How to highlight your language skills in your resume-7 tips from OISE

When an employer chooses between you and another candidate, the ability to present your language skills in the best possible light can be crucial.

Emphasize your language skills

Foreign language proficiency can be an invaluable asset on your resume. When an employer has to choose between you and another equally worthy applicant, having this skill can tip the scales in your favor. This is especially important if the position involves communication in an international environment. Here are seven tips to help you demonstrate your language proficiency or choose best websites to pay for essays.

1. Confirm your competence with a certificate of completion of language courses
The result of an officially recognized test is a criterion that not only accurately shows your level of language proficiency, but also inspires confidence in you. Especially if you already speak well enough. To maximize the effect of mentioning the certificate in your resume, specify the year you received it and your grades. Some certificates are only valid for two years, so the fresher the better. If you plan to take a language test, choose the one that best meets your goals:

TOEIC (English Test for international communication) - a test designed to test English proficiency in a working context, it is perfect for professional purposes.
TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge exams are what you need if you want to study abroad. IELTS has a special academic module that you should choose if you plan to study in English.

2. Describe your abilities clearly

Simply stating "read, speak and write" in your resume is not enough today – it will only indicate to the employer your low level of knowledge.

Avoid phrases like "at school level" that only emphasize that your knowledge of the language is unsatisfactory or that you have not used it for a long time. Do not rush to use the term "bilingual", because it will mean that either one of your parents is a foreigner, or you have lived in another country for many years.

3. Refer to the Common European framework of competences (CEFR)

Show that you have a professional vocabulary. The range of levels of language proficiency according to the CEFR from A1 (beginner) to C2 (exemplary). These symbols are applied regardless of whether you passed the language test or not. They help you evaluate your level more accurately, even if it is not confirmed by the exam.

The Council of Europe has created tools for self-determination of the level of knowledge of a number of European languages. You can find them on the Council of Europe website.

4. Let's be specific

If you have specific skills in a particular area, be sure to specify them. For example, skills such as" conducting trade negotiations"," English in Finance "or"writing reports in English".

5. Mention your practical experience, internships, and language courses abroad

If this is consistent with the vacancy, focus on your foreign activities. Your two-week vacation in Greece will not interest the employer, but a six-month internship in the United States will be a real advantage, demonstrating your ability to adapt to new, complex conditions.

6. Be honest

You must be ready to prove your level, so don't lie. You may need to confirm your knowledge during the interview (or at some point in the future, if you get a job). Cheating on your resume will call into question all your skills.

7. Specify only the languages that you really know

If you learned Italian in high school but can't speak it, it's pointless to mention it on your resume, unless you're aiming for a position in Rome and want to show that you know a little bit about the language.

Many applicants underestimate or overestimate their language skills, or do not know how to assess their level at all. For example, the French accent itself is not a hindrance, if you can accurately convey the necessary information. International companies will always evaluate a potential employee who has an official, trustworthy confirmation of their language competence.

Improve your English for work or study

The OISE language school network offers a range of intensive courses for working professionals and students who want to work or study in an English-speaking environment around the world. Classes developed in the format of practical lessons, individually with a teacher or in small groups will allow you to quickly master English. OISE courses will help you use English confidently and effectively.

Prepare for the English exam

An intensive English course will help you prepare for a number of certified English language tests. Among them:

Cambridge exams (FCE, CAE, CPE),
IELTS,
TOEFL,
BULATS,
GMAT,
TOEIC,
TOLES.

About This Author

Alex Norman Joined: March 16th, 2020