When looking for employment, one of the most important questions that comes to mind, particularly among applicants, is what skills are needed to successfully land a job. What should I include in my curriculum vitae? What would my potential employer possibly look for? Did my schooling help develop these skills in me?

Of course, there are specific skills that a job-hunter must possess depending on his or her field, such as arithmetic skills for jobs that concern data and numbers, for instance. This notwithstanding, there certainly are certain skill sets every applicant must show to have, regardless of his or her area of concentration, like the ability to effectively interact and transact with others in the workplace.

Importance of interactional skills

Interactional skills refer to the ability to interact with the external world, particularly people in the workplace, in order to accomplish any given task. This involves the skill to both speak and listen to another—basically the ability to comprehend and communicate ideas.

Without a doubt, interactional skills are essential so that an employee is able to engage meaningfully in discussions, contribute and take part in meetings, answer questions and address concerns—all of which are common scenarios in the workplace, regardless of the field and nature of work. Interactional skills also necessarily include peer collaboration and teamwork, problem solving, decision making, and other similar areas, which, again, happen every day at work, irrespective of the type of industry.

It is clear, therefore, that employers are not only looking for technical, task-related skills in a prospective employee. They would also want someone whom co-workers can talk to, collaborate with, and get ideas from. Surely, a person may have the necessary skills and educational background for a certain job, but if he or she is unable to work and liaise well with others, then such a candidate cannot be said to be the best person for the position.

Effect of globalisation

The ability to effectively interact in the workplace may seem second nature for some, like native English speakers working or looking for work in an English speaking country. Because these people have been using the language all their lives to transact and socialise with others, interactional skills would not be much of a problem for them than it would possibly be for non-native English speakers.

Globalisation has a hand in this. Because globalisation has encouraged companies and businesses to look beyond their nations and people, foreign nationals are given opportunities to practice their professions abroad. It has affected people’s career paths, as well as the organisational structures of many firms and corporations. At present, more and more employers are open to taking in foreign nationals into their team, as well as to creating new jobs to welcome skilled workers from many different parts of the world.

Again, while globalisation has indeed worked to the benefit of professionals who wish to develop their careers abroad, it has also put great emphasis on the importance of an employee’s interactional skills, particularly those whose ability to effectively interact and communicate using the language in the workplace is not as instinctive as local/domestic employees. Now, because more and more foreign nationals are penetrating domestic companies, there is a challenge on the latter to hire those who will be able to collaborate and network well with locals.

English as key to employability

This is where English proficiency as key to employability comes in.

It cannot be denied that English is the most popular language globally, which, accordingly, has also made it the dominant language in the business world. While there is still the issue as to whether English is, indeed, the “official language of business,” the fact remains that English is principally used in global business today, especially since it is the official language of nations that have experienced massive economic growth and power in the last two centuries, particularly the United Kingdom and the United States.

With this said, it is indisputable that aspirants need to be proficient in the English language so that they can be considered employable. Especially those who are looking to advance their professional growth abroad, it is important that they are able to show employers that they are able to communicate and collaborate effectively both in the oral and written English language, specifically for and in the work setting.

We at Private English Class are here to help you improve in English as your tool for employability!

We offer different English classes for every learner’s need and level. Some of our available courses include:

• IELTS Masterclass
• Cambridge Linguaskill
• Cambridge CELTA
• Functional Skills English
• One-to-One General English Course
• Regular General English Course

If you wish to learn more about our courses, or if you wish to reserve a spot now for a certain class, send us an email at office@privateenglishclass.co.uk. We will get back to your message as soon as possible.

You may also wish to send us a message here.

Private English Class is excited to be part of your journey and career growth!