Do you speak a foreign language? Or were you the kid in the back of the class that thought that the class was too hard or that the scripted dialogues were too lame? Yesterday, during an interview, I was reminded again just how invaluable being a polyglot can be. I mention in this blog that I speak a couple of other languages besides English not to brag, but just to share some of my experiences and some of the places I’ve been able to go simply as a result of having that skill. I would suggest to you that this is one of the most versatile skills with one of the biggest payoffs in your career and well worth the work that it takes to attain.
My Background
I happen to speak French and Spanish fluently. These I learned in school and actually my degree is in French. But truth be told, I never had a particular desire to use my French. I just felt strongly that if I was paying for my college education, and if it was going to cost me tens of thousands of dollars, I was going to study what I truly loved–and so French literature was my choice. People found it odd that I didn’t go the education route and get certified to teach–but teaching French at that point was not my thing.
Employers Love This Skill
I now have gotten to the point where I try to mention this polyglot status for every interview that I have and I point to the fact that I’m fluent in both languages as one of the first lines in my resume. I do this regardless of whether or not I think the skill is applicable to the specific job I’m applying because I’ve learned that simply put, employers are impressed with this ability. I have gotten numerous job offers in part, because I can speak a foreign language. Having the ability to speak a different language means that you can bring more to the table.
Polyglots Make More Money
Did you know that where your skills are used you can make more money if you speak another language? According to statistics, knowing more than one language can earn you on average anywhere from $15 to $35 per hour more than just knowing one language.
If you’re looking for a skill set to improve on to expand your job search–this is it.
Related Articles:
Great Careers: Urban Planner to “Other”
Great Careers: Registered Nurse to Systems Analyst
More Great Careers: Physician’s Assistant to Professor