How to Highlight Language Skills on Your CV - Why Learning Languages is Crucial for Your Career Success
If you are someone who speaks English as a second, third or fourth language, you know the challenges of learning a new language and attaining professional proficiency in it.
However, the rewards that come with having a strong command over a language can transform your career opportunities. This article is aimed to provide you with a comprehensive guide on why and how to showcase your language skills on your CV for international job applications.
Why is it Important to Invest in Your Language Skills?
Investing in your language skills can give you a significant advantage in today's globalized job market. With the world becoming more interconnected, learning a new language can open doors to international career opportunities that extend beyond your home country. Even during the global pandemic, companies have been hiring multilingual talents with professional skills for their new international journeys abroad. Here are some key benefits of learning a new language:
Go Global
In today's globalized job market, knowing a second language is becoming increasingly important. Not only does it demonstrate your adaptability and cultural awareness, but it also enhances your chances of securing a job abroad. This is particularly true for multinational and international companies, which actively seek out multilingual candidates with professional skills. As remote working becomes more prevalent, location is no longer a barrier for these companies. So if you're looking to expand your career options and increase your chances of landing a job abroad, learning a new language could be the key to unlocking a world of opportunities. Start investing in yourself and your future by learning a second language today.
Expand Your Knowledge
Knowing another language also gives you a higher chance to understand and empathize with another culture. This can help you expand your knowledge of a new market by following local industry trends, giving you the opportunity to join a team in a brand new business market.
Increase Your Salary Potential
Speaking several languages increases your network and salary potential. Building deeper relationships with people who speak the same language as you applies to your international career network just the same. Companies build their teams with multilingual professionals for different language markets, prioritizing candidates with multilingual backgrounds or offering relatively higher salaries, signing bonuses or other benefits depending on the industry and the market.
Improve Your Soft Skills
Learning a new language helps you to improve your soft skills, such as good communication, empathy, adaptability, willingness to learn and multi-tasking abilities. These are highly valued skills that recruiters and head hunters look for when selecting the right candidates for their positions, especially for customer service, technical support, and sales positions.
There are also many recruitment agencies just like Blu Selection that are specialised in the international recruitment of multilingual professionals. This shows the high demand for talents with language skills on the european market. As said earlier, companies are building their teams specialised in different language markets with multilingual professionals and they either prioritise candidates with multilingual backgrounds or offer relatively higher salaries, signing bonuses or other benefits depending on the industry and the market.
As a recruitment company with years of experience, we understand the importance of highlighting language skills in job applications. We receive countless CVs from non-German speakers for native level positions, which is why it's crucial to know how to mention languages on a resume.
Including language skills on your resume can give you a competitive edge over other candidates. It's essential to include them in the skills section or a separate section if they're particularly strong. This way, employers can easily notice your language skills and be impressed by them.
If you're applying for a multilingual position, mentioning your language skills can be the key to getting hired. By including relevant keywords like "language skills" and "multilingual" in your application, you can increase your chances of appearing in search results for language jobs.
Every language you can speak above B1 level should be on your CV
It's important to showcase your language abilities on your CV. If you are fluent in a language above B1 level, be sure to include it in a separate section on your resume dedicated to language skills. You should indicate your proficiency level in each language, especially if you are applying for a job in Europe, using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The CEFR has 6 proficiency levels ranging from A1-A2 (beginner) to B1-B2 (intermediate) and C1-C2 (advanced). Clearly specifying which languages you can speak at a proficient or intermediate level can make your CV more attractive to employers. Highlighting your language skills can increase your chances of landing your dream job.
However, if you want to improve your language and feel more confident, we can recommend the following:
Individualized language lessons in German and English | with and without application training | | Sprachinstitut TREFFPUNKT-ONLINE
Are you preparing for a new professional challenge or do you simply enjoy improving your language skills? The Sprachinstitut TREFFPUNKT-ONLINE supports your motivation for both. Opt for a language course tailored to your needs and choose fast learning success, maximum flexibility and having fun with the lessons. Alexandra von Rohr, head of the language school, will be happy to advise you. Take a first step - start your individual lessons with an online test lesson.
Native Level Language on CV: How to Showcase Your Language Skills
If you're a native speaker of a language, it's essential to clearly state your level of proficiency on your CV. Don't assume that recruiters or ATS (Application Tracking Systems) will automatically know your native language just because of your name, address, or education. It's important to specify which languages you speak on a native level and which you've learned to a proficient level.
If you're applying for a job that requires fluency in a particular language, be sure to mention this on your CV. Including your language skills demonstrates that you're a well-rounded candidate with a global perspective.
When it comes to the best language to use on your CV, it's generally recommended to send it in English unless otherwise specified. This ensures that your application will be understood by a wider range of recruiters and hiring managers.
Lying about any skill on your CV is never a good idea, especially when it comes to languages. It's a waste of time for everyone involved, including you. During the recruitment process, you should expect your language skills to be assessed, especially if you claim to speak a native-level language or if the job requires fluency in a specific language such as English. Many jobs involve written tests, video interviews, and most importantly, actual performance on the job. So always be honest about your language skills on your CV to avoid any potential setbacks.
For better credibility, mention any language certificates you hold
If you possess a language-related certification, such as a degree or diploma, make sure to include it in this section. You can also include any language-related work experience, such as volunteering, internships, or prior work experience, in your CV. If you're writing a cover letter, consider highlighting your accomplishments in the language field. Including these certifications will alleviate any doubts that may arise during the application and CV screening process.
Now, it's time to perfect your resume for your next international job application by emphasizing your language skills alongside your technical and soft skills, as well as your professional experience. As a company that hires multilingual candidates for diverse jobs, we're happy to assist you in landing your dream job. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need assistance with your international job search!
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