work experience

/wɜːk ɪkˈspɪəriəns/

Meaning

The knowledge, skills, and familiarity with a job or field that you gain from having worked in that area. It is typically listed on a resume or CV.

Examples

  • The job description states that five years of work experience is required.

    The job description states that five years of work experience is required.

  • She has extensive work experience in the hospitality industry.

    She has extensive work experience in the hospitality industry.

  • Your resume should clearly highlight your relevant work experience.

    Your resume should clearly highlight your relevant work experience.

  • Even without much work experience, his enthusiasm made a great impression.

    Even without much work experience, his enthusiasm made a great impression.

  • I gained valuable work experience during my summer internship.

    I gained valuable work experience during my summer internship.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗ I have many work experiences.

    ✓ I have a lot of work experience.

    'Work experience' is an uncountable noun when referring to the overall knowledge or skills gained from working. Do not pluralize it.

  • ✗ The candidate has a good working experience.

    ✓ The candidate has good work experience.

    In business English, the standard term is 'work experience' rather than 'working experience' when talking about career history.

Related Expressions

professional backgroundjob historyhands-on experience

Practice

  • Please list your previous ___ in chronological order.

    💡 Your history of employment and professional skills.

    Show answer

    work experience

  • She got the job because she had the most relevant ___.

    💡 Knowledge and skills gained from doing jobs.

    Show answer

    work experience