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\u2019t worry! There are several ways to discover language-specific jobs using various resources.<\/p>\n
Certify Your Language Skills Today<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n One essential strategy to advance your career that cannot be missing in your playbook is networking. \u201cPeople quickly notice others that have stronger capabilities to make them relevant. When you standout in both your expertise and the services you offer, it creates room for partnership which in turn builds a career,\u201d (Miller). The key to shaping the career of your dreams largely lies in establishing trustworthy and enduring connections that yield reciprocal professional benefits. First, ask yourself, \u201cWho knows about my foreign language skills?\u201d Then, carefully identify people in your business circle who are aware of your powerful language capabilities. You can call on them to make warm introductions to their friends in other companies who just might need your language skills.<\/p>\n Other channels that can serve as valuable support systems and can provide updated information about language-specific jobs are local community organizations and job search websites. Cultural centers or entities that help migrant communities often offer resources for individuals who speak languages other than English and connect them with other service providers that also need multilingual teams. Meanwhile, job search websites like Multilingual Vacancies<\/a> and Eurojobs<\/a>, allow you to access job opportunities based on language or location. Additionally, professional organizations provide job listings and career resources that can aid in meeting your career goals. \u201cAnother reason to join a professional association is the access to continuing education opportunities like certifications and courses,\u201d (National Science Teaching Association, NSTA).<\/p>\n Lastly, attending job fairs, joining social media groups or digital platforms like LinkedIn, as well as participating in community events are also valuable avenues for meeting people, building connections, and creating professional networks.<\/p>\n According to a study conducted for ACTFL, about two-thirds of employers outsource language service providers (LSPs) to fulfill their business\u2019 foreign language needs. The study also revealed that the healthcare and social assistance sectors are the most likely to contract with LSPs, followed by manufacturing, professional and technical services, education services, and construction describing similar use of foreign languages. \u201cAs diversity in the U.S. increases and globalization continues at a breakneck pace, so will the demand for spoken-language interpreters. Job prospects are especially bright for those fluent in Chinese, German, Russian, Portuguese, and Spanish,\u201d (U.S. News). \u00a0\u201cEmployment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 20 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations,\u201d (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).<\/p>\n While building strong relationships is crucial, don\u2019t overlook the importance of getting your language skills certified. Certification validates your language knowledge and skills everywhere you go.<\/p>\n Certify your language skills with Language Testing International\u00ae (LTI)<\/a>, a leader in providing language proficiency testing in 120+ languages. As an exclusive licensee of ACTFL language proficiency assessments, LTI administers valid and reliable language tests with the convenience of remote proctoring. With LTI, you can accurately assess your language skills in speaking, writing, listening, or reading anytime, anywhere, and obtain a valid certification that is recognized worldwide.<\/p>\n Sources<\/strong><\/p>\n American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the Lead with Languages Campaign commissioned Ipsos Public Affairs, with the support of Pearson LLC and Language Testing International. <\/em>(2019). \u201cMaking Languages Our Business: Addressing Foreign Language Demand Among U.S. Employers.\u201d https:\/\/www.actfl.org\/uploads\/files\/general\/MakingLanguagesOurBusiness_FullReport.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n Miller Cole, Bianca. \u201c10 Reasons Why Networking Is Essential For Your Career.\u201d Forbes. Mar 20, 2019. https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/biancamillercole\/2019\/03\/20\/why-networking-should-be-at-the-core-of-your-career\/?sh=2a3a61fa1300<\/a><\/p>\n NSTA. National Science Teaching Association. \u201c4 Ways a Professional Association Can Help You Find a Job\u201d. https:\/\/careers.nsta.org\/career-resources\/find-the-job-1\/4-ways-a-professional-association-can-help-you-find-a-job-1<\/a><\/p>\n U.S. News. Interpreter and Translator Overview. https:\/\/money.usnews.com\/careers\/best-jobs\/interpreter-and-translator<\/a><\/p>\nThe Power of Networking<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Job Boards for Multilingual Professionals<\/strong><\/h3>\n
In-person Events<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Growing Demand for Multilingual Employees<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Validating Your Language Skills<\/strong><\/h3>\n