Knowing a second foreign language is becoming increasingly important for standing out in today’s competitive job market. More and more companies now require proficiency in a second language as a key hiring factor.

Those looking for work or aiming to advance their careers have likely noticed that speaking English is no longer as distinctive as it once was. Mastering what has become the most widely spoken language in the world is now a standard requirement in most résumés. In fact, one in three job offers demands a foreign language, and in 92% of cases, that language is English, according to a recent study by Adecco.

So how can professionals differentiate themselves in this increasingly homogeneous landscape? Speaking another language offers cognitive and intellectual benefits, but it also has economic advantages. Many companies require a second language for specific roles that involve dealing with international markets, and this skill can also be a powerful tool when negotiating a salary increase.

Which Language Should You Study?Given English’s dominance, which other language should you learn? The answer depends primarily on your personal motivations. People may choose to learn a language due to a passion for a particular country’s culture, family traditions, or simply the desire to expand their horizons by speaking multiple languages. However, the most common reason is career progression.

As professionals climb the corporate ladder, the need for an additional language becomes more common. In fact, 55% of job postings for managerial positions require proficiency in a second language. Unlike English, which is universally relevant across industries such as business, science, digital technology, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and marketing, the choice of a second foreign language should depend on the sector and even the specific company where you aim to work.

Among the most valuable second languages, German stands out as a top choice due to Germany’s economic strength in Europe and the difficulty of finding fluent German speakers in the job market.

A Sharper MindThe European Commission already addressed this issue in 2002, promoting the goal of learning at least two additional languages beyond one’s native tongue. The multilingual program highlights that language proficiency “enhances young people’s employability and boosts competitiveness, as poor language skills cause many companies to lose business opportunities.”

Learning a second foreign language does more than just add a new qualification to your résumé—it also demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and provides valuable cognitive skills. The more languages you know, the more adaptable your brain becomes, improving concentration and memory. Additionally, multilingual individuals tend to make decisions faster and think more analytically, all of which are qualities highly valued by employers.

Another strategic approach is to focus on emerging economies and learn Russian, Chinese, or Arabic—languages that are still considered less common but are gaining importance globally. Another alternative to consider is Hindi, which holds significant demographic and economic value. India is expected to become the most populous country in the world, making Hindi increasingly relevant in the global economy.

Source: Universia, 01/08/2018