Tips to Perfect Your International Resume and Secure Your Dream Job Abroad

Overview

• Your resume — or curriculum vitae (CV) — is the greatest tool you have when applying for an overseas job, so take care in crafting it.
• When creating your resume with an international job in mind, learn that country’s standards for resumes and job applications.
• Every country has a different approach to the hiring process and how resumes are formatted. Some countries want more personal information, while others focus on your achievements, and some even require a professional headshot. On the other hand, hiring managers in other countries might be turned off by these things.

For many people, their lifelong dream is to work overseas. In fact, almost nine million Americans live and work abroad. But it isn’t easy securing a job in another country, which is why you need to adapt your resume so that it stands out when applying for international jobs. Your resume or CV is your greatest tool in selling your skills for any job. This is especially true when you’re applying to overseas companies.

Resume writing isn’t easy, especially when you’re writing one for a foreign company. In this article, you will learn some useful tips and best practices for creating an effective international resume that will land you the job of your dreams.

The most important thing to remember as you apply for work in a different part of the world is to adapt your resume to the standards expected in the country of the job you’re applying to. What works on an American resume likely won’t make sense when applying to positions in other countries. Adapting to local resume and job search standards can make a big difference and determine whether a hiring manager overseas will continue reading your resume upon receiving it.

As you write your international resume or curriculum vitae, here are some best practices to keep in mind so that you can nab the job of your dreams.

The first thing you should do before writing your resume is research how it’s typically done by candidates in your target country. You want to follow the normal standards for the country you’re applying to so that your application doesn’t get tossed in the reject pile.

Each country and region in the world does things a little bit differently from American resumes. For example, in the European Union, many countries use the Europass format, which is an easy-to-use resume builder that uses a resume template familiar to many employers and educational institutions there. Many European countries prefer that candidates submit a professional picture with their CV.

Nearby, in the United Kingdom, things are done very differently. Your CV should be no more than two pages long and have more facts and numbers than anything else. U.K. recruiters also discourage the inclusion of a photograph. References can play a large role in the hiring process there, and your resume should include at least two people a hiring manager can contact.

In Australia, three or four page resumes are the norm, depending on your work history and relevant experience. If you’re a student without much work experience, then it’s acceptable to include your coursework and GPA on your CV.

Photos aren’t encouraged by hiring managers in Australia. It’s also recommended that you include an objective and a separate list of skills like communication skills, languages spoken, and experience with computer programs like Microsoft Word and Excel. Cover letters play a big role in the application process and could improve your chances of getting a position.

A Canadian resume tends to be similar to that of an American resume. However, some important things to note are the length (ideally 2 pages) that the resume should be customized to the job at hand, and that photos or personal information beyond your name and contact info should not be included.

Since each country does things differently, do your research before writing your resume. Review resume samples from your target country and mirror them when writing your own.

As you review the standards for the foreign country where you’re applying for work, you’ll need to decide on how to structure your professional resume. This means making decisions like whether to put your work history in chronological format or reverse chronological, where to include your contact information — such as your phone number, email address, and mailing address — and where you should use bullet points.

Your CV format will largely be determined by local standards. So, again, do your research to learn what’s expected in the country where you’re applying, review resume examples, or reach out to a professional for help with formatting.

Unless the job you’re applying to requires strong English-speaking skills, consider translating your CV into the local language to make it easier for the hiring manager to understand. For instance, if you’re applying to a position in Spain, you might consider translating your resume into Spanish.

If you’re applying for a job in another English-speaking country, pay attention to how language is used. Words might be spelled differently or even have a different meaning.

The length of your CV will be determined by the country you’re applying to. Most European countries will want a resume that’s only one or two pages. Meanwhile, hiring managers in Australia won’t bat an eye if you submit a four-page CV as long as you have the work experience and accomplishments to fill that space.

How much personal information you include on your resume will vary by country. Some European countries may want you to include information about marital status, nationality, and date of birth. Meanwhile, other countries such as the U.K. and Australia might prefer that this information isn’t included, often for legal reasons.

Some countries will expect you to include a headshot with your resume. This is the cultural norm in most European countries, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. In other parts of the world — including Israel, Australia, Mexico, Canada, many African countries, and the U.K. — you’ll stand out if you include a photo, but not in a good way.

The tone of your resume should vary country by country as well, depending on the norms there. In some countries, it’s appropriate to self-promote when listing your experiences and work achievements. Other nations, including many Asian countries such as China, prefer using more conservative language and speaking more modestly when talking about accomplishments.

If you’ve studied abroad, worked overseas, or even worked closely with an international client while in the United States, make sure you mention this experience on your CV. It will help you stand out, especially as an international candidate. Hiring managers and recruiters will be impressed if they know you can easily transition to living and working in another country.

If you’re applying for work in another country where English isn’t the primary language, include your experience and skill level with the local native language on your resume. This will help your application stand out, and you’ll be more likely to get a call from a recruiter or hiring manager if they’re confident that communication won’t be an issue for you in their country.

As you begin your international job hunt, turn to Joblist for career assistance as you make this exciting move overseas. Our platform offers personalized job searches, scouring the internet for employment listings tailored to your unique requirements, skills, and interests, such as country, industry, education, and work experience.

If you’re uncertain about your career path but know you want to spend time working overseas, take the Joblist quiz and check out our blog for useful advice to get you through your job search.

We’re here to help you find your dream job overseas!