There is an evident trend that suggests that the ability to speak a foreign language enhances your employability. Due to globalisation having opened up cross-border commerce, there is a need for linguists to prevent language barriers and bridge cultural gaps. Because of this, many high level organisations do not see language skills as a useful plus, but more as a basic requirement. So much so that the European Commission has compiled a science and policy report on “Languages and Employability”. This report provides research based evidence that can, in turn, inform the European Union´s (EU) policy initiatives. However, our question remains, what is the relationship between knowing a foreign language and employability?
Knowing more than one language increases your chances of being employed in some areas more than others; in fields such as customer service or when you need to work directly with overseas clients, they are essential. Though English is still viewed as the international language for business, the importance of German, French, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese are also rising. Human resource managers tend to use several focal points in the selection process with language skills and higher education often being the main requirements to overcome the interview process. But, other than the obvious issue of communication skills, there are other aspects of your employability that can be demonstrated by learning a second language as an adult
As someone who is able to speak various languages, you will become an important part of any team as you will possess several tools that others will not only value, but often envy.
Consistency
Learning a language cannot be achieved overnight, it requires consistency and perseverance. By learning a foreign language as an adult, you can demonstrate these incredibly desirable traits and give employers a view of your work ethic.
Patience
Learning a language is not always fun, it can be, but it does require two key elements, time and hard work. People who have learned a foreign language as an adult understand that patience is a virtue and that they possess it.
Open-mindedness
If you learn a foreign language and get to know another culture, it not only teachers you new words and grammar, it teaches you to be more flexible and considerate. You will be immersed in a new culture and this tends to open your mind to new a wonderful things.
Sociability
Languages are all about communication skills and socialising with others. Learning a foreign language not only enables you to speak to different people without a language barrier, it encourages you to do so.
Usefulness
As someone who is able to speak various languages, you will become an important part of any team as you will possess several tools that others will not only value, but often envy.
On average, 56% of people aged 25-64 in the EU know a second language, 28% speak two and a further 11% speak 3 or more, with that figure drastically increasing in the younger age group if we separate 25-40 and 41-64. Some nations are well ahead of the curve, with Luxemburg (94%) and Finland (73%). Bulgaria, Hungary and the UK (38% including migrants) show far lower percentages than their neighbours.
So don´t get left behind in the job market and step up your career prospects by learning a foreign language with us (click here to start today).
