Include language skills on resume if it's not relevant for a position?

Dear Deb:

Should I list language skills on my resume if foreign language skills are not listed as a requirement for the job that I am pursuing?  I am fluent in English and Spanish.  I am also fluent in Greek and Standard Croatian.  Are those languages worth showing on my resume?  It is not too often that an employer in the US seeks someone with Croatian skills.

Thank you in advance for your insights,

Leontin

Dear Leontin:

Speaking multiple languages is a valuable skill.  There is the obvious benefit if your employer interacts with clients, partners, vendors, or media in other countries.   Beyond that, multi-lingual professionals generally have the ability to relate to and connect with people of other cultures.  Those interpersonal and rapport-building skills are also valuable when dealing with people with whom you share a language.  Beyond that, I have seen articles based on psychological studies that suggest multi-lingual people are better multi-taskers due to their agility at shifting gears mentally from one language to another.

Based on all of that, I recommend that you list all of your languages in a “Language Skills” section near the bottom of your resume.

Thank you for writing!

Deb