5 Resume Tips For An International Job Search

May 29, 2014

Five resume tips you must keep in mind when applying for a job in another country.

By Jessica Holbrook Hernandez, Expert Resume Writer

Are you considering international employment? This can certainly be a lucrative career choice, and it can give you the opportunity to explore the world while remaining on your current career trajectory. Here I will offer a few resume-writing tips that you absolutely must keep in mind when applying for jobs in other countries.

Eli Lilly Clinical Project Statistician Pacific Biosciences Research Associate/Senior Research Associate Ultragenyx Pharma Manager/Sr. Manager, Medical Writing Cubist Pharma Principal Biostatistician Sanofi US Director CMC Expert

1. If you are writing your resume in English, take the time to learn whether the country you are applying in uses American or British English. The reason for this is that many words are spelled differently, and you want the spelling in your resume to read correctly to the person reviewing it. For example, behavior vs. behaviour.

2. If your resume is written in a foreign language, make sure that you have it thoroughly reviewed by someone who is a native speaker of that particular language. This will ensure that there are not any big errors or cultural mistakes within your resume.

3. If you have foreign language skills or any previous foreign experience, be sure to include it on your resume. This includes international travel and any time spent living abroad. If you believe you will be conducting business in both English and in the native language of the country the position is in, consider submitting resumes in both languages.

4. Make sure you use terminology specific to the job and the industry that is known around the world. This will ensure that the person reading your resume understands your specific skills, proficiencies, and experience. Make sure that you detail your qualifications, including things like course hours and the highlights of the course, if there is any chance that the program will not be understood in the country in which you are applying.

5. Research resume formats in the country in which you will be applying. While U.S.-based companies will expect a traditional resume, many overseas companies use different paper sizes and have other formatting expectations. For example, in many countries it is standard to use reverse chronological order to list your previous work experience.

International employment can be an excellent opportunity for today’s job seeker. Depending on the job you are applying to and the number of people available to do the job, you may even be able to have the visa process expedited. Learning how to tailor your resume to an overseas or international job can be easy; it just takes a bit of research and patience.

About the Author

Jessica Hernandez, is a resume authority for the Job Talk America radio program and multi-published expert author for resume, career, and job search publications. She boasts more than ten years in human resources management and hiring for Fortune 500 companies and utilizes her extensive experience to support job seekers in their quest to move onward and upward in their careers. Find out more at Great Resumes Fast.

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