The Curriculum Vitae or CV summarizes your professional experience and is your first contact with any company you apply to work for. While you might be aware of the rules when applying for a job in your own country, seeking a job abroad often involves a different process. So what are the things to consider when writing an international CV to impress your potential employer? Here are some tips.
Presenting your CV: Learn about the best practices in the targeted country
The core of the CV remains more or less the same in many countries. It usually includes marital status, target position, language level, professional experience, studies, and interests. But be mindful of the most relevant format. Customization options like those allowed in the French CV are not available in South Korea or Japan. In these two countries, you will need to fill out a form (ilyeogseo, the CV in Korea, rirekisho, in Japan). The Japanese rirekisho has very specific requirements, like that of being written in black ink, not being folded, and being sent by post mail. In Germany, the CV has to be dated and signed. In the United States, you need to add a recommendation letter. Its role is to reassure the employer of your potential. As much as you may be interested in the company you are applying to, you should also show interest in the country where the job is located. Before writing your résumé, learn more about your host country.
Choosing your language when writing an International CV
Should the CV be written in the language used in the ad or the language of the host country? The principle stays the same, regardless of the country in which you are applying for work. In any case, write your CV in the language of the ad. And if the latter mentions a bilingual requirement, write in the language of the ad and in the other language of which you need to have a good command. If you are sending a spontaneous job application, write in the language of the target company (for example, an English company based in Brazil) and in the language of the host country (in the example, Brazil).
Be clear about your visa status
Recruiters are giving less time to reading CVs. Make it easy for them and clearly state your current situation. If you hold a visa that allows you to work, make sure to indicate it. If you already have a visa and a work permit, mention that as well. Indicate whether you are currently in the host country or not. This will let the recruiter know if you are available immediately.
Highlight your experience and skills
Students, young graduates, or workers with chaotic career paths often wonder how to discuss their professional experience. They sometimes have little or no work experience to showcase and can't find anything to value. Fortunately, work does not only mean a paid activity. An associative, sporting, artistic, or cultural activity is also considered a job. Remember your student jobs, too.
But beware of hoarding. Avoid filling in for the sake of filling in. Instead, put forward relevant experiences to the position you are applying for. Highlight your hard (technical) and soft (interpersonal) skills. Be punchy. Use short sentences rather than long, boring paragraphs.
What are the qualities required for the position you are applying for? In what type of environment does the work operate? Use action verbs and keywords that fit the vocabulary of the job. Since the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) boom, well-used keywords have added value to the CV. But sometimes, the ATS relegates a good CV before it even gets to the employer. So, forget the robots. You risk the counterproductive overuse of keywords, leading to your CV being tagged as spam. Instead, be honest, positive, direct, and assertive. Focus on the recruiter's needs. Bring out your potential. Make them want to know more about you.
Should the CV be with or without a photo?
In Spain or Germany, a photo is highly appreciated on CVs. On Korean and Japanese CVs, a photo is mandatory. In England, Canada, New Zealand, or the United States, the photo is perceived as discriminatory. This is because the photo has a much broader reach than a smiling face. Skin color, weight, and physical appearance in photography may make recruiters sometimes flirt with discrimination. In France, everyone does as they please. But the debate "for or against the CV with photo" is heated whenever it comes to the table. For the pro side, recruiters would appreciate more attractive CVs with photos. But the risk of discrimination remains. Jean-François Amadieu, a labor sociologist who created the "discrimination tests", is a defender of the anonymous CV. But at the end of the day, discrimination based on physical appearance is still a significant problem in France today.
How many pages should a CV contain?
It all depends on where you are applying for a job. The basic Japanese and Korean CVs are one double page. The French CV is one page. Canadian, New Zealand or Swiss CVs can run on two pages. Hence the importance of carefully selecting the experiences and skills you wish to highlight. You will not always have the space to write everything. Selection, concision and precision will be your best allies.
Consider the international online CV
In the Internet era, professional social networks open another window for international job opportunities. One advantage is that you can follow the professionals you want to work for or other workers who inspire you and study how they present themselves. Remember to update your online CV regularly. Unlike a traditional resume, it is permanently active. You don't know when international recruiters will look at it. So, make sure you are always up to date.
Common mistakes you should avoid when writing an international CV?
Ready to apply for a job overseas? Before you hit the keyboard or the pen, below are a few practical tips:
Distinguish between resume, CV and cover letter
The resume is a summary of your professional and academic background. It contains only the essential elements that are relevant to the position you are applying for. The resume is, therefore, much shorter than the CV. Please note that in American English, "CV" is called "resume". In the United States and Australia, the term "resume" is used to describe the CV. In South Africa, the term "CV" is used, as it is in the United Kingdom.
The cover letter is an official letter addressed to the employer. It explains your willingness to work for the company. In it, you elaborate on the qualities that would make you the best candidate for the job. The cover letter accompanies the CV. It can be placed in the body of the email (with the CV attached) or attached to the CV. Whether it is handwritten or typed, it should be one page long. Avoid complicated wording and banish jargon, even for a very technical position. Remember that the recruiter is not necessarily a specialist in your field of expertise. Be concise, simple, direct, and a source of ideas. Make the recruiter want to meet you.
Avoid literal translation
Avoid verbatim translation of your resume from one language to another. Some expressions do not translate well into another language. The same logic applies to the qualifications of diplomas.
Don't send the same CV to every employer
Even if you are targeting the same type of position in several countries, do not send the same CV everywhere. As explained above, the English CV is not the American CV, which is neither the South African CV nor the same as a Moroccan CV. Observe the best practice for each country and the requirements of the company in which you wish to work.
Avoid sugarcoating your CV
You may be tempted to add "international" sounding terms to impress the recruiter. Beware of lies. Matching the title of your diplomas with their equivalent in a foreign language is one thing. Lying by adding false statements to make your resume look better is another. Just be honest.
Be transparent about your language proficiency
How would you rate your language level? Fair? Good? Professional? Well, such vague formulas as "read, written, spoken", "correct level" or "good level" are no longer necessary. Prefer standardized formulas, such as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You can also refer to the professional social network method. Don't forget to indicate your achievements in international exams such as the TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language), the TOEIC (Test Of English for International Communication), the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test), TOPIK (Test Of Proficiency in Korean), DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française), etc.
Keep an eye on typos
It's easier said than done. Spell checkers are very useful, but they have their limits. Have your work proofread to track down the typos that have slipped under their radar.
Send your CV in the right format
It might sound funny, but some CVs are still sent in Microsoft's .doc format. This one spells total disaster when it comes to preserving the CV's layout. In the same vein, forget about .jpeg or .png files. Opt for PDF documents that have the advantage of being responsive and preserving the layout, regardless of the medium used, be it a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or phone. When you have the choice of form, prefer an easy-to-read, airy layout. The recruiter must be able to read your CV diagonally to quickly get a grasp of your path and get a clear view of your soft skills.
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