Speak the language
Karam Filfilan,
Editor, Graduate Prospects
- March 2010.
Graduates can make themselves more employable by adding an extra language to their CVs, according to new research.
A survey of employers by the National Centre for Languages found that foreign language skills came second to only IT skills in a list of preferable traits for job candidates.
Almost half of the companies (43%) surveyed said that an extra language would give candidates an edge over competitors, with French (34%) being the most desirable along with German (25%) and Spanish (23%).
The survey also found that less traditional languages such as Polish, Urdu and Punjabi are becoming increasingly attractive to employers as they seek to widen their community base.
Languages are vital for the success of the UK economy but for young people themselves they can also have tangible benefits.
Dr Lid KingNational Director for Languages
Languages desirable
'This research shows that UK employers are demanding candidates with languages and that having these skills can really give young people entering the jobs market the edge,’ said Dr Lid King, the government’s national director for languages.
‘Languages are vital for the success of the UK economy but for young people themselves they can also have tangible benefits, as just having a language on your CV could be the key to getting your foot in the door,’ he added.
Graduates in foreign languages can also expect a higher salary than those with alternative qualifications once in work, with their average salary after three years being ahead of graduates in engineering, maths and physics according to the research.
Even without an actual qualification, the benefit of having an extra language on a CV can be as important as work experience or volunteering in identifying possible candidates for competitive roles.
New campaign
The poll follows the start of the Try Life in Another Language campaign run by the National Centre for Languages in conjunction with the government’s Department for Children, Schools and Families.
Almost 300 businesses, including HSBC, British Airways and IBM have signed up to the scheme aimed at helping to encourage graduates to make themselves more employable by learning an extra language.
The move comes after the National Centre for Languages warned last year that a lack of foreign language skills could damage the UK’s efforts to emerge from the recession.
Further information
Suggestions to editorial@prospects.ac.uk
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