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Why are Foreign Language Skills a Valuable Asset to your Career?

  • Publish Date: Posted about 5 years ago
  • Author:by Minnie Lu

With the ever-increasing ease of communication between countries all over the world, businesses are looking to increase their international capabilities allowing growth and expansion into new geographical areas. With this shift in business goals, the demand for multilingual employees has risen naturally, too. ​

When submitting your resume or application to a potential employer, it’s a great idea to include your foreign language skills and leave a memorable impression on them. Your foreign language skills will act as another factor in the feasibility and viability for the role your applying for, increasing your chances of success. 

Employers value foreign languages for a variety of reasons, it’s a huge aspect of international expansion, translating instructions and information to employee’s in different branches worldwide and effectively communicating with clients from around the world. Quite often, the ability to relate to a potential client in their native tongue can factor in clinching a deal. 

When should we include foreign language skills in our resume?

  • Enhancing your profile: Including all the information about your foreign language skills, and the level you can comfortably converse in, will bolster your application. 

  • Relevant to the role: Throughout the hiring process, it will be helpful to relate your foreign language skills directly back to the position and illustrate how you can apply it to the company’s long-term goals. 

  • Part of education: If your language skills aren’t necessarily connected to the position, but you wish to include it for possible opportunities in the future, it might be a good idea to add it in the qualifications section of your resume.

Proving your skills

When including your proficiency in a foreign language, it’s helpful to let your recruiter know your efficiency level. Most people approach this in two ways:

  • Including the examination level: Some languages have examinations to define your level of proficiency, like an oral or written examination. It may be a good idea to include your exam grades in your resume too, to give your recruiter the full scope of understanding. 

  • Rating yourself: Many people opt to rate themselves when they don’t have any supporting documents from examinations. They could rate themselves out of 5 or with level categories such as native, fluent, proficient, intermediate and beginner. Many languages are self-taught or picked up throughout your life, so don’t get too hung up on providing any documentation you don’t have. However, you should be prepared to demonstrate your skills. 

The utilisation of a foreign language in your career is a fantastic feature to offer to potential employers. Use these tips to make the most of your skills and how to present them to potential employers. 

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