When are language requirements in job vacancies inappropriate? - OPINION

In the modern world, the requirement for foreign language proficiency has become a common item in job advertisements. However, does this condition always truly correspond to the specifics of the position? Often, even for purely internal positions that do not involve contact with foreign partners, language knowledge is listed as a mandatory requirement. At the same time, paradoxically, this often does not affect the salary level in any way.

Human resources management specialist Ilkin Mejidov is convinced: if there is no real need for a foreign language to perform job duties, it is inappropriate to put this forward as a requirement for the applicant. In those areas where language proficiency is not an advantage but a vital necessity, it is quite natural that this skill does not affect compensation.

"If the language requirement in a vacancy is dictated only by the desire to fill a gap or is set for the sake of a checkbox, and the accepted candidate will not actually apply this knowledge in their activities, then it is incorrect to put forward such a requirement," explains the interviewee. "However, sometimes language proficiency can become a decisive advantage when choosing between two equally strong candidates, even if the language requirement was not initially specified."

According to I. Mejidov, in foreign practice, additional language knowledge often directly affects the salary level.

"Take, for example, America, where English is the official language. If a Spanish or Chinese company is looking for an employee to maintain international relations, then a candidate who speaks the corresponding language will get a clear advantage, and can also expect a salary increase. In Azerbaijan, for positions related to international cooperation, knowledge of English is no longer an advantage, but a mandatory condition for employment," notes the specialist.

According to the expert, companies wishing to avoid the loss of valuable personnel should adopt foreign experience and take into account proficiency in additional languages when forming a compensation package.

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