Today’s workforce is global, and many talents face the challenge of creating an English resume. Writing in a second language can be difficult, so what can you do?
Below are a few quick tips before we dive in:
- Find examples online and mimic them.
- Ask a native speaker to help you.
- Get some feedback if possible.
Now, let’s look at how we can create a powerful resume in English.
Use A Free Resume Builder
If English is your second language, you probably shouldn’t start a resume from scratch. Online generators use HR-approved templates with simple, professional designs. They tell you what information goes well, which is very helpful for international talents.
You can also find different templates for different jobs and pre-generated reference lists and cover letters. Therefore, a good builder saves you at least 50% of the research work. The only thing left is pasting your information into each section.
Do Some Research
We recommend you to do some research and learn the tone and voice used in English resumes. For example, most foreign talents don’t know that job duties use the simple past tense.
There are many small grammatical requirements for resume writing. It’s hard to learn all of them if your mother tongue is not English. Thus, the more resumes you look up, the more you know how to write professionally.
LinkedIn is a great place to start because many candidates share their resumes. Meanwhile, career coaches willingly give feedback and evaluations for those files. Then, you learn how to write a resume and how to make it more compatible with online systems.
Invest In Editing And Proofreading
Grammar and flow are two of the most significant challenges faced by non-English-speaking talents. As a result, you may want to invest in editing and proofreading your resume.
You have a few options:
- Use the autocorrect function.
- Use an editing or proofing plugin, like Grammarly.
- Hire a resume editor.
The last option is the most expensive. However, if you apply for a senior position, it might be worthwhile to hire a professional editor or a resume writer.
Be Honest With Your Language Barrier
Honesty is always the best approach to job hunting. Add a language section in your resume and be straightforward with your English competence. List out all the languages you speak and mark out which one is your mother tongue.
You may wonder: wouldn’t that make me look less qualified?
Quite the contrary, addressing language barriers save recruiters and employers time and effort. In today’s world, they’re used to working with people who have a different native language. It is more frustrating to think someone has native-level English then find out they don’t.
Final Thoughts
Do you know how to make a resume in English now? Regardless, let’s give you a final run-through.
First of all, start with a free resume builder. Choose the template you like and fill in the information you wrote in a separate document. Make sure you stay concise and straightforward.
Next, pay attention to your grammar and potentially hire a resume editor. Ask a few friends if they’re willing to help with editing. All in all, thorough research helps a lot.
