Are you learning a new language and want to take a big step forward and find a job abroad? But how do you write your resume so that it looks attractive to foreign employers?
What is a CV? How does it differ from a resume?
The term “CV” is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase “curriculum vitae” or “course of life,” while the word “resume” comes from French and means ‘summary’ or “brief account.” In the US and Canada, the term resume is used, while in Europe, the term CV is considered standard. Although it seems that a resume should be shorter, in my personal experience, these are interchangeable terms for the same document. It is more important to check the local standards for formatting this document than to get hung up on the literal meaning of the words.
Be honest when writing about your language skills
An employer will be happy if you speak a foreign language, but don’t exaggerate your abilities. If you are applying for a job that requires fluent German, don’t try to pass off your A2 as C2. If you are currently actively studying the language, be sure to mention this in your resume. It is also worth mentioning other languages, even if you only know the basics. If you are not fluent in a language, it is better not to translate your resume.
Find out how locals write their resumes
Do some research and find out what is expected of a resume in the country where you plan to work. Should you include a photo, as is still done in some countries? Should you put your education information at the beginning or end of the document? Should you describe your full work experience or make a one-page resume? Some countries require references to be included in the resume, while others only require them after an interview. Also, analyze job advertisements to make sure you understand what the positions mean in your chosen country. Does the word “associate” mean assistant secretary or department director? Adjust your resume to reflect equivalent local job titles so that it will show up in searches or pass resume scanning software.
Check your skills
Before publishing your resume or sending it to employers, double-check your qualifications at the international level! Certification can be specific: in fields such as nursing, pharmacy, optometry, and accounting, you need to obtain local certification. However, this does not necessarily mean you have to start from scratch: check if the country you have chosen offers the possibility of validating your existing certification. In some cases, you may need to take a couple of courses to fully comply with local industry standards. Look for local professional organizations in your industry in advance and join them if you can — this can give you access to the best job listings and show international employers that you are connected to the local industry.
Use international language
It’s amazing how easy it is to overlook the fact that you are using professional jargon that is only understood in your country. Check your resume for obscure abbreviations and incomplete place names. What may be obvious to people in your country may be completely incomprehensible to people in another country. Include full names of organizations and complete geographical names, including the location of your school and previous places of employment. A single sentence describing the industry and size of the company will quickly give international employers an idea of your work experience.
Emphasize international experience and willingness to relocate
If you have already worked in other countries, be sure to mention this experience. Experience in an intercultural environment is important to international organizations. This will show that you are ready to immerse yourself in an international team and be sensitive and open to other cultural paradigms. Indicate your citizenship and the type of visa you need. If you are ready to relocate and have a work permit for the country of your choice, this will be a big plus for the employer.