1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Apply
  • Chat

5 Languages that Look Great on Your Resume

5 Languages that Look Great on Your Resume

May 16, 2017

 

The following five languages are among the most extensively used worldwide. They’re also common in the business sphere, making them worth learning. Become proficient in at least one language, in addition to your native language, to enhance your resume.

 

English

English is considered the most widely spoken language in the world and is the most commonly spoken language in the United States. It’s spoken in 57 countries worldwide, making it a valuable language to have on your resume.

It’s especially helpful if you live outside the United States and want to make a life and career in America: “Difficulty speaking English can adversely affect the ability to get a job, get a full-time job, and earn competitive salaries in the U.S. labor market. Employers may avoid hiring otherwise qualified individuals who have difficulty communicating effectively,” according to U.S. Census Bureau.  

 

Chinese

To increase your chances of landing a job in the information technology sector, focus your attention on learning Chinese. It’s the most widely spoken native language in the world, according to Languages of the World, with 1.2 billion native speakers across three countries. It’s also a driving force behind the Easy Programming Language (EPL), the world’s largest non-English based computer coding system.

In addition, China is a global game-changer in the digital industry, so speaking the language will make you an asset to employers who communicate frequently with Chinese companies.

 

Spanish

To increase your chances of landing a job in the healthcare sector, focus your attention on learning Spanish. This language is second only to English in the United States, with more than 40 million speakers nationwide.

Given the surge in growth within the Latin American and Hispanic populations, the demand for nurses, doctors and other medical practitioners who speak their native language has risen too—particularly within the border states of Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and California. 

 

Arabic

To increase your chances of landing a job in the telecommunications sector, focus your attention on learning Arabic. This language is becoming increasingly prevalent among media outlets around the world, as most of today’s sociopolitical trends originate in the Middle East.

To cover these breaking current events, journalists often report on-location in Syria, Lebanon and other Arab nations, so knowing the language will enhance your impact as a foreign correspondent.

 

German

To boost your chances of landing a job in the commercial marketing sector, focus your attention on learning German. This language is prominent on the global investment and trade circuits, and Kiplinger statistics have found that a median salary potential among German speakers outweighs all other foreign languages in Corporate America. In fact, the average marketing manager with a competent grasp on German is projected to gross an annual six-figure income.

 

Portuguese

To land a job in the hospitality sector, focus your attention on learning Portuguese. This language is spoken by more than 200 million Brazilians who represent one of the top-five nations that boosts America’s economy through tourism.

For example, Walt Disney World—often considered the “gold standard” in the hospitality industry—generates a large portion of its revenue just from Brazil, so knowing Portuguese offers you the advantage in a guest services position.

If you’re looking for a strategy for polishing up that resume and urging those hiring managers to take a second glance, adding “bilingual” to your credentials section just might be the job-clincher. The professional development skills you’re bound to acquire from studying a foreign language can impact the whole duration of your career, from recruitment to retention and every promotion in between.

 

Jessica Thiefels is the editor of Whooo’s Reading and an education blogger, who’s been featured on such as PBS, TeachHub and CollegeRaptor and more. She’s been out of college longer than she’d like to admit, but still uses tricks like these to stay sharp in her career. Follow her on Twitter @Jlsander07 for more tips, tricks and ideas.

 

 

 

Follow us:
Written by

Study in the USA

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the blog post titled A Great Chat with American Collegiate English (ACE) Students
A Great Chat with American Collegiate English (ACE) Students
Main image for the blog post titled International Students at Lawrence University Learn to Thrive
International Students at Lawrence University Learn to Thrive
Main image for the blog post titled Hands-On Learning and Volunteering for a Social Work Degree
Hands-On Learning and Volunteering for a Social Work Degree
Main image for the blog post titled Never Too Old to Follow Your Dream
Never Too Old to Follow Your Dream

Check Out These Schools

Florida Institute of Technology

Florida Institute of Technology

$40,000—$45,000 Semester

Online Masters Bachelor Degree
Contact
Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Kalamazoo Valley Community College

$1,000—$5,000 Semester

2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs Summer
Contact
Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University

$1,000—$5,000 Semester

Masters English Programs Bachelor Degree
Contact

Related Stories

An Unforgettable Day Trip Driving Around San Francisco

Main image for the article titled An Unforgettable Day Trip Driving Around San Francisco
Experience an Intensive English Program centered around YOU at Kennesaw State University

Main image for the article titled Experience an Intensive English Program centered around YOU at Kennesaw State University

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for CORT Furniture Rental Student Packages

CORT Furniture Rental Student Packages

Most U.S. apartments come unfurnished. Make your move easy with a student furniture rental package from CORT. Flexible lease terms. Delivered before you arrive. Starting at $99 per month.* *with a 12-month lease

Read more
Partner service logo for The Michigan English Test for Higher Education Admissions in the U.S.

The Michigan English Test for Higher Education Admissions in the U.S.

Prove your English and achieve your goals with the Michigan English Test – widely recognized and available on your own schedule at a test center or from home.

Read more
Partner service logo for The Intern Group

The Intern Group

Summer plans suspended because of COVID-19? The deadline's approaching for TheInternGroup's virtual/remote global internship program. Gain professional experience, grow your network and make your resume shine from wherever you are this summer.

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

StudyUSA has helped me a lot with my search for school and has also enlightened me on the necessary steps needed for me to study abroad. Very informative and reliable platform.

Morenike Emmanuel Nigeria

I remember my excitement when I first found Study in the USA's website. I subscribed to their website using my email and it used to send me success stories and the best universities to apply to in the USA.

Muhammadrazhab Elmurodov Tajikistan

StudyUSA helped me to find a University that suited my needs and was very thoughtful, always asking if I needed any other thing.

Nuria Cardenas Spain

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    English

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2022 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.