Stand Out in a Crowded Market
January is prime time for career moves, yet many job seekers overlook a surprisingly powerful tool for distinction: language skills. As AI transforms the workplace, employers are placing renewed value on human abilities that technology cannot replicate.
“I’m finding that employers are increasingly valuing language skills in job adverts,” says HR expert and founder of SureBettsHR.com, Doug Betts. “I have noticed that roles in HR, recruitment, accounting and customer services now explicitly ask for bilingual or multilingual abilities as there is a stronger demand for these. From a diversity point of view, I find that all my Welsh clients, for example, have the ability to speak Welsh as a desirable criteria on all their job descriptions.
“More broadly speaking, I find German, French and Spanish are the most commonly sought after, particularly with clients in the technology sector who operate globally. Multilingual candidates usually have a competitive edge over their counterparts, not just in terms of salary but of being able to secure a position.”
The Languages Employers Crave
Research from King’s College London highlights German, French, and Spanish as the most in-demand languages across industries. German leads in Management, Sales, and Technology, while French dominates Marketing, Education, and Recruitment. Rosetta Stone data mirrors this trend, with Spanish the most studied, followed by French, then Italian and German.
Yet, despite this demand, only 4% of Brits say they would consider learning a foreign language to boost their career prospects. The House of Lords Library also notes that one-third of UK employers struggle to recruit candidates with sufficient language skills.
Your Career – and Your Pay Packet – Can Benefit
Bilingual or multilingual employees are not only more employable but also better paid. Preply data shows that speaking more than one language can earn job seekers on average £7,000 extra a year.
“Languages are an important skill, and their value is only increasing as technology reshapes the job market,” says Rosetta Stone’s language expert Jason Brickey. “Language skills enable human connection, cultural understanding and trust, and these will continue to be areas where machines still fall short.
“As businesses expand across borders and teams grow across the globe, the ability to communicate in more than one language helps individuals stand out. People who speak multiple languages are also better positioned for leadership, international roles and collaboration across markets, which significantly widens career opportunities.
“Learning an additional language may take time, but it pays dividends in both your personal and professional life.”
Quick-Start Guide: Languages That Open Doors
German – in high demand across Management, Sales, and Technology.
French – valued in Marketing, Education, and Recruitment.
Spanish – the most popular choice among learners, globally useful.
Italian – a strong option for culture, hospitality, and luxury sectors.
Welsh – increasingly requested for localised roles in public and private sectors.
In 2026, languages are no longer optional – they are a strategic career move. From increasing employability to boosting earning potential, investing in a new language is a smart step for ambitious professionals.
For more information on learning a new language, please visit www.rosettastone.co.uk
About the expert
Doug Betts, HR expert and founder of SureBettsHR.com, is a seasoned HR professional with over 20 years of diverse experience.
