Any advice for a non-native English speaker who learned the language in 10 years?

5 Comments

1. AnonymousFebruary 11,2026 at 11:13AM UTC

   An intelligent employer will realize that your ability to learn a language other than your first language is a valuable skill. Being bilingual is a huge benefit to almost any employer, and shows that you are more than capable of learning new things. Emphasize that you took it upon yourself to learn English and although you may occasionally make grammatical mistakes, you have improved exponentially and are still working on it. As for getting even better with English, read as much as you can; nothing improves vocabulary better than reading.

2. AnonymousFebruary 11,2026 at 3:21PM UTC

   I would fill that gap by putting in the truth, Learning Language Name

   in order to pursue degree in Field Name.

   Then summarize what you did to learn the language.

   Treat it as any other kind of gap due to education.

3. AnonymousFebruary 12,2026 at 10:28AM UTC

   From your post I'm assuming this person does not report to you and helping her learn is not something you are required to do but have taken on to try to help her. My advice is to stay in your lane, do your job and limit your interactions with her if possible. If she is rude to others and lacks skills to do her job effectively, these things will come to light eventually. There is some reason beyond her job competency that people are keeping her around. Someday this may not be enough anymore. Just do the best job you can do and let her situation work itself out

4. Barbara MastroddiFebruary 12,2026 at 2:00PM UTC

   I think you meant to respond to another post.

5. OLIVIA JOHNSONFebruary 12,2026 at 4:00PM UTC

   Hi there Aida!

   You're a valuable player on the team! What an accomplishment being able to transition to another country, learn the language, advance in education AND still speak your native language.

   I truly believe that if we start with the confidence that you have many desirable and sought after skills and assets that you'll be able to see a path through.

   Below are a few suggestions to spark some in and outta the box thinking. Again, these are just some quick thoughts and suggestions to get you on your way.

   Find a social organization or group of people from your native country that are in your new location. This network could open you up to opportunities within the companies they work for. Why reinvent the wheel if there are others who have done it before you.

   Do some research. Look for companies that are based in your new country that do business with your native country. Often times, companies like this are happy to find native speakers who can work with employees or clients from your native country. You can also do vice versa and looks for companies that are based in your native country that are or want to do business with companies in your new country (I would recommend even better if they actually have a company already in mind or that they are working with and not for you to find for them, but if open to doing some business development work, this could be an opportunity as well.).

   Traditional route. Of course, there is the traditional route. Applying to opportunities on job boards. A few recommendations here however that could assist in enhancing this. First, ensure that your multilingual skillset is showcased on your resume. It should show the specific languages and should be within the top half of your resume. I would also do keyword searches in addition to your traditional title searches. Just type in your native language in the search and see what pops up. Then be sure to read the next recommendation when you look at the results.

   STAY OPEN! Though you may be looking for roles in a specific field, don't miss the opportunities to still get your foot in the door with opportunities that could utilize your transferable skills, like analytical opportunities or project management.

   I hope this was helpful Aida! You have a skill that others do not. Use it to your advantage.

   Wish you the best in your job search.

   Coach Olivia