"I worked for" vs "I have worked for"

Question

"I worked for" vs "I have worked for"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I have worked for" is used when you want to emphasize the duration of your work up to the present moment. "I worked for" is used when you are referring to a specific past time period without emphasizing the duration up to the present.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

Use "I worked for" when you are referring to a specific past time period. It is often used to talk about past job experiences or specific projects.

Examples:

I worked for that company last year.
She worked for a non-profit organization before joining the university.
How long did you work for your previous employer?

Alternatives:

I was employed by
I was working for
I had worked for
I used to work for

Use "I have worked for" when you want to emphasize the duration of your work up to the present moment. It is often used in resumes, job interviews, or when discussing work experience.

Examples:

I have worked for this company for five years.
She has worked for various organizations in the past.
How long have you worked for this company?

Alternatives:

I have been working for
I have been employed by
I have had experience working for
I have been with

Answer 1

I worked for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a specific past time period without emphasizing the duration up to the present.

Answer 2

I have worked for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize the duration of work up to the present moment.

"I worked for" vs "I have worked for"

I worked for

I have worked for

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