The evolving role of English in Spain's job market

Spain's leading daily El País reports that merely speaking English is no longer sufficient to secure a position in the competitive job market. A recent analysis indicates that numerous vacancies remain unfilled due to candidates lacking adequate English proficiency.

While a command of English has long been considered a vital asset for job seekers in Spain, the question arises: does it still confer the same advantage, or are additional skills and linguistic capabilities now essential?

Mónica Pérez, Director of Communications and Research at InfoJobs, emphasized to El País that “languages remain an important competitive advantage in the Spanish labour market.” However, she suggests that in many sectors, a strong command of English no longer distinguishes candidates as it once did.

Pérez argues that proficiency in English has become so commonplace among Spaniards that unless one is applying for a role requiring a native English speaker at an international company, it may no longer provide a competitive edge.

César Martínez, a professor of Human Resources at Comillas Pontifical University, notes that achieving an intermediate level, equivalent to B2, has become the baseline for professional conversations. As such, many Spaniards likely meet this standard.

Job market experts assert that knowledge of a third language is increasingly necessary to stand out. Miguel Mercado, National Director of Randstad Professional, remarked, “Speaking a third language can be a great advantage in certain markets. The current labour market values multilingualism as part of a more complete and adaptable profile.”

German remains highly sought after in technical and industrial fields, while French is in demand within services and international trade. Notably, German ranks among the languages associated with the highest average salaries in job listings on InfoJobs.

Additionally, there is a rising demand for Portuguese due to Brazil's economic significance, as well as Italian in industries such as fashion, design, and food. Languages like Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, and Japanese are also beneficial for positions in companies engaged with Asia and the Middle East.

This shifting landscape suggests that English speakers are no longer perceived as unique in Spain's job market.

Does this imply that bilingualism in Spanish and English is insufficient for employment in Spain? Niccolò del Monte, General Manager of Education First (EF) Spain, reveals that approximately 50,000 jobs in Spain remain unfilled due to inadequate English skills. He warns that proficiency among young Spaniards has declined over the past decade.

A recent study from EF shows that one-third of job opportunities for professionals over 40 also remain unfilled due to insufficient English proficiency. This indicates that roughly 90 percent of job postings require a high level of English, yet only about 33 percent of Spaniards meet this requirement.

While Spaniards demonstrate a higher level of English compared to the French and Italians, they lag behind the Portuguese and Germans.

Del Monte acknowledges that many companies are now requesting additional languages beyond English. José Castellanos, Managing Director of PageGroup, confirms that ongoing training, including the acquisition of multiple languages, “is essential” for career advancement.

For those seeking employment in Spain, possessing skills in both English and Spanish may be advantageous, but pursuing a third language could significantly enhance one's prospects. Nevertheless, fluency in English may still remain a key factor in securing specific positions.