What Employers Want: Strong Language Skills

Friday, January 30, 2009

What Employers Want: Strong Language Skills

There are many benefits to developing the language skills you already posses. These skills are often taken for granted once one comes to the point of fluency in a language, either as a child or an adult language learner. However, the ability to use a language is not the same as the ability to use it effectively and everyone can stand to improve.

Improper grammar and disorganized thoughts can cause the meaning of your writing and speaking to be lost. This can reduce your chance of obtaining an internship or reflect badly on you if you do land a position. Since no intern wants to make an unprofessional impression, we’ve compiled some hints and tips to improve your language skills.

1. Pay attention to proper form – Sentences and paragraphs are necessary to make text easily readable. These structures allow you to organize your thoughts and present them in a logical manner. Some people ignore the importance of these structures and submit cover letters that are one long block of text. These cover letters are usually ignored by employers. Templates for cover letters and business emails can be found easily online: remember to copy only the format and make all the information your own.

2. Do not use slang in professional writing - An individual who writes well comes across as a competent professional. This is equally true if you are writing an important report or a simple email. A well worded email to a colleague may get a prompt reply, while a poorly worded email may be misunderstood. You may use slang and informal writing to communicate to your friends but these things should never be used at work. Similarly, professional emails should not include happy faces or other emoticons.

3. Think before you speak – We’ve all heard this one before, and that’s because it’s true. If you are asked for your opinion in a meeting with colleagues and you present your thoughts in a well-thought manner, they will likely be impressed. If you ramble and begin to veer off topic they may not be convinced you’ve thought about the topic at all. You don’t need to plan what you will say word for word but a little bit of preparation can go a long way. Always keep up-to-date on work topics and take a moment to collect your thoughts before you speak.

4. Use dictionaries, thesauruses and writing guide books – Often we use these books while we are students and then let them collect dust. Their usefulness does not end with your studies. Keep an online thesaurus and dictionary bookmarked on your computer. When you are writing something and stumped for the correct word to use, it will only take a few seconds to check.

5. Develop your presentation skills – Many people can speak very well but become nervous during meetings, presentations or job interviews. Public speaking skills can be developed with practice. One option is Toastmasters, a low cost organization that will help you develop your ability to write and deliver speeches. You may not need to deliver speeches now but one day your boss could ask you to deliver a presentation, and if you’ve already developed your public speaking skills you’ll be able to impress your audience.

And finally, for current interns:

Ask your coach or mentor for help – All Career Edge Organization interns are assigned a coach within their host employer. If you are unsure of how to improve your language skills, or what areas need improving, ask your coach or mentor for their advice. A coach or mentor can provide a professional perspective, help you diagnose development areas and provide you with valuable resources and opportunities that will allow you to practice and hone your language skills.

Career Edge Organization

144 Front St. West

Toronto, ON

M5J 2L7