It is now taught in primary school, but this was probably not the case when you were in school. However, this skill is one of the most important when it comes to applying for a job.
Write without spelling mistakes, calculate a percentage, locate a country on the world map or even learn about the major periods of History… The school strives, year after year, to instill in us a common base of knowledge. Many skills, patiently learned in the classroom, which become essential tools in adult life, and more particularly major assets in professional life. This fundamental knowledge constitutes the baggage with which each student leaves the school system to face the world of work. But among all these disciplines, one in particular makes all the difference in today’s job market.
Although taught from a very young age, this subject is nevertheless the pet peeve of many French people… who do not really master it (if at all). And this can be a real obstacle when it comes to finding a job: according to a study carried out by Le Cercle des Langues, almost one in two French people (43%) say they have already refused a professional opportunity for this reason. This is not a question of essential training or long professional experience, for example, but of mastery of English!
The teaching of English in primary schools was introduced in France in the 1960s, but at the time it remained a rather rare practice in classes. It is only since 2005 that it has been compulsory from CE1 (with some beginnings from CP). Moreover, this is one of the reasons why the younger generations do much better than their elders in this language. Because France is well known for that: all over the world, we are singled out for our poor level of English. And beyond the difficulties of making yourself understood when traveling, this gap especially has an impact on the job search.
English remains a real obstacle to hiring, but also to career development. For 57.3% of French people, mastery of this language is essential to find a job. Furthermore, academic training and official certifications such as the TOEIC or TOEFL are not those that really matter in the eyes of employers, who are mainly attentive to a candidate’s ability to express themselves in a professional context, without embarrassment, with confidence. A real blockage for many French people who have a panic fear of speaking in a foreign language, for fear of how others will look at them.
Fortunately, it is possible to learn English and progress at any age. For job seekers, France Travail can finance training. As for employees, many English courses are eligible for the CPF (personal training account). So, don’t waste time, let’s go!
