6 March 2006

...Being Able to Speak a Foreign Language

The hottest job skill to have on your resume these days has nothing to do with IT or management experience or graduate education. It is, rather, the ability to speak a second language.

A recent CareerBuilder.com survey found that nearly one in three employers plans to step up recruiting of bilingual employees this year. The demand for foreign language speakers is being driven by the increasing globalization of business markets and growing diversity within the U.S.

Spanish is the most sought-after language skill, but Russian, Chinese, and various Asian languages are also in high demand. U.S. government agencies and defense contractors continue to seek speakers of Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, and other languages deemed essential for security and intelligence work.

Even employers who do not require bilingual employees are looking favorably on applicants who show foreign language skills or multicultural interests, CareerBuilder.com says. Applicants who have sought out international or cross-cultural experience are seen as more in step with the times, more flexible, and more likely to adapt to changing needs.

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