Explanation:

- A person who held a job or office before the current holder: This phrase describes someone who occupied a position prior to the individual currently occupying it.

- Option 1: Successor: This refers to the person who follows or takes over a role after someone else. It is the opposite of the required term.

- Option 2: Ancestor: This indicates a family lineage and refers to individuals from whom someone is descended, not related to job roles.

- Option 3: Descendant: A descendant is someone who comes from a particular ancestor, relating more to lineage than occupation.

- Option 4: Predecessor: This is the correct word. It denotes a person who previously held a position or office.

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