Tips for Marketing your Bilingual skills

Posted by Anonymous | Friday, March 20, 2009 | 0 comments »

Here are four things you should know, and incorporate into your job search.

1. If you are currently employed and looking for a job with a different employer (or a better job within the same company), it is very important that you clearly communicate the value that your language skills have added to your current and past employers and have references to back up those skills.

Too often, we depend on our English language skills to get us the job. We stress how fluent in English we are, omitting the strength of intercompany and external communication that engages the Spanish language. If you have a business writing skill in Spanish, any employer who does business with this community (and what company doesn't in this day and age?) will quickly see your value.

So, while it remains important for you to express your strong English skills, it is equally to your advantage to put forward your Spanish speaking and writing skills.

2. Don't limit yourself to considering that the only jobs using Spanish skills are the ones that post for bilingual skill. At every opportunity, ask if your skills can be of value. If you are currently employed and looking to advance yourself, or secure continued employment in a company that is engaging in layoffs, check within other departments to learn if you can assist. Even if you have to offer up your skills without extra pay, it's worth it today to make yourself a stronger employee and job candidate.

3. Stay connected to job boards, like CareerBuilder.com and Empleoscb.com, and agencies to learn where the opportunities are. Make it a habit to match your current abilities to what employers are asking for, regardless of whether you are looking for a job or not.

You will learn a lot about what companies are paying and about the opportunities to expand your strengths and successes by putting yourself through "phantom" job matches.

4. Remember that the best place to look for career growth is within the job you have right now. This is the best place to shine and show your stuff. All companies are looking for ways to save money and grow market share.

If you speak two languages and do excellent work in your current job, you are part of the magic your company needs. It is not uncommon these days for companies to let the higher-paid employees go and give the lower-paid ones an opportunity to perform. If you are as knowledgeable as your boss or a more senior person in your department and you speak two languages, keeping your job may just be an easier proposition for you.

0 comments