Which one should you use?
While estamos contratando is a direct way to say "we are hiring," other options exist. Buscamos personal (we are looking for staff) is a common alternative for job postings. For very concise signage, such as a sign displayed in a window, se busca empleado (employee wanted) is frequently used. More formal variations include Estamos en búsqueda de personal (We are in search of personnel), Estamos buscando nuevos talentos (We are looking for new talents), Se solicita personal (Personnel is requested) and Se requiere personal (Personnel is required).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase estamos contratando uses the present continuous tense. It is formed using the auxiliary verb estar (we are) and the gerund contratando (hiring).
How do you pronounce it?
/estamos kontɾatando/
Did you know?
- In Colombia and other parts of South America, the term hoja de vida is used instead of currículum, literally translating to 'life sheet' rather than 'course of life'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a sign saying se busca empleado might be paired with a physical 'curriculum vitae' or 'hoja de vida' handed over in person, as spontaneous walk-in applications are more socially acceptable than in the US.
- In Spanish, personal functions as a collective noun in phrases like buscamos personal, whereas in English, 'personal' is an adjective describing private matters.
Examples in context
- Estamos contratando personal para el puesto de gerente de ventas. Requisitos: experiencia previa, conocimiento en ventas y habilidades de liderazgo. Por favor, envíe su currículum vitae y carta de presentación a jobs@example.com.We are hiring personnel for the sales manager position. Requirements: previous experience, sales knowledge, and leadership skills. Please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@example.com.
- ¡Hola a todos! En nuestra tienda de ropa, estamos buscando gente apasionada por la moda. Tenemos puestos disponibles para vendedores. Si te gusta el mundo de la moda y quieres formar parte de nuestro equipo, ¡contáctanos!Hi everyone! At our clothing store, we are looking for people passionate about fashion. We have openings for salespeople. If you love the fashion world and want to join our team, contact us!
- Estamos contratando personal nuevo.We are hiring new staff.
- ¡Atención! Estamos contratando en este restaurante.Attention! We are hiring at this restaurant.
- Estamos contratando ingenieros de software.We are hiring software engineers.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are discussing a sign in a store window.
- DanielMira el cartel, dice que estamos contratando.Look at the sign, it says we are hiring.
- Lucía¡Qué bien! Necesito un trabajo nuevo.That's great! I need a new job.
- DanielDeberías entrar y preguntar ahora mismo.You should go in and ask right now.
- LucíaTienes razón, Daniel. Voy a entrar.You're right, Daniel. I'm going in.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
