The ICT Job Hunter Blog

Of course, any employer will tell you that excellent oral and written communications skills in your mother tongue are of supreme importance when you are competing in the job market. Having a second language, however, can not only be the key to opening doors which were previously firmly shut, but also the key to a considerably higher income.

While English might be the international language of the world, in an increasingly globalized economy, American companies are now doing business in newly-emerging markets where either very little or no English is spoken. Even in those cases where the standard of English might be sufficient for the exchange of pleasantries, it is certainly not sufficient to conduct a conversation of a complex or technical nature. For such companies, hiring a bilingual or multi-lingual candidate is more than just an added bonus which creates increased respect and credibility – it is fast becoming an outright necessity.

Speaking a foreign language is not just about direct communication however. It is also what enables us to better understand the cultures of others, something which is vital on both a business and a personal level. Not only does the ability to understand just how its foreign partners do business help a company to differentiate itself from its competitors, but it also helps to avoid those embarrassing faux pas which can emanate from differences in gestures and body language.

Of course, learning a new language takes time and commitment, but having said this, many of us already made a start at school. If you picked up a smattering of Spanish, French, German or Italian in your early years, then these could well stand you in good stead. Even though a few years might have passed since your school days, you would probably be amazed at how much you would still remember if you were to pick it back up again. The other key languages which are being sought in today’s market are Russian and Japanese, with increasing opportunities for those who have a knowledge of Mandarin.

Particularly if you are in a situation where you have been forced into unemployment or part-time work and have time on your hands, taking up a language course could well prove to be invaluable in opening new doors, making you stand out amongst your competitors and greatly increasing your earning capacity.