Are you a bilingual or multilingual professional seeking new or better job opportunities? Increasing your chances of finding specific roles that align with your language skills requires research and persistence. Don’t worry! There are several ways to discover language-specific jobs using various resources.
We have been using the ACTFL Latin Interpretive Reading Assessment (ALIRA) for a number of years in our school. Currently, we use it exclusively for students who have signed up to pursue achievement of the Seal of Biliteracy.
Mastering one or more foreign languages is a sure bet to enhance your career prospects. Being a bilingual or multilingual employee opens doors to a wide range of industries and positions within the workplace. “As a bilingual professional, you may also be able to negotiate your base pay during the hiring process if you describe how your language skills are an asset to the company and make you a highly qualified candidate for the role,” (Indeed Editorial Team)
Working at Language Testing International (LTI) has given me the incredible opportunity to connect with individuals who possess an extraordinary talent for and dedication to languages. Among these inspiring individuals, Agnieszka Ergun’s story stands out, partly because like me, she was born and grew up in Poland but mostly because her journey to multilingualism is a testament to the power of determination, love, and the unyielding pursuit of communication across borders.
In today’s business environment, all companies are operating within a multilingual economy where diversity prevails. The continuous demand for foreign language skills across most industries, as revealed in a survey conducted for ACTFL by Ipsos with the support of Language Testing International (LTI) and Pearson, underscores the undeniable advantage of having an effective multilingual business approach that includes hiring multilingual professionals. Evaluating metrics to assess the success of your multilingual strategy—especially the effectiveness of your multilingual hires—is now imperative.
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Getting an AAPPL Score Report can be like getting the gift you didn’t know you needed. Rather than a simple number or grade, reports are filled with detailed information, NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements, and strategies for continued learning and growth. But how does the rating happen, what factors determine the score, and how can learners and teachers better understand an AAPPL rating?
As a bilingual or multilingual employee, you have a unique opportunity to help create an inclusive workplace where language diversity is valued. Use your native language or any other languages you have learned to a high level of proficiency to create a work environment of respect and understanding. “A multilingual workplace is becoming the norm, as globalization increases diversity across the United States. You may find that coworkers speak languages in which you are not fluent, and this sometimes creates an uncomfortable atmosphere for a non-speaker.” (Archer).
John Papa, an HR generalist and US Air Force National Guard, had always been fascinated by the power of language. Growing up in a Filipino household in the United States, he had learned both English and Tagalog from a young age. But it wasn’t until he started working as a human resource generalist for a nonprofit organization that he realized just how valuable his bilingual skills were.
John’s organization had recently introduced a new program to promote diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, and part of that program included language proficiency testing. John certified his Tagalog speaking proficiency with the ACTFL OPI®, and to his delight, he achieved the Superior level.
Expanding or entering new markets always comes with fierce competition. To tap into the discovery of global possibilities, it is imperative to differentiate your business to gain a competitive edge. This becomes even more complex when the goal is to provide the best experience to non-English-speaking customers. The two essential ingredients for success in delivering outstanding customer experiences in new markets are proficiency in the local language and cultural competency.
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Advancing in your career as a bilingual or multilingual employee may start by showcasing your language skills during performance reviews while highlighting your unique abilities and contributions to your employer. You may have been gaining experience in your current role and now you are ready to find new opportunities and expand your job responsibilities as well as your salary.