When it comes to applying for jobs abroad, your resume is often the first impression you’ll make on a potential employer. It’s essential to craft a resume that highlights your skills, experience, and suitability for the job, while adhering to international resume standards. Writing a resume for a job abroad can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can stand out and increase your chances of landing an interview.
Here’s a guide on how to write a resume that gets you hired abroad.
1. Understand the Local Resume Format
Different countries have different standards when it comes to resumes. For example, in the U.S., a resume typically focuses on achievements and work experience, while in Europe, a Curriculum Vitae (CV) is often used, and it might require more personal information like your date of birth or nationality. Before you start writing, research the specific resume format for the country you’re applying to.
Some countries, like Canada and the UK, have specific expectations for resumes, so make sure you understand these nuances to avoid any confusion. In some cases, employers may even provide guidelines on what they expect from resumes or CVs.
2. Include Your Personal Information
The basics of any resume are personal details, but what you include depends on where you’re applying. Generally, you should include:
- Full Name: Make sure it’s easy to read.
- Contact Information: Your phone number, email address, and possibly your LinkedIn profile.
- Location: For international jobs, include your location (city and country) to show your current residence.
- Nationality or Work Visa Status: In some countries, it’s important to mention if you have the legal right to work there. This is often the case for jobs in the U.S., Australia, or Canada.
While it’s typical to add your birth date or marital status in certain regions like Europe or Asia, in the U.S. and many other countries, this is not necessary due to anti-discrimination laws.
3. Write a Strong Resume Summary or Objective
The resume summary or objective is the first thing employers see, so it should grab their attention. It’s a concise paragraph that explains who you are, what you bring to the table, and what you’re looking for in your next job.
- Resume Summary: This is suitable if you have significant work experience. It should focus on your key achievements, skills, and what you’ve contributed to previous roles.
- Resume Objective: This is more appropriate if you’re newer to the job market or changing industries. The objective should focus on your goals, enthusiasm for the role, and what you hope to achieve.
Example:
Summary: “Experienced marketing professional with over 5 years of experience in digital marketing, content creation, and campaign management. Proven ability to drive engagement and increase revenue through strategic marketing initiatives. Looking to bring my skills to an international team at [Company Name].”
Objective: “Motivated graduate with a background in international relations, seeking to leverage strong communication skills and cross-cultural awareness in a marketing role abroad. Passionate about contributing to a dynamic, global organization.”
4. Highlight Your Relevant Work Experience
This section is crucial for showcasing your skills and expertise. List your previous positions in reverse chronological order (most recent job first), including the company name, your job title, and the dates you worked there.
For each job, provide a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements. Focus on accomplishments that show your skills and contributions, particularly those that are transferable to the international job you’re applying for.
Use bullet points to list your achievements, and try to quantify them when possible. For example:
- Increased sales by 20% within six months by implementing targeted email campaigns.
- Managed a team of five to successfully launch a global marketing campaign.
Tailor your experience to match the job description, using keywords and action verbs to demonstrate your impact.
5. Showcase Your Skills and Abilities
List both technical and soft skills that are relevant to the job and the country you’re applying to. For example, in some international roles, proficiency in multiple languages is essential, while in others, technical skills like coding, project management, or marketing expertise may be more important.
Some examples of skills to include:
- Technical Skills: Programming languages, data analysis tools, CRM systems, software proficiency.
- Soft Skills: Leadership, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, cross-cultural competence.
- Language Skills: If you’re applying for a job abroad, highlight any foreign languages you speak, and include the level of proficiency (e.g., fluent, intermediate, basic).
6. Education and Certifications
Include your educational background, beginning with your most recent degree. List the degree name, the institution, and the year of graduation. If you’ve attended any international institutions, this can also work in your favor, as it highlights your ability to adapt to different educational systems.
Certifications related to the job you’re applying for are also important. For example, a project management certification for a project manager role or a Google Analytics certification for a digital marketer will make your resume stand out.
If you’ve completed any training or online courses relevant to the industry, include these as well.
7. Include International Experience (If Applicable)
If you’ve worked abroad before, this is an excellent opportunity to showcase your international experience. Employers often look for candidates who have experience working with diverse teams and can adapt to different cultures. Whether it’s through previous work, study, or volunteer opportunities abroad, highlight how this experience makes you a great fit for an international role.
Example:
“Worked as a marketing consultant for a European-based company, collaborating with teams across three countries to develop and implement digital strategies.”
8. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application
One of the best tips for writing a resume that gets you hired abroad is to tailor it to each job application. Research the company and the position to understand what skills and experiences are most important to the employer. This shows that you’ve put in the effort to understand the role and increases your chances of standing out.
Make sure your resume highlights the skills and experiences that align with the job description. For example, if a job emphasizes leadership experience, make sure to highlight your leadership roles in your previous jobs.
9. Proofread and Edit Your Resume
Before submitting your resume, proofread it for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors. A resume with mistakes can make you appear careless and unprofessional. Use a spell checker, and if possible, ask a friend or mentor to review it.
It’s also important to ensure that the formatting is clean, consistent, and easy to read. Use a professional font, keep font sizes consistent, and ensure there’s plenty of white space.
10. Include References or Recommendations (If Needed)
In some cases, employers may ask for references or recommendations. If this is the case, include the names, positions, and contact details of individuals who can vouch for your work experience and qualifications.
For international jobs, recommendations from previous employers abroad can be especially valuable, as they demonstrate your ability to thrive in a global setting.
Conclusion
Writing a resume for a job abroad requires careful consideration of format, content, and relevance to the job you are applying for. By understanding the local resume standards, tailoring your resume to the job, and highlighting your international experience, you can create a resume that helps you stand out in a competitive global job market. Remember to proofread your resume and make sure it reflects your qualifications, skills, and achievements clearly and effectively.
