Choosing to learn a second language can feel like a big commitment. With so many classes you could take instead, it’s all too easy to rationalize language learning as a cool-but-unnecessary challenge only the lucky few get to try. Why spend time memorizing vocabulary or struggling through intricate grammar rules when you could hone a skill or pursue an internship that directly relates to your career goals?
For starters, can make you more open-minded. It can help you deepen connections and make travel easier (and more fun!).
Foreign language skills get you one step closer to being a global citizen.
But the career benefits of learning a second language make signing up for that language class a worthy investment in your own future, too. Second language skills translate to tangible benefits in job opportunities, salary, and more.
Whether you want to study , , or (or anything in between), or you’re looking to leverage time at home by , you’ll impact your career in a multitude of ways.
Will learning a new language help your career?
Speaking a second language opens up opportunities for jobs you wouldn’t otherwise have access to, plus it makes you a more sought-after candidate—even for roles that don’t directly require a second language.
When you learn a new-to-you language, you get to see the world from another perspective and more deeply understand another culture. It’s no wonder, then, that employers value those who bring second language skills to the workplace.
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How learning a language helps your career
Once you’re fluent in a second language, getting job interviews becomes that much easier.
Need some more convincing before you enroll in a class or sign up for a language program abroad? Just consider the career benefits of learning a second language.
1. A second language translates to better job opportunities
You’ll open the doors to a range of job opportunities when you speak more than one language. There’s an increasing demand for bilingual and multilingual professionals in all sorts of fields—so from marketing to banking to law and beyond, your ability to speak a second language gives you a real edge in the job hunt.
You’ll also have access to jobs that require fluency in a second language by definition, such as roles in translation, interpretation, and teaching languages.
If you’re interested in , language skills may be a prerequisite for some positions. Your ability to converse with locals and get around your new home country will certainly ease the transition, even if you don’t technically need to speak the language to land a job.
If you want to work domestically, second language proficiency means you’ll expand the list of jobs you qualify for as well. Bonus points: More opportunities to travel for work!
2. You’ll increase your interview invitations
Who ISN’T looking for a way to get their job application to the top of the pile? Consider your bilingual abilities an instant resume boost. Plain and simple, a second language will make you stand out from a crowd of qualified candidates.
Even if a potential employer isn’t specifically looking for second language skills, your ability to speak more than one language will set you apart from applicants who otherwise have similar qualifications.
The fact that you learned a second language shows a level of commitment (and, yeah, extra brain power) not every candidate can claim. Add it to your resume and watch those interview invitations start rolling in.
3. Learning a language pays off…literally
Your language skills mean more opportunities with better pay!
Once you land that job, you can also look forward to higher pay. Bilingual employees often command higher salaries than their counterparts who only speak one language.
It comes down to simple economics. There are fewer folks in the job market who can speak multiple languages, so you can ask for higher wages if you’re someone who does know a second language—especially if your employer needs to lean on you for translation or interpretation on the job.
And if you have a less commonly spoken language on your resume, your skills may be even more appealing.
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4. Bilingualism benefits your brain
Think people who can speak multiple languages sound smarter? There’s something to it, scientifically speaking.
When you switch between languages, you’re giving your brain a great workout. Speaking a second language can improve your problem-solving skills, increase your creativity, and enhance your cognitive ability.
In short, learning a second language can give your brain a boost on those other qualities employers often list as must-haves on job descriptions.
5. You’ll enhance your chances for career growth and advancement
You got the job. You negotiated a great salary. That’s where the career benefits of learning a second language stop, right?
Nope. You’re also on a great track for getting promoted and advancing in your career thanks to your language and cross-cultural skills. From promotions at your current job to new opportunities elsewhere, having a second language under your belt can be your ticket to continued career growth.
If you’re working at a big, multinational company, you can rest assured your employers are looking for people who can get around in other countries and successfully conduct business. Smaller companies also need employees to check out opportunities overseas.
You don’t even need to be super fluent to reap the benefits a second language offers, though the better your language skills, the more opportunities you’ll have. Companies often spring for translators to take care of the nitty gritty details, but having an employee (aka, you!) proficient in the language can make business operations that much more successful. That’s because…
6. Language skills help you build strong relationships
You’ll easily expand your network when you speak a second language.
The career benefits of learning a second language go well past having the vocabulary to close a deal (or navigate the dinner menu) on your big business trip. Language gives you insight into culture. Plus, the ability to speak with someone in their first language breaks down barriers while building trust.
No matter the workplace or business setting, your language skills will go a long way toward developing strong relationships. Just imagine how you’ll converse with colleagues in your company’s global offices with ease or create a personal connection with a client.
Sure, you’ll get the extra perk of better business results, but you’ll also foster professional relationships on a much deeper level.
These benefits aren’t just important for building international connections. Maybe you’re a future doctor or nurse who wants to be able to converse with patients in or , or you’re an aspiring teacher ready to connect with students who speak or .
However you envision your career path, having skills in another language can only help you as you build relationships with your coworkers and community in your chosen field.
How to include language skills on your resume
Figuring out can take your job applications from bottom-of-the-pile to standout star. Case in point? Your highly valued language skills.
Some steps to making sure a future employer notices your language abilities include:
- Decide where you’ll list language skills on your resume: If you speak multiple languages or a second language is essential to the role, clearly highlight your knowledge with a separate section called “Languages” or “Language Skills.” You might also list languages under “Education” (if you studied at a language school or study abroad program) or “Work Experience” (if you used the language in a previous job, either abroad or domestically). Adding a bullet point or line to a more general “Skills” section will save resume space while still showing off your abilities if language isn’t critical to the position.
- Add any official certifications and test results: If you’ve taken a widely accepted language proficiency test and have an official way to categorize your language level, put that on your resume. Results from the JLPT or and CEFR level certificates make it easy for potential employers to gauge your impressive abilities.
- Be honest about your fluency level: Remember, even basic language skills can set you apart from other applicants, so don’t exaggerate. If you do, you may find yourself in an embarrassing spot during your interview or down the road on the job.
- Don’t forget the cover letter: Applying for a position that could really benefit from someone with your skills? Shout out your abilities in your cover letter, too. You can highlight your second language abilities in an engaging way to grab the attention of a hiring manager and give valuable insight into your personality and experiences.
Boost your career by learning a new language!
Hey, it also gives you an excuse to go somewhere new!
Whether you’re ready to brush up on a language you studied in school or you’re challenging yourself to something totally new, you‘re creating a path for continued career success.
The career benefits of go way beyond a cool note for your resume. Speaking another language opens your mind to different perspectives and cultures and lets you build deeper connections with the people you meet, all while giving you the opportunity to advance and grow in your career.
Ready to level up?
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