Defining bilingualism

Bilingualism is usually defined as the practice of two different languages. However, one can speak and write two languages with a different level of skill. The mastery of a second language can be attributed to the requirements of a job or to the person's background.
 

Nevertheless, mastering two languages requires a perfect knowledge of one's own mother tongue. It is however increasingly difficult to find francophone executive assistants that display a perfect command of their first language. Why is that? Should we blame poor education, the advent of technology such as the text message or people reading less and less? Whichever the reason, bilingualism requires a perfect mastery of one's own first language.

When it comes to employment, the majority of employers from downtown Montreal are looking for the highest level of bilingualism in their new hires, as the diversity of clients' preferred language require companies to be able to perfectly communicate in both written French and written English. The same applies to oral communication, even though in some cases the employer will tolerate a lower level in bilingualism in spoken communications.

If we leave downtown Montreal, the southern and northern banks have lower expectations. However, an increasing number of employers are looking for applicants with an intermediary level of English. This phenomenon, though relatively new, is already common.

Reaching a high level of bilingualism is not an easy task and few employees can say they do. However, joining the downtown job market, whether looking for a job with a law firm or with a large corporation, is almost a lost cause without a very good command of both French and English, written and spoken.

Mastering the French and English grammar is usually at the forefront of the employer's requirements. As you prepare your application, do not forget that fact: the documents you will send will convey your knowledge of the language you use. Make sure to review all your application and eliminate the last grammatical mistakes and typos, it will serve you well.