When it comes to creating a polished and effective resume, one crucial element to consider is adding language skills. In today’s globalized job market, being bilingual or multilingual can give you a significant edge over other applicants.

For those unfamiliar with how to showcase language proficiency, we will provide a brief definition of the different types of language skills commonly listed on resumes. This article will explore the importance of language skills in the current job market and offer tips on how to include them effectively in your resume.

Definition of Languages on Your Resume

There are four primary categories when it comes to identifying language proficiency on a resume:

Bilingual means you are fluent in two languages, with the ability to speak, read, and write with a high level of proficiency.
Native means you grew up speaking a language and have complete fluency in it.
Fluent means you have a thorough understanding of the language, can speak it with ease, and have a strong hold over grammar, vocabulary, and syntax.
Basic means you have a fundamental understanding of the language, can understand it in its spoken and written form, and can carry on a simple conversation.

Importance of Language Skills in Today’s Job Market

Today’s job market demands an increasingly diverse set of skills and experiences from job seekers. Being multi-lingual can set you apart from others, enhance your competitiveness, and increase your chances of career growth and mobility.

Knowing a foreign language enables individuals to interact better with culturally diverse clients, which is essential in many industries where consumers expect and appreciate personalized treatment. Additionally, language abilities provide employers with the confidence that you can be an asset in the global marketplace.

Assessing Your Language Skills

When it comes to including languages on your resume, it is important to accurately assess your language proficiency. This will not only help you choose the right words to describe your skills, but it will also help potential employers understand the level of proficiency you have.

Self-Assessment: How to Evaluate Your Language Proficiency

Self-assessing your language proficiency can be done through a variety of methods, including self-evaluation, language proficiency tests, and language exchange programs. Self-evaluation involves reflecting on your ability to speak, read, write, and understand a language. Language proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL or TOEIC, can provide an official assessment of your language skills. Language exchange programs involve conversing with a native speaker to assess and improve your language proficiency.

When self-assessing your language proficiency, it is important to be honest and reflective. Consider the following questions:

Can you hold a conversation in the language?
Can you read and understand written material in the language?
Can you write in the language?
Can you understand and accurately use grammar rules in the language?
Can you understand the language spoken at a native level?

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

The CEFR is a framework for language proficiency that is widely recognized in Europe and beyond. It provides a standard for evaluating language proficiency across six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient). When including your language skills on your resume, using the CEFR can provide potential employers with a clear understanding of your proficiency level.

Choosing the Right Words to Describe Your Language Skills

When describing your language skills on your resume, it is important to use the right words to accurately convey your proficiency level. Some common words used to describe language proficiency include:

Beginner
Intermediate
Proficient
Fluent
Bilingual

However, it is important to note that these terms can be interpreted differently by different people. To provide a more accurate understanding of your language skills, consider including your CEFR level or a brief explanation of your abilities.

Accurately assessing and describing your language skills is crucial when including them on your resume. Use self-assessment methods, consider the CEFR framework, and choose the right words to convey your proficiency level to potential employers.

Types of Languages to Include on Your Resume

When it comes to creating your resume, language skills can be a major asset. Though the exact list of languages to include may vary depending on your industry and the location of the position you are applying for, there are generally three types of languages that can help make your resume stand out.

Mother Tongue

Your mother tongue, or first language, should be prominently featured on your resume. This shows that you have a strong command of the language used in your home country, which can be a significant advantage in many industries. Make sure to mention any certifications or awards you have received for your language skills, as this can help demonstrate your expertise.

Second Languages

Second languages are languages you have studied and become proficient in, but are not your mother tongue. Depending on the industry you are in, a second language could be a major asset. For example, a job in international business might require fluency in a language other than your first language. Even if the position you are applying for doesn’t require it, being proficient in another language demonstrates your ability to learn, adapt, and communicate effectively.

Foreign Languages

Foreign languages are those that are not commonly spoken in your country or region. These skills are highly valuable in global businesses and organizations, and may give you an edge over other applicants. Fluency in a foreign language shows that you have a deep understanding of the culture and language of another country, which can be highly valued in today’s globalized world.

When including language skills on your resume, it’s important to be honest about your level of proficiency. If you are unsure of your abilities, it’s best to err on the side of caution and indicate that you have basic proficiency or are still in the process of learning. Additionally, be sure to tailor your language skills section to the specific position you are applying for. For example, if the job is based in Spain, highlighting your fluency in Spanish will be much more relevant than highlighting fluency in French.

Highlighting your language skills can be a key factor in helping your resume stand out from the crowd. By emphasizing your mother tongue, second languages, and foreign languages, you can demonstrate your expertise and your ability to communicate effectively in a globalized world.

How to List Languages on Your Resume

As someone who speaks more than one language, you possess an invaluable skill that can make you stand out on your resume. However, it’s important to know how to effectively list your language skills in order to make the best impression on potential employers. In this section, we’ll cover four tips for including languages on your resume: choosing the right resume format, including language skills in your summary or objective statement, listing languages in your skills section, and mentioning language skills in each job description.

Choosing the Right Resume Format to Showcase Your Language Skills

When it comes to listing your language skills, choosing the right resume format is key. If language skills are a significant part of the job requirements, consider using a functional resume format. This format allows you to showcase your language skills prominently at the top of the page, before your work experience. However, if your language skills are only one aspect of your qualifications, a chronological resume format may be more appropriate.

Including Language Skills in Your Summary/Objective Statement

Your summary or objective statement is the first thing potential employers will read on your resume. Including your language skills in this section can catch their attention and make them more interested in learning more about you. For example, you could write: “Multilingual professional with fluency in English, Spanish, and French seeking a position in international business.” This statement highlights your language skills and gives employers an idea of what you’re looking for in a job.

Listing Languages in Your Skills Section

Another option for showcasing your language skills is to list them in your skills section. When listing your language skills, be sure to specify your proficiency level (e.g. native speaker, proficient, intermediate, basic) and any relevant certifications (e.g. TOEFL, DELE, JLPT). You can also include any specific dialects or variations of a language that you know (e.g. British English vs. American English).

Mentioning Language Skills in Each Job Description

Finally, when describing your work experience, don’t forget to mention your language skills if they were relevant to your job responsibilities. For example, if you worked as a customer service representative at a global corporation and had to communicate with clients in their native languages, emphasize this in your job description. This shows employers that you not only have language skills, but that you have practical experience using them in a professional setting.

Including your language skills on your resume can help you stand out in a competitive job market. By following these four tips, you can effectively showcase your language skills and make a strong impression on potential employers.

Ranking Your Language Proficiency

When including your language skills on your resume, it’s essential to rank them accurately to demonstrate your level of proficiency to potential employers. Here are the steps to follow:

Understanding the Levels of Language Proficiency: A1 to C2

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is used to describe language proficiency levels in various languages. It is used worldwide to standardize language learning, teaching, and assessment. CEFR has six levels, ranging from A1 for beginners to C2 for proficient users.

A1 – Breakthrough or beginner: Basic communicative ability that allows you to communicate in everyday situations using simple and familiar expressions.
A2 – Waystage or elementary: Ability to communicate in basic situations and understand simple sentences and phrases related to personal and everyday life scenarios.
B1 – Threshold or intermediate: Communication in a range of familiar situations and understanding the main points of clear input on familiar matters.
B2 – Vantage or upper-intermediate: Ability to understand and produce complex text on various topics and communicate with native speakers without much difficulty.
C1 – Effective Operational Proficiency or advanced: Excellent command of the language and the ability to use advanced vocabulary and a wide range of complex structures to convey complex ideas effectively.
C2 – Mastery or proficiency: Near-native proficiency, with the ability to understand and communicate effectively in all contexts, including academic and professional settings.

How to Rank Your Language Skills on Your Resume

To indicate your language proficiency level on your resume, you should use the following system:

Native speaker: This means that you have spoken the language your whole life.
Basic: You have limited knowledge of the language and can understand and speak only fundamental phrases.
Conversational: You have adequate knowledge of the language to hold a conversation on general topics.
Intermediate: You are fluent in the language and can communicate effectively in most situations, although there may be some areas where you struggle.
Advanced: You have an excellent command of the language and can communicate effectively in all contexts, including professional and academic settings.
Fluent: You are a native speaker or have near-native proficiency in the language.

Examples of Language Proficiency Ranking

Here are some examples of how you can rank your language proficiency level on your resume:

Spanish (Native Speaker)
French (Conversational)
Italian (Intermediate)
German (Advanced)
Mandarin Chinese (Fluent)

Remember to be honest about your language skills while preparing your resume. Exaggerating your proficiency in a language could get you in trouble later on. This is especially true if you are being hired for a position that requires you to use the language regularly.

Describing Your Language Skills

Using Action Words to Describe Your Language Skills

When describing your language skills on your resume, it is critical to use strong and relevant action words that will showcase your expertise in the language. Using a combination of action words and accurate terminology will demonstrate to potential employers that you have a real understanding of the language and can utilize it efficiently.

Some action words that you can use to describe your language skills are:

Communicate
Translate
Interpret
Converse
Write
Read
Understand

However, it is not just about using action words; your language skills section must also contain information about your proficiency level. You can’t solely rely on action words without qualifying your skill level because it won’t provide enough insight to a potential employer when evaluating you for a particular role. Therefore, you should provide proof of your skill level by mentioning standardized language tests like TOEFL or ILR, where appropriate.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in Describing Your Language Skills

When it comes to describing your language skills, there are a few common mistakes that you must avoid:

Don’t exaggerate or misrepresent your proficiency level: it’s essential to be honest about your skill level. Exaggerating can lead to serious misunderstandings in communication at work, which can negatively impact your performance and reputation.
Don’t only highlight your speaking skills. Writing, reading, and listening skills are equally important in most job positions, so make sure to feature all the skills users expect from being competent in that language.
Don’t use buzzwords or cliches: phrases like “fluent in the language” or “a native speaker” are relatively subjective and can be overused by most candidates, making them less effective or informative when relevant.
Always provide context: If you have lived, worked, or studied in a country where the language is spoken, make sure to note it. It will show potential managers that you have immersed yourself in the language and are familiar with its use in a real-life setting.

Avoid exaggeration, use accurate action words, provide context, avoid banality, and highlight all the critical aspects of your language skills, and your language proficiency section in your resume will leave a great impression on the potential employers.

Adding Language Certifications on Your Resume

Adding language certifications on your resume can not only demonstrate your language skills but also give potential employers an idea of your dedication and commitment towards mastering a language. In this section, we will discuss the types of language certifications, how to add them on your resume, and provide examples of language certifications on resumes.

Types of Language Certifications

There are various types of language certifications available, with varying levels of difficulty and recognition. Some popular certifications include:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): This certification is commonly used to assess proficiency in English language for non-native speakers. It is widely recognized by universities, employers and governments worldwide.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System): This certification is also used to assess English proficiency for non-native speakers. Like TOEFL, it is recognized and accepted by universities, employers, and governments globally.
DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française): This certification assesses proficiency in French as a foreign language. It is issued by the French Ministry of Education and is recognized internationally.
HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi): This certification assesses proficiency in Mandarin Chinese. It is widely recognized by academic institutions and employers in China.

How to Add Language Certifications on Your Resume

When adding language certifications on your resume, it is important to highlight your achievements and the level of proficiency attained. Here are some tips on how to add language certifications on your resume:

Be specific: Include the name of the certification, the level of proficiency attained, and the score obtained (if applicable).
Prioritize: If you have multiple certifications, prioritize the ones that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.
Include a brief description: Include a brief description of the certification to give the reader an idea of its level of difficulty and recognition.
Place it under the education section: Place the language certification under the education section to highlight your efforts in mastering a language.

Examples of Language Certifications on Resumes

Here are some examples of how you can include language certifications on your resume:

TOEFL: TOEFL iBT, Score: 115/120, Certificate Number: 123456789
DELF: Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française, Level: B2, Certificate Number: 987654321
HSK: HSK Level 5, Score: 250/300, Certificate Number: 567891234

By including language certifications on your resume, you not only showcase your language skills but also demonstrate your ability to commit to long-term goals. Make sure to highlight your achievements and the relevance of the certification to the job you are applying for. Good luck!

Highlighting Language Skills for Specific Jobs

Your language skills can give you a competitive edge in the job market. If you know how to showcase them effectively, you can impress potential employers and land your dream job. However, it’s not enough to simply list the languages you speak on your resume. You need to tailor your language skills to the specific job you’re applying for. Here are some tips on how to highlight your language skills for three types of jobs:

Language Skills for Customer Service Jobs

If you’re applying for a customer service job, it’s likely that you’ll be interacting with customers who speak different languages. Therefore, you should highlight your language skills that match the needs of the company’s customers. For instance, if you’re applying for a job with a company that has a significant number of Spanish-speaking customers, you’ll be a more attractive candidate if you can speak Spanish fluently.

In addition to listing the languages you speak, you might want to describe your language proficiency level. For example, if you’re a native speaker of a language, you might say something like “native proficiency” or “bilingual” to describe your language skills.

Language Skills for Translators and Interpreters

If you’re applying for a job as a translator or interpreter, your language skills are obviously of paramount importance. However, it’s not enough to simply state that you’re bilingual or multilingual. You need to specify which languages you can translate or interpret.

Moreover, you might want to indicate your level of expertise in each language. For example, you can mention if you’re a certified translator or interpreter for a particular language, or if you have experience in interpreting in specific fields (e.g. legal or medical).

Language Skills for International Business Jobs

If you’re applying for a job in international business, your language skills can be an asset in communicating with clients, partners, or suppliers from different countries. However, not all international business jobs require the same language skills. For example, if you’re applying for a job in a Francophone country, you may need to be fluent in French. Meanwhile, if you’re dealing with clients in China, you may need to speak Mandarin or Cantonese.

It’s important to research the language requirements of the job you’re applying for and highlight the languages that are most relevant. Additionally, you should show how your language skills can benefit the company’s international business objectives, such as facilitating negotiations or developing new partnerships.

Highlighting your language skills for specific jobs requires a tailored approach. By emphasizing the languages that are most relevant to the job and showing your level of expertise, you can make your language skills a valuable asset in your job search.

Example Resumes Featuring Languages

Including your language skills on your resume can greatly enhance your chances of landing a job, especially if you are applying for positions that require strong communication skills or dealing with international clients.

To give you an idea of how you can present your language skills on your resume, we have provided examples for three different positions:

Example Resume for a Customer Service Position

Name: Jane Doe
Contact Info: jane.doe.

Tips for Including Language Skills on Your Resume

If you speak more than one language, including language skills on your resume can make you stand out to potential employers, especially if the job requires bilingualism. However, it’s important to know how to properly include language skills and avoid common mistakes that can make your resume appear unprofessional.

How to Make Your Language Skills Stand Out

Here are some tips on how to make your language skills stand out on your resume:

1. Clearly state the languages you speak

Make sure to clearly state the languages you speak and your proficiency level. This can be done in a separate “Language Skills” section or under a “Skills” section. Be honest about your proficiency level and avoid over-exaggerating.

2. Provide context for your language skills

Include specific examples of how you have used your language skills in a professional setting. For example, you can mention that you have conducted business meetings in Spanish or translated documents for a French client.

3. Highlight your cultural knowledge

If you have cultural knowledge related to the language(s) you speak, make sure to highlight that as well. This can be especially relevant for jobs that involve working with diverse populations or international clients.

4. Tailor your resume to the job

If the job description mentions that bilingualism is preferred or required, make sure to highlight your language skills prominently in your resume. You can also customize your resume to include specific examples of how your language skills can benefit the company.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Including Language Skills

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when including language skills on your resume:

1. Using vague or misleading terms

Avoid using terms like “basic,” “intermediate,” or “advanced” without providing any context for what those terms mean. Instead, be specific about your proficiency level and provide examples of your language abilities.

2. Including irrelevant language skills

If a language is not relevant to the job you are applying for, it’s better to leave it off your resume. Including irrelevant language skills can make your resume appear cluttered and unfocused.

3. Not proofreading for errors

Make sure to proofread your resume for errors in spelling, grammar, or formatting. Even minor mistakes can make you appear unprofessional and careless.

What to Do if You Don’t Have Any Language Skills to Include

If you don’t speak any other languages, don’t worry! There are still ways to showcase your skills and experience on your resume. Here are some tips:

1. Highlight other skills

Focus on other skills you possess that are relevant to the job. For example, if the job requires excellent communication skills or attention to detail, make sure to highlight those skills on your resume.

2. Showcase work experience

Highlight your work experience and accomplishments.

Languages on Your Resume: How to Include Them in 2024