So you’re looking to learn a language to boost your career. But how do you get started? There are so many different apps, courses and blogs claiming to get you fluent that it is hard to know which one to choose. And even if you do manage to work up to a decent level of Spanish on Duolingo, how can you prove that you’ve got this new found skill to your future employer?

In this article we’ll talk about how to use your new language skills to get you better job opportunities. This is where professional foreign language qualifications come in. These certificates are available in French, Spanish, German and many other languages. This is a great way to brush up your language learning and boost your career prospects at the same time.

Foreign Language Qualifications

Anyone can take a language qualification, whether it’s for work, study or just for fun. There are different qualifications based on the language you’re studying. Typically, certifications are run by institutions in the countries where the language is spoken. For example DELF and DALF are awarded by the French Ministry of education.

Common European Framework of Reference

Most of these qualifications are split up along the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) which sounds complicated but really isn’t. It simply means that it’s split into six levels of proficiency for learners who are beginners (A1 and A2), intermediates (B1 and B2) and advanced (C1 and C2).

How Foreign Language Certificates Can Boost Your Career

• Better Job OpportunitiesBeing able to prove that you’re skilled in more than one language is an incredible way to boost your CV. With a recognised language qualification, it’s easy to stand out to employers. Especially those who don’t have time to confirm your language level themselves. Multilingual professionals are in high demand for jobs in marketing, advertising and customer service solutions. This is one of the best ways to secure a job in a highly competitive field.
• Greater Chance Of Career progressionThe advantages of being multilingual don’t stop once you’ve been hired. Your additional language may be the ticket to in-house promotion. Or perhaps progression in your career to other companies.Larger companies need managers who can travel abroad to close deals and oversee operations. Smaller companies need multilingual employees who can help explore new business opportunities in foreign countries and establish new operations abroad.

  Although many companies use translators to assist them, having employees who are fluent in another language helps to build relationships. Speaking to clients in their native tongue breaks down barriers, makes the client feel more comfortable and builds trust, therefore benefiting business relationships in the long run.

• Travelling OpportunitiesKnowing a foreign language allows you greater opportunity for travel with your work. You can immerse yourself in a new culture and broaden your horizons in both your personal and work life. As international companies extend their reach across continents, they’ll need multilingual employees. Being a global employee can be an exciting, fulfilling and a very lucrative career.

Official Certification For Universities And Employers

Professional language qualifications are solid proof of your language proficiency. Anyone who sees that you have a professional qualification can feel reassured that your language skill is at a sufficient level for study or work.

Most universities teaching in a foreign language will require these official qualifications from prospective students. This is so they know that you can cope with the language requirements for the course. To study at the Sorbonne in Paris, for example, you must have proof you have at least B2 level French, for a bachelor’s degree and C1 level French for a master’s degree. For each language, there is normally a single acknowledged exam. Official certification is also extremely useful if you’re looking to apply to jobs with language requirements. They’re a signal to employers that you have the required skills for a language related job.

Motivation

Working towards these qualifications is also a great way to motivate yourself to stick with your language learning. Similar to grade exams in music, these qualifications encourage you to take language learning seriously. And to set clear, achievable goals that you can work towards.

As you’ve read so far, there are many benefits for your career by learning a new language. If you’re looking to get a professional language qualification, hire a tutor. You can find specialised language tutors at Learn&Co. They’ll help you with the entirety of your language learning journey. With flexible timing and tailored learning, tutors are the way to go.

For more on language learning while travelling the world, see five key tips on learning a new language whilst travelling the world.