Regardless of the job you hold, you will be required to communicate. You will listen to instructions, give directions, ask questions and relay information to managers, customers and coworkers. Even in the most basic and simple jobs in an organization, you will need strong skills in problem solving, analytical thinking and communication. In today’s global environment, it is highly desirable to have bilingual language translation skills. Consequently, the skill to communicate well throughout the company and across borders is the most highly desired skill that recruiting directors seek in new hires. In fact, research suggests that the ability to communicate well can increase the value of a job candidate by more than 50-percent. However, many hiring managers struggle to find truly effective communicators.
Earn 20% More Than Your Co-Workers
In these challenging economic times, where attractive jobs are a scarcity, the people most likely to thrive will be those who have developed an ability to receive and transmit information efficiently and effectively between your customers, coworkers and other stakeholders on a global level. The days where job seekers could land good jobs while possessing marginal communication skills are over. But in terms of job security, workers with strong multilingual written and verbal communication skills are least likely to be laid off or have their jobs outsourced. Another benefit to workers learning global communication skills is higher pay. In fact, strong business communicators earn on average 20% more than their counterparts with weaker communications skills.
Focus on Writing
In order to separate yourself from others, job seekers and employed professionals should begin focusing primarily on their writing skills. Most college students aren’t particularly good writers. This inability to communicate effectively through e-mail messages, written reports, presentations and proposals is frequently a significant barrier to career advancement and success. Some of the most critical problems include the failure to use spell checking, poor grammar and the misuse of terminology.