Ukrainian Tech Segment English Language Skills Requirements Q2 2023

Since the ball got rolling, the Ukrainian tech segment has always focused on foreign markets. These days, knowing the English language is a must, and companies invest heavily in boosting employees’ language skills. 

• Q1-Q2 2023 was particularly interesting in that regard, as it showed how language skill requirements had changed. 

Our previous market research articles were about talent demand. This article breaks down the English Language requirements in the Ukrainian Tech Segment circa Q2 2023.

If you want to purchase the complete Q2 2023 Salary Survey – drop us a line.

What’s Going On With The Ukrainian Tech Segment English Language Skills?

First, some context: 

• The 2020-2021 demand growth kickstarted the gradual growth of English language skill requirements in the Ukrainian Tech Segment. 
• 2022 saw a significant boost in language skill requirements as more companies transitioned to the EU and USA markets without intermediaries. 

However, the aforementioned language skill requirement increase wasn’t adequately reflected in the position requirements. The verbiage remained the same while the interviews showcased higher requirements for language skills. 

During Q1-Q2 2023, the verbiage finally started to reflect how well a candidate needs to know the English language to match the requirements.

Here’s what changed.

Ukrainian Tech Segment English Language Skills Requirement Changes Q2 2023

The Ukrainian Tech Segment position requirements for language skills standards always revolved around the nebulous terms “intermediate or upper intermediate English.” 

Some companies stuck to the official CEFR definition (mainly those which foreign management and direct interaction with foreign clients). Some others used it informally (outsourcing companies and local product startups). Whatever works best. 

There was a significant language skill requirement overhaul during 2022 and going into 2023. More companies moved towards foreign markets, which required proper communication.

• As a result, the default “intermediate level” is now inching closer to the “upper-intermediate level.”
• At the same time, “upper intermediate” requirements are more or less matching “advanced level.”

In the past, advanced English requirements were mostly for upper management C-suite and team leads. The “advanced” requirements are becoming more common in regular senior-level management, marketing, HR, and sales positions.

Why Do English Language Skill Requirements Increase in Q2 2023?

Several reasons drive English language skill requirements upwards.

• Interaction with foreign clients requires consistent and well-versed communication between parties to stay on the same page and avoid misunderstandings. 
• Specialists must understand the tone of voice nuances, business writing peculiarities, and technical terminology.

Interestingly, some companies started to experiment with switching business operations entirely to the English language to expand language practice with a roundabout speaking club substitute. 

• This approach is not always practical. We’ve documented many instances when a complete corporate switch to English became a source of frustration for employees regardless of their language skills.
• Numerous respondents characterized this approach as “gimmicky.” 
• Over 33% of respondents said that a full switch to English can be one of the reasons to change jobs. 

However, most companies still stick to speaking clubs and learning course formats.

C-level requirements

Language skill requirements for managers who represent companies publicly underwent the most significant changes. Public speaking, writing guest blogs, and engaging in media activity requires proficiency to reach its goals and represent business accordingly.

C-suite always had higher language skill requirements, but now the requirements have increased even further due to involvement in the negotiations, public representation, and branch interactions.

Marketing / Recruitment/  HR / Sales

Marketing positions always had higher English language skill requirements due to direct interaction with the foreign market and the company’s public representation on multiple levels.

• For CMO, marketing managers, and marketing strategists, the requirements focus on communication and reporting foremost.
• Copywriters, content managers, and SMM managers’ language skill requirements focus on clarity of writing, cultural sensitivity, and tone of voice.

Similarly, marketing, business development, and sales managers are at the edge of client interaction; thus, their language skill requirements are high by default. 

• Sales team lead English requirements slowly crawl from advanced to proficient in more prominent outsourcing companies. 
• Product companies’ business development teams often have language skill training designed for specific markets to learn cultural aspects and fully adapt to their peculiarities.

Recruiters’ language requirements mostly revolve around being able to communicate with foreign candidates adequately. 

• Similarly to business development and sales, there is an emphasis on cultural aspects and peculiarities of communication in the specific market region.

HR department language skill requirements increased due to companies expanding into foreign markets and hiring more foreigners into teams (notably Poland market). 

• Minimizing the language barrier and avoiding miscommunication and employee isolation is necessary.

Project Managers / Product Managers

Project managers and product managers’ language skill requirements remain at the upper intermediate level. However, the requirements slowly creep towards the advanced level territory in many aspects to ensure crisp, clear communication and documentation. 

Team lead employees’ requirements are somewhat similar, with extra focus on reporting and situational communication.

The same aspects apply to technical writers and business analysts due to their business planning and documentation involvement. 

• For the most part, the requirements focus on the readability and cohesion of the documentation and reporting. 
• It is a result of long-term English language use in the Ukrainian Tech Segment.
• In addition to that, many specialists express their intentions to know English better with Grammarly’s assistance.