21 Ways to Communicate Effectively if English is Your Second Language
By Philip Whitford
In a difficult employment climate, it is always assumed that ESL speakers will be the last to get jobs. Yet there are always some who get jobs, no matter what their language level. How do they do it? Here are a few strategies that may work for you.
If you have poor English, you are automatically at a disadvantage when the employer compares you to other job applicants. Even with the most tolerant, patient, and forgiving attitude, the employer can make a decision based only upon what he or she can understand about the potential employee. Yet ~ all know personally, or know stories of job-seekers with bad English who have been hired.
What are their secrets? Their secrets are built around the idea of complete and effective communication, as opposed to the idea of attaining complete and accentless fluency in English. Complete, of course refers to the use of different avenues and media of communication; and effective means to make a change in the employer's knowledge or attitude. The following strategies are built around expanding the number of tools the ESL job-seeker has to communicate their value to the employer, and to making those tools more effective.
1. Model North American Body Language
Nonverbal language is very important, and when your abilities in spoken English are low, it becomes even more significant. If you don't have the words and phrases in English to communicate your friendliness, desire for the job, self-confidence, consideration for the employer, and so on, your body must do the work.
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