The ability to speak a second language is quickly becoming one of the top skills that employers look for on a resume.

And multi-lingual skills are even more important when there is a lot of competition for the same position and you need to do something to stand out from the crowd. No matter how many people are going for the same job, though, you need to make yourself the most appealing candidate you can be when you start your job hunt.

There are several advantages of learning Arabic for business, so let’s take a look at some of them.

It’s a Global Marketplace

The online world has made it possible for even smaller companies to reach a global audience.

This means that more and more of these businesses require someone who has the ability to speak the language, translate online materials, and localize their approach to each market.

In other words, a second language can be a huge boost to your own marketability – especially when you can demonstrate an understanding of the culture where the language is spoken.

Employers who are looking for someone with a second language need more than someone who has memorized a lot of vocabulary words. They need someone who has taken the next step through cultural immersion and language training.

A Second Language Implies Other Skills

Many employers are well aware of what it takes to learn and maintain a second language. You shouldn’t even have to spell out these skills and characteristics on a resume, as the HR people should be able to read into it.

However, if you do choose to expand on these skills, you may point out that speaking a foreign language has several benefits, like:

  • Multitasking abilities
  • Better memory
  • More confidence
  • More cultural awareness
  • Creative and critical thinking abilities
  • Ability to express yourself

There Is a High Demand for Arabic-Speaking Applicants

Right now, there are many international businesses, government positions, and humanitarian organizations that are seeking qualified applicants with some real skills with the Arabic language.

Simply put, there is a lack of people with sufficient language skills in a wide range of industries, and that means – as companies and organizations turn to the international market – more opportunities will appear for someone who knows how to communicate in Arabic.

Multilingual Careers are Everywhere

You may be surprised at just how many jobs and careers put a high priority on a second language.

Obviously, some jobs are all about using a second language – translators and interpreters, for example, begin and end with language skills.

However, there are many other jobs that put a high emphasis on speaking another language. Just a small sampling of those jobs include:

  • Social workers
  • Diplomatic positions
  • Teachers
  • Sales reps
  • Localization specialists
  • Marketers
  • Customer service
  • Financial analysts
  • Healthcare positions
  • Hospitality positions

Should You Always Put a Second Language on Your Resume?

We are not trying to offer any professional advice on building a resume, here.

We are simply going over the benefits of speaking a second language as you go about getting a new job.

If you have any questions on what should or should not go on your actual resume, then we would recommend a qualified career advice expert.

Now, with that disclaimer out of the way, let’s consider the question from both angles.

On the one hand, listing your language abilities – and being clear about your current level – can show that you have interest in broadening your horizons, improving your personal skills, and getting to know a different culture.

All of these things can show a potential employer that you have the characteristics that they’re looking for.

On the other hand, if the job you are applying for requires a fluency level that you haven’t reached, then you need to be clear about that.

Some have even recommended that if you can’t have a real conversation with a native speaker, then you shouldn’t list a second language at all.

So, the real lesson here is just this:

Keep studying Arabic until you’re good enough that there will be no reason not to include your language skills on your resume.

In a global economy, the ability to communicate in a second language like Arabic can have a huge impact on how your resume speaks to your future employers.