The fact is knowing a second language (in this case Spanish) will greatly improve your job application, and a lot of other things. Let’s look at the facts: Spanish is spoken by over 500+ million people on the planet; it is the most spoken language on this continent and in the U.S., the largest and fastest-growing language, next to English; following suit from Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and a few other social networking tools, Mashable social media guide introduced a Spanish version to welcome this powerful group of users. Probably, the next most spoken is Spanglish: a hybrid mix of both Spanish and English used interchangeably and at the same time (we’ll discuss at a later time). Having said all this, I want to talk about leveraging your language expertise.
Granted you don’t need to know Spanish to work on code, construction, kitchen, or even installing cable lines, but you may need to know some Spanish if your workers are or if you are traveling to Argentina to help a client with software applications for his company. Even in many kitchens across the U.S., those working in the kitchen will be Spanish speaking (at least those I worked at). Think if you were bilingual and were trained into kitchen management, and knew the menu inside/out, you could potentially land that prized high-salary Kitchen Manager position. When I worked at The Red Robin in Burlington, WA, one of the best cooks was from Mexico, and his brother was another kitchen guru at the Northgate Seattle Red Robin. These were highly prized workers, fluent in the menu and expedient in delivery and execution. They knew enough English to get them in the door, and through the years progress. Another colleague, writes software application code and travels often to Latin American client offices. He’s both fluent in Spanish and code. He can traverse both cultures and deliver on his expertise, but he’s able to expand his client base by just that: knowing Spanish.
At my last U.S. military assignment where I was stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, I worked alongside an army of patriots who consistently communicated in both English and Spanish and back-and-forth. Like everyone there, these soldiers from Puerto Rico accomplished the mission with distinction, and unwavering commitment. Sure we used English, but using Spanish is part of our culture, builds relationships and cements a bond. However know this: not all Spanish is made the same. The Spanish language differs from region to region and unrecognizable in some areas. So whenever possible make sure those who know you, know you can speak the language, and when possible use it.
How about you? Have you ever used Spanish to leverage your career opportunities or expanded your relationships because of it? Share your ideas and experiences (and links to pictures) in the comments below!