Not quite fluent in another language but close, what do ya call that?

[spaceyourbass]

I'm trying to help a friend out, just didn't feel like using third person. Here's the question:

What should I put on my resume if I graduated with a BA in Spanish, and I speak it very well, but I'm not confident enough to say I'm "fluent in Spanish" on my resume. Would putting my education (BA in Spanish) speak for itself in this situation?

What's the rule of thumb for claiming fluency in Spanish on a resume, in the USA? If other people in my situation are claiming they are fluent, I guess I should too.

What is the next best thing to fluency? Maybe proficiency?

 

[Gnarles Bronson]

"Conversational Spanish Fluency" would work imo.

Now fix my life.

 

[Cyc]

This is actually a very good question, as I'm going to be in a position like this next year with French.

It's tough. You just need some immersion experience to augment your education. I'm sure a few weeks of immersion would bring you up to a conversational level. The question is, will employers generally allow for this? Unfortunately, no. Most employers don't want to deal with teaching you anything, especially when it comes to language. The people who generally get bilingual positions were forced into speaking both languages as a child growing up. Adults who try to play the bilingual angle, face very high barriers to entry for these positions, because employers care nothing about circumstance or nuance, they just want instant results.

 

[_a_A_C_c_]

i would say your friend could say they are proficient in spanish or that they know conversational spanish. i think the wording would depend on the position and requirements for the position...

 

[woamotive]

The word 'Intermediate' is often used. That is like the middle, between 'weak skills' and 'fluency'. When I had to take my exit exam (I too have a BA in Spanish Language and Lit) there were like 9 categories to be placed. 'Weak/Low' 'Intermediate' and 'Fluent'.. oh and 'Master(y)' which was like... 'wow' level. All those and then at 'Low' 'high' intermediate, and etc.... Obviously the 'Weak' and 'Master(y)' weren't word for word on the EXAM itself, but the adjectives still apply to what you are asking .

Or, you could use Proficient, conversational (as mentioned above), ... or like I said 'Intermediate Spanish reading/writing skills'.