary
Make the vocabulary active
Choose five items above and make them personal. Say one true sentence about your life, work, studies or experience for each item. For stronger recall, return tomorrow and try to reproduce the collocations without looking.