Formal pairs suit Writing Task 2. Neutral ones work anywhere. Informal ones belong in Speaking.
1.job satisfaction
neutralthe feeling of enjoying your job and finding it worthwhile
For many young people, job satisfaction matters more than a high salary.
High, low and greater collocate with it.
2.strike a balance between
formalfind a sensible middle point between two things
Employees working from home must strike a balance between work and family life.
Strike is the natural verb with balance.
Avoid: make a balance between → strike a balance between
3.work-life balance
neutralthe right amount of time for work and for personal life
Flexible hours help staff maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Achieve, maintain and improve collocate with it.
4.career prospects
neutralchances of success and promotion in a career
A second language can greatly improve a graduate's career prospects.
Job prospects is a close alternative.
5.youth unemployment
formallack of jobs among young people
High youth unemployment can lead to social unrest.
The unemployment rate is the statistic; youth unemployment is the problem.
6.earn a living
neutralmake enough money to pay for what you need
Many artists struggle to earn a living from their work alone.
Make a living is equally correct.
7.apply for a job
neutralformally ask to be given a job
Graduates often apply for dozens of jobs before receiving an offer.
Apply for a job; apply to a company.
Avoid: apply a job → apply for a job
8.meet a deadline
neutralfinish work by the time it is due
Staff who regularly work late to meet deadlines are at risk of burnout.
Miss a deadline is the opposite.
Avoid: achieve a deadline → meet a deadline
9.enter the labour market
formalstart looking for or doing paid work
Women entering the labour market in large numbers changed family life in the twentieth century.
Labour is spelled with -our in British English.
10.flexible working hours
neutrala system that lets employees choose when they work
Flexible working hours make it easier for parents to return to work.
Flexitime is a shorter British word for the same idea.
11.poor working conditions
neutralunsafe or unpleasant conditions at work
Garment workers in some countries face long hours and poor working conditions.
Improve working conditions is a common Task 2 solution.
12.be made redundant
neutrallose your job because the employer no longer needs the role
Thousands of factory workers were made redundant when production moved overseas.
British English. Lose your job is simpler and also fine.
13.gain work experience
neutrallearn skills by doing a job, often unpaid or short-term
Internships allow students to gain work experience before they graduate.
Gain or get experience; take experience is wrong.
Avoid: take work experience → gain work experience
14.job security
neutralconfidence that you will not lose your job
Many people value job security over a higher salary.
Offer and provide collocate with it.
15.a steady income
neutralmoney that you receive regularly and reliably
Freelancers often lack a steady income, which makes it hard to get a mortgage.
A stable income is also correct.
16.climb the career ladder
informalget promoted to more senior jobs over time
She climbed the career ladder quickly by taking on extra responsibility.
Better in Speaking. In Writing, gain promotion is more formal.