Whether you're introducing yourself to a colleague, writing a professional bio, or attending a job interview, being able to describe your job role and responsibilities in clear and professional English is an essential skill. For ESL (English as a Second Language) speakers, this can sometimes feel challenging, especially when trying to use the right vocabulary or when unsure of how much detail to include.
Why This Skill Matters
Knowing how to describe what you do at work is useful in many situations, including:
- Introducing yourself to clients or colleagues
- Networking at events
- Writing your resume or LinkedIn profile
- Participating in team meetings
- Speaking in job interviews
- Taking part in international projects or remote work
For ESL learners, having a clear script and key phrases ready makes you feel more confident and helps others understand you easily.
Start with a Simple Introduction
When someone asks, “What do you do?” or “Tell me about your job,” begin with a general sentence that gives your job title and the company you work for.
Examples:
- “I’m a marketing assistant at a tech company in Cape Town.”
- “I work as a customer service representative for an e-commerce business.”
-“I’m the logistics coordinator at a recycling company.”
Use the present simple tense to talk about your current job.
Useful Job Title Vocabulary
Make sure you know the English version of your job title. Here are some common ones across different industries:
Field | Job Title Examples |
Administration | Office Manager, Administrative Assistant |
Finance | Accountant, Financial Analyst |
Sales | Sales Representative, Account Manager |
IT | Software Developer, IT Support Specialist |
Marketing | Social Media Manager, Marketing Coordinator |
Logistics | Warehouse Supervisor, Supply Chain Planner |
Education | Teacher, Academic Coordinator |
Customer Service | Customer Support Agent, Call Center Operator |
Talk About Your Main Responsibilities
Once you introduce your title, you can explain what your main tasks are. Try to describe 3 to 5 key responsibilities using action verbs.
Common verbs to describe work duties:
- Manage
- Organize
- Coordinate
- Handle
- Support
- Monitor
- Report
- Lead
- Develop
- Maintain
Example structure:
“I manage our inventory levels and coordinate with suppliers to make sure deliveries arrive on time.”
Other examples:
- “I handle customer complaints and provide solutions by phone and email.”
- “I update our social media accounts and create content for marketing campaigns.”
- “I prepare financial reports for management and analyze monthly expenses.”
Add Structure Using Sequencing or Frequency Phrases
These help organize your explanation and make your English sound more natural.
Use phrases like:
- “Every day, I…”
- “Most of my time is spent…”
- “On a typical day…”
- “I’m also responsible for…”
- “In addition to that…”
Example:
“On a typical day, I check incoming orders, respond to client emails, and update our delivery schedule. I’m also responsible for training new staff members.”
Describing Tools, Software, or Equipment You Use
It’s helpful to mention any tools or systems you use regularly, especially if you’re in a technical or office-based job.
Examples:
- “I use Excel to create reports and track expenses.”
- “We use Slack and Zoom for team communication.”
- “I operate forklift machinery in the warehouse.”
- “I work with CRM systems like Salesforce to manage customer data.”
How to Explain Your Job to Non-Specialists
If your job is technical or specific to a certain field, it’s helpful to explain it in simpler terms for people who may not understand your industry.
Example:
- Technical version: “I analyze user data from web platforms to improve UX design.”
- Simpler version: “I study how people use our website so we can make it easier for them to navigate.”
This is especially useful when networking or speaking with people from other departments or countries.
Practice Introducing Yourself in a Work Context
Here’s a sample dialogue you can practice:
Person A: What do you do at your company?
Person B: I’m a finance officer at Revive Africa. I prepare monthly financial reports, manage budgets, and help with planning for future projects. I also use Excel and Sage to keep track of expenses.
Person A: That sounds interesting. Do you work with a team?
Person B: Yes, I work closely with the logistics and operations teams to make sure we stay within budget and improve our processes.
How to Talk About Career Progression
It’s also useful to describe how your job has changed over time.
Phrases you can use:
- “I started as a… and now I’m a…”
- “Over the past few years, I’ve taken on more responsibilities, including…”
- “I was recently promoted to…”
Example:
“I started as a customer service assistant, but over time I’ve taken on more tasks. Now, I lead the customer service team and manage our training program.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few things ESL speakers should watch out for:
- Using too much jargon or slang: Keep it simple and clear unless you’re sure the listener understands the terms.
- Being too vague: Don’t just say, “I do everything” or “I help out.” Be specific.
- Using the wrong tense: Use the present simple for your current job and past simple for previous roles.
Bonus Vocabulary List: Common Work Duties
Verb | Example |
Organize | “I organize weekly staff meetings.” |
Maintain | “I maintain the company website.” |
Assist | “I assist the HR department with hiring.” |
Conduct | “I conduct market research.” |
Prepare | “I prepare invoices and reports.” |
Collaborate | “I collaborate with the marketing team.” |
Implement | “I help implement new systems.” |
Being able to clearly describe your job role and responsibilities is a powerful way to build confidence and sound professional in English. Whether you're meeting someone new, writing your resume, or preparing for a job interview, the ability to explain what you do — clearly and confidently — opens doors.
Practice talking about your role using the tips in this article, and soon it will feel natural and easy.
