How to Write International Resume - Examples & Pro Tips

An international resume is a professional document that candidates use to apply for a job in another country. An individual customizes an international resume to meet the standards and practices customary for that region when writing it. An international experience resume shows employers in other countries that the candidate is culturally adaptable and qualified.

To prepare an international resume, research must be done on the resume style for the specific country to find out what items to include. A header has to be created, a professional summary included, education added, work experience mentioned, relevant skills and languages added, extracurricular activities and volunteer work included, and translation done if necessary.

An effective international resume requires strategically organizing key sections to showcase skills, experience, and cross-cultural adaptability. Key sections for an international resume include skills, education, work experience, contact information, and language skills. To write the contact information section on the international resume, the full name, address, phone number, and email address are listed. The contact information must be up-to-date and accurate. Work experience is listed in reverse chronological order, providing the company's name, job title, dates of employment, and a brief description of responsibilities and achievements. To write the education section for an international resume, include essential details, such as the institution's name, degree obtained, and duration of attendance.

Emphasizing a well-balanced combination of cross-cultural skills and technical expertise is crucial when crafting the skills section on an international resume. The skill section of an international resume list any relevant skills that the candidate has acquired through work experience, education, or training. The skill section includes hard skills (such as computer programming) and soft skills (such as communication).

It is essential to be specific about the level of proficiency when listing languages on a resume. Languages include a language skill section that indicates their level of proficiency in each language if the candidate speaks more than one.

Extracurricular activities and volunteer work is included on an international resume. To include extracurricular activities and volunteer work on a resume, it is crucial to create a separate section to list them. The extracurricular activities and volunteer work section provides information about the organization, the candidate’s role, and a brief description of their responsibilities and achievements.

Many international resume templates available online help candidates format their resumes correctly. International resume templates guide how to organize information and present it clearly and professionally.

The resume may have to be translated into different languages depending on the country's preference. It is beneficial to find someone who is a native or fluent speaker of the language to help review the resume for grammatical errors.

How To Prepare an International Resume

To prepare an international resume, research must be done on the resume style for the specific country to find out what items to include. The following are steps to help prepare an international resume.

• Research the resume style. Different countries have different resume styles, so it’s essential to research the style that is most common in the country where jobs are being applied. For example, in some countries, including a photo is customary, while it is able to be discouraged in others.
• Create a header. The header must include the full name, contact information (address, phone number, and email), and other relevant personal information, such as date of birth. Personal details like age, marital status, and gender are optional depending on the country's norms.
• Include a professional summary or objective statement. Craft a brief profile or objective statement summarizing the professional background, critical skills, and career goals. A summary or objective statement is the chance to make a solid first impression, highlighting the most relevant skills and experience.
• Add education. List educational credentials, including the institution's name, degree(s) awarded, and dates of attendance. Include relevant coursework or extracurricular activities as well, if there are any.
• Mention work experience. List work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job. Be sure to include the company's name, job title, and dates of employment. Add critical responsibilities and accomplishments in each role.
• Add relevant skills and languages. Include relevant skills and languages, such as proficiency in software programs, foreign languages, or technical skills. Listing skills and languages is a great way to show that there are skills and experience that the employer is looking for.
• Include extracurricular activities and volunteer work. Add relevant extracurricular activities or volunteer work as well, if there are any. This shows that there is a well-rounded individual with a variety of interests.
• Translate if necessary. It is able to be necessary to translate the resume into the local language if jobs are being applied for in a country where English is not the native language. Be sure to use a professional translator to ensure that the resume is translated accurately.
• Proofread carefully. Before submitting the resume, be sure to proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling. A well-written and proofread resume will make a good impression on potential employers.

Key Sections For An International Resume

An effective international resume requires strategically organizing key sections to showcase skills, experience, and cross-cultural adaptability. The following are key sections to include in an international resume.

How To Write Contact Information On International Resume

To write the contact information section on the international resume, list the full name, address, phone number, and email address. Including the current address and country of residence when listing an international address on a resume is essential. Depending on the country in which jobs are being applied, gender, date of birth, marital status, and nationality are able to be included in the contact information section. Include the URLs in the contact information section if have a LinkedIn profile or personal website.

It is important to include the country’s dialing code when listing an international phone number on an international resume. For example, the dialing code +1 is included before the phone number if looking for a job in another country and the phone number is from the United States. Format the phone number correctly according to the standards of the country being applied to.

How To Write Work Experience On an International Resume

Work experience is listed in reverse chronological order, providing the company's name, job title, dates of employment, and a brief description of responsibilities and achievements. The location of the work, including the city and country, must be mentioned. The period of employment has to be specified, using the format that is customary in the country where a job is being sought. A description of the primary responsibilities and accomplishments has to be provided, using dynamic verbs to convey what was achieved. Any skills acquired or utilized in this role are emphasized, particularly those pertinent to the job being applied for. Having international work experience on a resume demonstrates to potential employers that a candidate has the ability to work effectively in diverse environments and with people from different backgrounds.

Tailoring a resume to fit the specific job and country being applied to is crucial. Conducting research on standard practices and expectations for resumes in that country aids in creating an effective resume.

An international student resume sample guides students on how to format and organize information when applying for jobs or internships in another country. International resume writing services help job seekers create a professional and effective resume tailored to the standards and customs of the country where they apply for a job.

How To Write Education On International Resume

To write the education section for an international resume, include essential details, such as the institution's name, degree obtained, and duration of attendance. It is customary to include high school and secondary education in certain countries, like Mexico. List the study area, school name, location, and graduation year. Consider adding relevant coursework or classes taken in the industry to enhance the section's content. Highlight any relevant international experience possessed. International educational experience encompasses studying abroad, interning at an international company, or volunteering in another country.

How To Write Skill Section On International Resume

Emphasizing a well-balanced combination of cross-cultural skills and technical expertise is crucial when crafting the skills section on an international resume. Cross-cultural skills encompass navigating diverse cultural settings and engaging effectively with individuals from different backgrounds, making them an essential aspect of an international resume. International skills for a resume involve fluency in multiple languages, experience in working with clients or collaborators from various countries, and the capacity to adapt to different cultural norms and practices.

Technical skills are industry-specific proficiencies that showcase competence in handling specialized tasks and utilizing relevant tools or software. Highlighting these technical skills demonstrates expertise in areas directly applicable to the international job market. Technical skills include proficiency in programming languages, data analysis tools, project management software, and other industry-specific applications.

How To Format Language Skill Section

It is essential to be specific about the level of proficiency when listing languages on a resume. A standardized language proficiency scale, such as the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) or the ILR (Interagency Language Roundtable), is used to convey this information accurately. Relevant experience using the language, such as working in a bilingual environment or studying abroad, is highlighted. Using keywords throughout the language skill section helps the resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS).

How To Include Extracurricular Activities And Volunteer Work

To include extracurricular activities and volunteer work on a resume, it is crucial to create a separate section to list them. Each position must be listed and described, including the position title, organization name, location, and dates of participation. The skills developed or used during the activity or volunteer work must be highlighted. It is essential to focus on activities with active contributions and choose relevant and appropriate experiences. A resume with international experience demonstrates a candidate’s ability to adapt to different cultures and work environments, making them a valuable asset to potential employers.

International Resume Template

Should You Translate Your International Resume?

The resume may have to be translated into different languages depending on the country's preference. International companies specify what language they require on resumes.

It is worth considering providing an English translation if an individual is applying to an English-speaking country and their resume is in a language other than English. English is often considered the universal language of business, and having an English version of the resume broadens opportunities.

It is crucial to have it translated by a professional translator if an individual is translating their resume into a language they must be fluent in. Using a professional translator helps ensure the resume is accurate and error-free.

Key Takeaways

Below are some tips for writing an excellent international resume.

• Research the resume style and requirements: Different countries have different expectations for resumes, so it’s essential to research the style and requirements for the country being applied to.

• Introduce oneself in the header: The header of a resume must include the full name in large font and the current address. The header helps the employer quickly identify who the applicant is and where they’re located.

• Provide a professional summary: A summary is a brief statement highlighting skills, experience, and achievements. The summary must be tailored to the job being applied for and provide a snapshot of why the applicant is a strong candidate.

• Add education and relevant certifications: Education and any relevant certifications are included in an international resume. The education section must include the institution's name, the degree or certification earned, and the completion date.

• Mention relevant work experience: Work experience must be listed in reverse chronological order, with the most recent job first. Include the company's name, job title, and dates of employment. Provide a brief description of responsibilities and achievements.

• Add relevant skills and languages: Include any skills that are relevant to the job being applied for, such as computer skills or language proficiency. List multiple languages on the resume if they are spoken.

• Include extracurricular activities and volunteer work: Extracurricular activities and volunteer work demonstrate interests and skills outside of work. Describe relevant activities or volunteer experience on a resume.

• Translate if necessary and proofread: Translating the resume into that language may be necessary if applying for a job in a country where a different language is spoken. Be sure to proofread the resume carefully to ensure no errors.

• Include visa status: To show whether an applicant is or will soon be able to work in a country, include the status of their visa application in the personal information section of their resume.

Conclusion

An international resume is an essential document for anyone applying for jobs in other countries. An international resume must be tailored to meet the standards and customs of the region where the job is located and include information about the candidate’s qualifications, education, work experience, skills, languages, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work. Candidates create an effective international resume to help them stand out to potential employers by providing these sections.