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Failure to Translate
Learning to speak a new language
Changing industries involves learning a new language. Learn how to start this process BEFORE you are hired.
Have you ever traveled to a place where you didn’t speak the language, outside the country or even a nearby neighborhood? My most memorable experience of something getting lost in translation was my honeymoon to Italy. My husband and I were going to spend the night in Manarola (one of the picturesque towns along the Mediterranean Sea that makes up Cinque Terre). We received an email confirmation, instructing us to meet someone at a restaurant who would then take us to our room. We didn’t have cell phones with us—ancient times, I know—so we printed out the instructions ahead of time (actual confirmation email below).
Yes, travel was much cheaper back in 2009 when this reservation was made
Here’s where the problem arose. We knew WHO to ask for, but the person didn’t speak English and we didn’t speak Italian. I knew German and my husband spoke Spanish and between those four languages, we were able to get across the message that we needed the key and directions to the flat we were staying in. Suffice it to say, this was not the kind of stress we were looking for during that big trip. But, it could have been solved if we did a little homework ahead of time (specifically, learning the Italian word for “key” would have been most helpful).
A few days ago, I shared a LinkedIn post that has tips on the different levels of research you can do to prepare for a job interview (be sure to check it out as there are some helpful instructions and tools to help with the research).
Doing background research on a company or organization not only helps you learn about it and the people who work for it, but it can help you with the jargon you're going to encounter in that industry. And this research should happen BEFORE you interview with them, ideally before you modify your resume/cover letter to apply!
As you're doing your research, make note of following types of terms:
Terms and acronyms that are new to you
Terms that you see used in an unfamiliar way
People are often good at #1, but #2 is just as critical.
In the science communication training I lead, we talk about "words with multiple meanings" such as system. Everyone reading this has seen the word system before, but a meteorologist talks about a system VERY differently than a biologist or an astronomer. No matter what industry or discipline you're in, these types of words exist and using them incorrectly is a red flag to the interviewer that you're not knowledgeable about that aspect of their business/organization.
Jargon matters in many ways when it comes to the job search, so take the time to learn the new language of the place or industry in which you'd like to work (think of it like using Duolingo before you go on a big trip). Then use that language in your resume, cover letter and interview to indicate that you’re a serious contender for the position.
Learn the language so that you can speak like the native (or expat) that you’d like to become.
PS: LinkedIn is listed as one of the tools to use in researching a potential employer. That’s something we’ll be discussing in my Using LinkedIn to be a Powerhouse Networker workshop on August 5 from 11am-noon. Join live (20 spots available) or watch a recording afterwards.
PPS: To keep myself and other fans of the arts entertained (remember, I am a Renaissance Woman after all), look for a reference to at least one song lyric or quote from a movie, TV show, play or musical. Message me on LinkedIn if you find it and you win…a virtual shout out in the next newsletter!
Photograph I took of Manarola during our visit
Hi! I’m Sara Kobilka, owner of Renaissance Woman Consulting.
I am a Renaissance Woman and part of my wider-ranging background includes time as a TV meteorologist/reporter, non-profit leader, higher education program coordination, and now, business owner. During each leg of this journey, I gained new skills that I was able take with me in my next step. Now, I work remotely with clients to help them confidently tell their story and navigate the transition to their next step on their career journey.
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