Understanding the Difference Between 'Professional Working Proficiency' and 'Full Professional Proficiency' for Languages on LinkedIn
Introduction
When job hunters and professionals use LinkedIn, they need to understand the language proficiency levels they can mark for themselves or for the positions they seek. LinkedIn distinguishes between several proficiency levels, including 'Professional Working Proficiency' and 'Full Professional Proficiency.' Understanding these differences can significantly enhance a candidate's or an employee's professional image and opportunities on the platform.
Professional Working Proficiency: Definition and Capabilities
Professional Working Proficiency signifies the ability to use a language effectively in a professional setting. This level is particularly important for those who require constant interaction with clients or colleagues in their native or dominant languages.
Definition: You can use the language effectively in a professional setting and handle most work-related conversations and correspondences. However, you may struggle with complex topics or nuanced discussions.
Capabilities:
Converse on familiar topics and understand the main ideas of complex texts. Produce simple and coherent text on topics of personal interest. May require some assistance or clarification in more complex situations.Full Professional Proficiency: Definition and Capabilities
Full Professional Proficiency, on the other hand, signifies a higher degree of fluency and the ability to communicate effectively in a wide range of professional contexts. This level is crucial for advanced professionals who must navigate complex professional environments, including technical and abstract topics.
Definition: This level indicates a person can understand and produce complex language, including idiomatic expressions and nuances.
Capabilities:
Engage in discussions on complex subjects including technical and abstract topics. Write clear, detailed texts on various topics and effectively argue a point of view. Navigate professional environments with ease, including negotiations and presentations.Comparing the Two Levels
The key distinction between 'Professional Working Proficiency' and 'Full Professional Proficiency' lies in the extent to which a person can handle complex and nuanced discussions.
Professional Working Proficiency is suitable for individuals whose jobs predominantly involve basic to intermediate professional tasks. On the other hand, Full Professional Proficiency is more appropriate for roles that demand advanced language skills, such as teaching, engineering, or law.
LinkedIn's Perspective on Language Proficiency
LinkedIn's evaluation of language proficiency includes levels such as 'Native or Bilingual Proficiency' and 'Full Professional Proficiency.' However, this evaluation has faced some criticisms.
Native or Bilingual Proficiency is placed above 'Full Professional Proficiency,' which may not always reflect the true level of proficiency required for the job. For example, a native speaker's education may not extend to every professional context, whereas 'Full Professional Proficiency' indicates a broader range of abilities.
Personal Observations and Recommendations
Regarding 'Native or Bilingual Proficiency,' it is essential to recognize that the level of language proficiency required for a position can vary depending on the context.
For instance, someone teaching chemical engineering would need considerable fluency to perform their job with 'Full Professional Proficiency' in a second language. In contrast, a lawyer might require a higher level of proficiency to handle complex legal discussions and negotiations.
Linking 'Native’ with 'Bilingual' may entice people with only "some high school French" to list 'Full Professional Proficiency' because the term 'bilingual' is more inclusive. This can be misleading and should be avoided in favor of clear, honest descriptions of one's actual proficiency level.
Traditional Résumés vs. LinkedIn
On traditional résumés, professionals might use terms like 'conversant,' 'fluent,' and 'near-native level' to describe their language proficiency, along with any additional relevant skills, such as a comprehensive understanding of Hanja for non-native Korean speakers.
When listing language proficiency on LinkedIn, it is crucial to choose the most accurate description based on the specific job requirements and ensure that the language level accurately reflects one's abilities in all professional contexts.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between 'Professional Working Proficiency' and 'Full Professional Proficiency' is crucial for effective communication and job searching on LinkedIn. By choosing the most appropriate level of proficiency, professionals can enhance their online profile and increase their chances of success in their careers.