How to find bilingual jobs

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How To Find Bilingual Jobs

Bilingual jobs can be a great fit for translators who want to utilize and maximize their other professional strengths and skills.

One of the first places you will look is in the classified sections of major newspapers and online job sites.

But that’s simply not enough!

It’s extremely important not to ignore other resources, especially the hidden job market. After all, most bilingual jobs are not advertised. Some are not even advertised as bilingual positions, but your multilingual skills would be considered an asset.

1-Job recruitment agencies

Many recruitment agencies have a large number of contacts with potential employers in all industries. They are in competition with each other for those jobs, too. Some specialize in bilingual employment.

The best thing? You don’t have to pay as a job seeker. Another nice part is that a good agency will seek out a specific job match for you, acting essentially as your assistant in your hunt for the right job.

Some agencies even help with your resume and prepare you for job interviews.

But make sure you also emphasize your other work qualifications as well as your bilingual ability. An agent sometimes will overlook certain elements on your resume when they should be utilized as a strength.

And don’t limit yourself to just one agency. Sign up with more – you’ve got nothing to lose.

2-Non-profit organizations and companies that have business dealings in other countries

Many non-profit organizations have clients who speak different languages and they need employees who can provide that communication link.

Find a list of non-profit organizations and international companies in your area that may hire bilingual personnel. Contact the human resource department for possible bilingual jobs.

Better yet, look for an inside scoop through a mutual friend or friendly contact. That way, even if there’s no job available at the present time, you’ll be notified at the first opportunity when something comes up.

3-Network with your target ethnic community

The business sector such as the Spanish or Chinese chamber of commerce or business association are where Spanish jobs and Chinese jobs may be circulated.

Many employers find their personnel through their own networking system. So the more people you know, the more chance you’ll learn about any upcoming job vacancies. The more exposure you have, the more likely bilingual jobs will come to your attention.

4-Keep in touch with other language professionals

Many employers turn to translator associations and translation educators to fill bilingual jobs. They know where the language talents are.

Even if you don’t belong to such an association or institute, other language professionals may pass the message on to you if they know you are actively seeking these jobs.

5-Ethnic media and community publications

That includes newspaper, websites, magazines and community clubs. Many publications and websites have ad boards or forums where you can continue your search.

Although newspapers have lost much of their classified ad business to the likes of craigslist, many smaller publications and resource groups still post the old fashioned way. That includes bulletin boards at your local community centre. And while you may not find what you are seeking, you may find another networking resource that can help you along the way.

Remember, whatever you do, networking is essential. You may not have the time to go through all resources to find available bilingual jobs, but if you have a massive networking system, your contacts will be on the watch for you. That’s what a network can do – it can be another pair of eyes in your search.

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