Using your language skills

There are many employment opportunities for people with language skills in a limitless range of industries. 94% of the world's population does not speak English as their first language and 75% do not speak english at all. As you can appreciate its a multilingual world and companies are now realising that they need foreign languages to compete in an international market.

Practically any job can involve languages. Some examples include: credit controller, journalist, market researcher, personal assistant, recruitment consultant, technical help desk. Occupations such as those listed above are typical of the majority of jobs where languages are used. Language skills may be less pivotal in such jobs but when combined with specific qualifications or expertise they can really enhance your career options.

When applying for a post where using your language skill is not you primary function it is important that you do not over emphasise your desire to use your language skill but rather sell it as an added bonus in addition to your other skills. Your language ability is a very useful tool but you need to be convincing about how effective you will be at applying it in all kinds of different situations.

Fluency in a language tends to give jobseekers more options but even basic ability is much in demand as employers seek those capable of communicating with foreign customers or breaking the ice with a few phrases at a meeting. You can acquire or refresh your language knowledge in a number of ways such as evening classes at a local college, at home with family if your mother tongue is not English, time spent in another country where the language is spoken or enrolling on a university course.

Companies and organisations that have overseas business, customers or links tend to offer the most opportunites for people with language skills. This also applies to companies that are web based or foreign owned. However with the ever expanding EU and migration of skilled workers between member states there are just as many opportunities within the public sector. In the UK alone over 300 different languages are spoken – English is very often not the mother tongue. To provide better service and ensure access to equal opportunities, many local government roles need people who can speak community languages. Communicating internationally is also vital, to bring new investment, or to work in partnership with other regions in Europe and around the world.