In today’s globalised workforce, it’s common to meet professionals who speak multiple languages, who have lived across borders, and who bring incredibly rich, diverse experiences to their roles.
Yet, there’s one mistake I often hear during interviews and screening calls — apologising for English.
I’m here to tell you: Stop apologising. You have nothing to be sorry for.
Language Skills Are a Superpower, Not a Weakness
When candidates apologize for their English skills, what they’re really doing is undermining their own value. And it’s unnecessary.
Communication in the workplace is not about flawless grammar or the perfect accent. It’s about clarity, understanding, adaptability, and connection.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, being multilingual and internationally experienced is more valuable than ever. According to the Harvard Business Review, companies with diverse, multilingual teams are 70% more likely to capture new markets than those without.
✅ Speaking more than one language means you can understand different perspectives.
✅ Having lived or worked abroad means you bring adaptability and resilience to a team.
✅ Multicultural experiences bring innovation, creativity, and real problem-solving skills that companies desperately need.
Let the Employer/Recruiter/Panel Evaluate Your English — Focus on Showing Your Value
When you apologise for your English, you draw attention to what you think is a flaw, even when the recruiter might not see it that way.
Instead, let the employer evaluate if your level of English fits the role. If you can communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and do your job well, that’s what matters.
💬 Instead of saying, “Sorry for my English.” Say something like, “As someone with international experience and multilingual skills, I bring a global perspective that strengthens teamwork and innovation.”
Confidence is contagious. When you own your story, you change how others perceive you too.
The Business Case for Diversity and Inclusion (D&I)
Hiring people from different countries, backgrounds, and cultures is not just about fairness — it’s about business success.
Here’s why D&I matters more than ever:
📊 McKinsey & Company’s Diversity Wins Report (2020) found that companies in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity outperformed those in the bottom quartile by 36% in profitability.
🌎 Boston Consulting Group (2018) showed that companies with more diverse management teams have 19% higher revenue due to innovation.
🧠 Diverse teams are more creative, more adaptable, and better at solving complex problems — especially in international markets where understanding different cultures is crucial.
Diverse talent isn’t “nice to have” anymore. It’s the foundation for sustainable growth in today’s economy.
We Are Stronger Together
When we create inclusive workplaces that value international professionals, everyone wins:
✅ Businesses gain new market insights and innovation.
✅ Teams become richer, stronger, and more dynamic.
✅ Individuals bring their full selves to work — feeling seen, heard, and valued.
It starts with small actions:
- Do not apologise for your accent or language level.
- Owning your international journey as a unique strength.
- Advocating for diverse, inclusive hiring practices.
- Supporting colleagues from all backgrounds to grow and shine.
Final Thoughts: Confidence is Your Passport
If you’ve moved countries, learned a new language, and adapted to new cultures, you already have the resilience, courage, and intelligence that many companies dream of.
Never apologise for your English. Never minimise your experiences. Never doubt that your journey is an asset, not a liability.
You are more than enough. You are part of the future of work.
At GetHired.ie, we celebrate international talent and help candidates turn their global journeys into powerful career stories. Whether you need help with CVs, public sector applications, interview preparation, or career coaching, we are here to help you grow, thrive, and shine.
Let’s Continue the Conversation:
Have you ever felt the need to apologise for your language skills in a professional setting? How can companies do better to support international talent?
💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
🖤 Let’s keep building workplaces where diversity isn’t just welcomed — it’s celebrated.
#DiversityAndInclusion #CareerDevelopment #GlobalTalent #GetHired #InternationalCareers #CareerConfidence #WorkplaceInclusion
