Applying for any job takes time and effort but applying to work abroad can be especially intimidating! Not every country expects the same CV format, content or length, and having to consider a potential language barrier can also make it even harder when applying for jobs.
Although it does take more effort, it can be extremely rewarding to find your dream job in a new country. It’s important to remember that by being from a different country to the one you are applying for can also prove to be very beneficial, as you can bring new ideas and skills from your unique experiences.
A winning CV takes time to curate, below are our top tips on how to write a CV with international appeal.
Concise and clear
Your CV needs to be very easily understood, using clear and concise language. Decide which of your skills or experiences are the most important and present them in a series of bullet points for clarity. Be sure to consider exactly what job you are applying for, and which of your skills will be the most valuable for employability.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the country that you are applying to work in: which of your experiences or skills will be the most valuable when working in this country? Do a little research into the current job market. Are they any tech skills in shortage that you can have? If so, be sure to highlight them!
Format
Employers in some countries might have very specific expectations regarding the format of a CV. Some might expect skills to be listed in reverse-chronological order, while others might want skills and experiences to be grouped by relevance. You can do research in order to make sure your CV is formatted in the best way. There are plenty of online resources listing the CV formats for specific countries, and even some supplying sample CVs.
If in doubt, follow the CV format that you are familiar with, but remember to make the format as easily understood as possible. Generally, using bullet points is a good method of formatting your information, and fonts such as Arial, Tahoma or Calibri are appropriate for a CV.
Europass
The European Union has made it even easier for the movement of workers across its member countries by implementing Europass. The scheme’s main goal is to standardize the job applications in the EU by helping you put together a CV in a format which is accepted for all EU member state employers.
Research the Country
Not every country has the help of the EU to facilitate the international movement of workers, so it is important to do your own research in these cases to make sure your resume fits the criteria for the country you are applying for. Remember that it’s okay to ask for help! Contact our team for advice or talk to the HR department of the company you’re applying to. Alternatively, you can seek guidance through the embassy of the country you want to work for, or the embassy of your home country in the country you are applying for. There are multiple options!
Additionally, don’t forget to include your visa status in your resume when applying internationally. That way, employers will immediately know what your visa status is and whether you are able to be employed by them. In some countries, like Hong Kong or the US, you might need to be sponsored by the company to receive a working visa (which should be stated very clearly in your application).
Language Skills
If you’re applying to an international company, chances are the working language is in English. If this isn’t your first language, you should include details of your language skills and abilities. Details might include fluency level, using a universal measurement such as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). If you haven’t been formally tested on your fluency, be sure to mention your language learning experiences.
Add a Photo
Although this might not be common practice in your home country, most EU companies expect a picture on your CV. Do your research on whether it is expected from you, and make sure to include a photo that presents you in a professional and friendly way!
Creating a CV for international applications might take extra time and care but the pay-off of getting your dream tech job will be worth the effort!
