Because of Globalization cultures and economies are becoming closer and closer each day, raising interactions and the need for being bilingual in todays world. A good number of corporate organizations, schools, hospitals, and banks have gone global. This has led to many employers having the need of hiring employees who can meet their needs to accommodate customers from all corners of the world. Thus, don’t be surprised if at least one of your new job interview questions has to do with how many languages you can speak. Undoubtedly, being conversant with more than one language puts you at an added advantage in your career world.
Learning a second language can work best for you when incorporated by perfecting your communication skills which include but not limited to attentive listening, engaging the customer, understanding unspoken messages through body language and body signals, and being very clear with what you say- just to mention but a few.
Discussed below are facts on how you improve your career prospects by being bilingual.
1. Increases your chances of bagging that job
Take for example, in a call centre the employer will most likely consider hiring workers who are good in multiple languages to effectively communicate with their customers who will call in for answers, send emails and do live chats without limiting themselves to just one language.You will be required to read and write their language and help them to their satisfaction. In the very competitive job market, your knowledge of a second language will make you stand out.
2. It Is Possible To Handle Two Jobs
Knowledge of a second language is a skill that many people don’t have. In fact, language interpretation is essential in many industries that are globally present. For instance, when working in a managerial position, you can also interpret or translate from language X to language Y at a fee. Teaching other people that a second language can also help put an extra coin in your pocket.
3. It Improves cultural connections
The good thing about learning a second language is that you develop the urge to know and understand their culture. You learn their way of communicating without necessarily uttering a word. Body language is essential as far as effective communication is concerned and while at it, you not only learn to appreciate their cultures but you can also have an immersive engagement with them. If English is not your first language, and you’re working in London, for example, knowing the language will help you immerse yourself in the culture, and adequately integrate into the new country, and workplace.
4. You Will Be Eager To Learn The Third Language
Learning a second language raises your liking of languages in general. Experience in another language puts to light which languages are closely connected hence the need to learn them too. Also, the benefits that come with being bilingual can be a push to wanting to learn a third or even a fourth language. This will definitely bring your career to higher levels
5. It Increases Job Opportunities
As you become interactive with different people with different languages, you learn of opportunities that you didn’t know of their existence before. You get to meet more people and learn about different cultures. Languages sometimes bring opportunities to travel the world. This brings new opportunities in your career world.
6. No Need For Interpreters
Not requiring an interpreter is an advantage to your employer since some money is saved which would otherwise be used to hire one and time too as you don’t rely on anyone when communicating with the customers. Understanding a language on your own also means you are able to capture everything directly from the customer. Their body language and physical signals with their exact meaning which otherwise would be misinterpreted.
7. Raises Your Innovativeness
Learning a second language will most likely increase your chances of interacting with people from different races. You get to learn more about their way of doing things, their way of solving different problems thus your mind opens up for new ideas.You are able to see situations in a wider perspective unlike before. This boosts your creativity to get around problems.
8. You Become Better In Your Local Language
The process of learning another language greatly depends on your first language in that you tend to break down grammar and sentences from the language which you already know. Every word you learn, you first try to understand it in your own language, and so with time, you will find yourself being so good in it. Serving your local customers becomes easy when you are totally good in the language they use.
Conclusion
It is clear that being bilingual can help you get hired; to get ahead in your career. You should start making the effort to master not only English but also another one or two of the popular languages in the world. For a start, learn Mandarin, Spanish, or French because the three languages have grown tremendously in popularity over the recent past.
