Spanish is the official language of 20 countries. It is also the second largest language in the world in terms of the number of native speakers and is held off the top spot by Mandarin Chinese. With this in mind, if you are looking to move or work abroad, being able to speak Spanish is hugely advantageous.
However, finding a job can seem overwhelming at first, particularly if you are moving to somewhere unfamiliar. So, let us look at 3 tips that can help you to secure a job in a Spanish-speaking country.
Learn Spanish
There are no doubts about it, job markets are thriving in Spanish-speaking countries all over the world. Nonetheless, if you are looking for personal and professional advancement opportunities then your first step should be to make sure that your Spanish language skills are up to par. Although English is usually widely spoken in most Spanish-speaking countries, being able to speak and understand Spanish is vital. Business in these areas is almost always conducted in the official language of each country and so a working knowledge of Spanish can help to differentiate you from other candidates when applying for jobs.
So, what can you do to prepare for job interviews, and eventual roles that involve Spanish proficiency? Nowadays there are plenty of resources that can help you to master a language. For example, if tuition-based learning is important to you then there are Spanish courses for business people in Leeds. These courses can teach you everything you need to know to secure your dream job in a country where Spanish is the official language. Alongside language courses, you can also find books, apps, and video tutorials to brush up on the basics of business Spanish so do not be afraid to compare your options.
Prepare Your CV
Another fundamental element to landing a job in a Spanish-speaking country involves composing a winning CV. Unless specified otherwise, when applying for jobs in areas where Spanish is the official language, your CV should be written in Spanish. If your CV currently only exists in an English format, now is the time to get it translated. Always get a native speaker to proofread your CV as it is easy to make costly mistakes that could prevent you from passing over the first hurdle of the recruitment process. As with any professional document, if you want to successfully secure an interview then your CV needs to be clear, concise, and factual.
Employers do not have time to read through lengthy and verbose CVs and so your CV should be limited to a page or two at most. Spanish CVs contain almost identical information to one written in English. For instance, you will need to include your personal information (full name and contact details), your academic achievements (degrees and courses completed), and your work experience to date (roles, internships, and any volunteering experiences). One feature of a Spanish CV that does tend to differ from English CVs is the need for a professional photo. A recent image attached in the upper left-hand corner of your CV of you looking your best against a plain background should suffice.
Networking is Everything
There is no denying that networking is a powerful tool in the modern world. If you are already living in an area where Spanish is spoken, let everyone in your network know that you are looking for a job and encourage them to spread the word. Word-of-mouth is an incredibly quick and effective way to learn about job opportunities involving local businesses. Social media groups and company profiles also sometimes offer jobs that might not be advertised elsewhere so be sure to join and follow pages relevant to local industries.
Furthermore, there are plenty of websites where you can find jobs in just about any sector. Comparatively, if you are looking for a more casual position, such as in a shop, restaurant, or bar, either to tide you over or to get a foot in the door at a company that interests you, then you might want to consider making a personal visit. Simply head inside and ask to speak to a manager about any upcoming job opportunities. Always bring along a copy of your CV and be sure to avoid peak hours to ensure that you can make the best first impression.
Ultimately, your chances of finding work in a Spanish-speaking country are greatly enhanced if you do plenty of preparation. If you are planning to move abroad, it is important to remember that you might not be able to find a job straight away and so you should ensure that you have adequate financial resources in place to cover your expenses in the interim. Above all, by learning the Spanish language, following any recruitment processes diligently, and networking, your next career opportunity might be just around the corner.
Looking for more job hunting tips? Take a look at this article that covers careers to consider if you want to work internationally.
Have you found employment in Spain? Let us know how you are getting on.
Leave a Reply