Language on Resume

Should You List Language on Resume

Listing a language on your resume can be beneficial in many professional contexts, especially when applying for roles that require multilingual skills or involve international communication. However, the decision to include this information may depend on factors such as the region you're applying from, the industry, and the specific job requirements.

In the United States, for example, language skills are often valuable across various industries, particularly in sectors like healthcare, finance, customer service, and international business. In contrast, European countries tend to have a higher emphasis on language skills due to their multilingual landscape, with fluency in more than one language being considered standard for certain roles.

Why to List Language on Resume

• Demonstrates Cultural Sensitivity: Showcasing your linguistic abilities indicates an understanding of and respect for diverse cultures, which can be crucial when working with international teams or clients.
• Expands Job Opportunities: Being multilingual opens up a wider range of job opportunities, both domestically and internationally. It makes you a more competitive candidate in today's globalized workforce.
• Improves Communication: Language skills enable more effective communication with colleagues, clients, or customers from diverse backgrounds, leading to increased productivity and collaboration.
• Enhances Understanding of Customers and Markets: Proficiency in a specific language can provide valuable insights into the local culture, customs, and market dynamics when working on projects related to that region.

Where to List Language on Resume

• Professional Summary/Objective Statement: Briefly mention your language skills here to highlight their relevance to your professional goals.
• Skills Section: List languages you are proficient in, along with your level of fluency (e.g., native or bilingual, fluent, intermediate, basic).
• Work Experience Section: Include any languages used in the workplace when describing relevant job duties and accomplishments.
• Education Section: Mention any languages studied during your academic career.

Examples of How to List Language on Resume

Example 1: Skills Section

• Languages:
• English (Native)
• Spanish (Fluent in spoken and written form)
• French (Intermediate level)

In this example, the candidate demonstrates their language abilities by listing their proficiency level for each language.

Example 2: Work Experience Section

• Customer Service Representative | XYZ Corporation | [Dates]
• Handled inbound calls from Spanish-speaking customers, offering prompt and effective assistance.
• Conducted weekly training sessions for Spanish-speaking team members to improve language skills and customer service techniques.

This example shows how the candidate used their language skills in a previous role, making it clear that they are a valuable asset when working with non-English speakers.

What to Avoid While Listing Language on Resume

• Overemphasis: While language skills are important, don't let them overshadow your other qualifications and achievements. A brief mention is usually sufficient.
• Vague Descriptions: Instead of saying "fluent," specify whether you're fluent in spoken and written form, or if your abilities are more limited.
• Incorrect Translations: Always double-check translations to ensure they're accurate and appropriate for a professional resume.
• Omitting Levels of Proficiency: If you don't have extensive language skills, it's better to be honest about your proficiency level than to overstate it.

How to List Foreign Language Certifications on Resume

Best Practices:

• Highlight the Language and Certification: Clearly list the name of the language and the certification you've received. For example, "Certified in Spanish (C2 level) by the University of Salamanca."

  By specifying both the language and the level or type of certification, you provide potential employers with a clear understanding of your proficiency.

• Mention the Date: Include the date when you received the certification to demonstrate its recency and relevance. For example, "Certified in German (C1 level) by Goethe-Institut, June 2020."

  Listing the date shows that your language skills are current and up-to-date, which is crucial for many foreign language positions.

• Specify Proficiency Level: If possible, specify the proficiency level you've achieved according to a recognized standard, such as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This helps employers evaluate your competency more accurately.

  Employers often seek candidates with specific language skills, so providing the proficiency level ensures that your application aligns with their requirements.

• Include Context: If you've gained experience using the language professionally or in an academic setting, mention this to highlight its practical relevance. For example, "Completed a Master's degree in French Literature at the University of Paris."

  Showcasing how you've applied your language skills can help set you apart from other candidates who may have similar certifications but lack professional or academic context.

Example 1: Foreign Language Certifications on Language Resume

• Language: Spanish (C2 level)
• Certification: University of Salamanca
• Date: October 2018
• Professional Context: Translated legal documents from Spanish to English for a local law firm.

Example 2: Foreign Language Certifications in Language Context

• Language: French (C1 level)
• Certification: Alliance Française
• Date: January 2020
• Academic Context: Completed a Master's degree in French Literature at the University of Paris, focusing on 20th-century literature.

How to List Professional or Technical Language on Resume

Listing professional or technical language on your resume is crucial if you want to highlight your expertise in a particular field or industry. Here are some best practices to follow:

• Highlight Relevant Languages: If you have knowledge of languages that are commonly used in the profession, make sure to list them first. For example, if you're applying for a job in software development, listing programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ can be beneficial.

  Example 1: Professional or Technical Language on Language Resume

  • Programming Languages: Python, Java, SQL, HTML/CSS
  • Fluency Level: Proficient
  • Skills: Object-oriented programming, database design, web development

• Specify Levels of Proficiency: If you're fluent in a language, say so! However, if your proficiency is basic or intermediate, it's still important to mention this. This gives employers an idea of the depth of your understanding.

  Example 1 (Continued)

  • Technical Writing: Microsoft Word, Adobe FrameMaker
  • Fluency Level: Proficient
  • Skills: DITA, S1000D, technical documentation

• Include Specialized Terminology: If there are specific terms or jargon associated with your field, include them in your resume. This demonstrates to employers that you understand the industry's language and concepts.

  Example 2: Professional or Technical Language in Language Context

  • Legal Languages: Contract Law, Tort Law, Family Law
  • Fluency Level: Advanced
  • Skills: Statutory interpretation, precedent analysis, case law research

• List Industry-Specific Software: If you use specific software in your profession, list them under the relevant language section. This shows employers that you have experience using these tools and are up-to-date with industry standards.

  Example 2 (Continued)

  • Legal Research Tools: Westlaw, LexisNexis, Casemaker
  • Fluency Level: Advanced
  • Skills: Legal research, case analysis, drafting legal documents

• Customize for Each Job Application: Always tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. If a job posting mentions specific languages or tools, make sure to highlight these in your application. This increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.

How to List Working Language on Resume

Listing your working language proficiency on a resume can be a game-changer, especially if you're applying for multilingual roles or positions that require cross-cultural communication. Here are some best practices:

• Be Specific: Instead of just listing languages, specify the level of fluency using terms like "Native/Bilingual", "Fluent", "Conversational", or "Basic". For example, if English is your native language and you're fluent in Spanish, list it as "English (Native) / Spanish (Fluent)".

• Include Dialects: If you speak a dialect that is different from the standard version of a language, make sure to include this. For instance, if you speak American English, consider listing it as "American English (Fluent)".

• Mention Certifications: If you have formal certifications in languages, such as TOEFL or CEFR, include these details to add credibility to your language proficiency claims.

• Use the Correct Format: Follow a consistent format when listing languages. Common formats include "Language (Level of Proficiency)" or "(Language) - (Level of Proficiency)".

• Contextualize Your Language Skills: Highlight how your language skills can benefit the employer. For example, you could mention that your fluency in Mandarin helped you close a business deal in China.

Example 1: Working Language on Language Resume

Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Fluent), French (Conversational) Language Skills: Proficient in English, Spanish, and French. Native level English speaker with fluency in written and spoken Spanish. Conversational French skills for everyday use. Contextualization: My multilingual abilities have enabled me to communicate effectively with a diverse clientele, close international deals, and provide excellent customer service.

Example 2: Working Language in Language Context

Languages: English (Native), German (Proficient) Language Skills: Native level English speaker with professional proficiency in German. I have passed the Goethe-Institut's C1 German language exam, demonstrating my advanced command of the language. Contextualization: My German language skills and cultural understanding allowed me to excel in my role as a liaison between our company and our German partners, resulting in increased efficiency and profitability for both parties.

How to List Second Language Proficiency on Resume

Listing your second language proficiency on a resume can significantly enhance your employability, especially if you're applying for roles that require multilingual skills. Here are some best practices:

1. Highlight Relevant Languages

Include the languages you're fluent in or have a high level of proficiency in. For each language, specify your reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities. For example:

• English (Native) - Fluent in reading, writing, speaking, and listening
• Spanish (Advanced) - Fluent in reading, writing, and speaking; Proficient in listening

2. Mention Certifications

If you have certifications from recognized language institutions like TOEFL, IELTS, or DELE, make sure to mention them. This adds credibility to your language skills.

• English (Advanced) - Certified with TOEFL score of 100

3. Contextualize Your Skills

Provide context for how you've used your language skills in previous roles or experiences. This helps employers understand your practical application of the language.

• Spanish (Proficient) - Used daily in customer service role at a multinational corporation with Latin American operations

4. Include Translation Experience

If you have experience translating documents, include it to showcase your ability to work with languages professionally.

• Spanish (Native) - Provided professional translation services for legal and business documents

Example 1: Second Language Proficiency on Language Resume

Skills

• English (Native) - Fluent in reading, writing, speaking, and listening
• French (Advanced) - Fluent in reading and writing; Proficient in speaking and listening

Work Experience

Customer Service Representative | XYZ Corporation | City, Country

January 2018 - Present

• Provide customer support to French-speaking clients
• Conduct meetings with French-speaking executives
• Translate business documents from English to French

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration | University of ABC | City, Country

2014 - 2018

• Certified in French Language Proficiency (DELF B2)

Example 2: Second Language Proficiency in Language Context

Skills

• English (Native) - Fluent in reading, writing, speaking, and listening
• Mandarin (Advanced) - Fluent in reading and writing; Proficient in speaking and listening

Work Experience

Multicultural Marketing Specialist | DEF Company | City, Country

March 2020 - Present

• Develop marketing strategies for the Chinese market
• Translate English content into Mandarin for targeted campaigns
• Collaborate with Chinese partners to ensure effective communication

Education

Master's Degree in Marketing | University of GHI | City, Country

2016 - 2020

• Certified in Advanced Mandarin Language Proficiency (HSK Level 5)

How to List Native Language on Resume

Listing your native language on a resume can be beneficial in a variety of professional contexts, particularly when applying for jobs that require multilingual abilities. Here are some best practices for effectively showcasing your native language skills:

1. Highlight Native Language as a Skill

List your native language as a skill or proficiency on your resume. This demonstrates that you have an inherent understanding of the language, which can be valuable in many professions. Use the term "Native/Mother Tongue" to clarify that it's your first language.

Example 1: Native Language on a Language Resume

Skills

• Native/Mother Tongue: English (Spoken, Written, and Listening)

2. Include Dialects if Relevant

If you speak a specific dialect of your native language, include it in your resume to provide additional context about your linguistic abilities.

Example 1: Expanded Example

Skills

• Native/Mother Tongue: English (Standard American English - Spoken, Written, and Listening)

3. Mention Certifications or Education if Applicable

If you have formal certifications in your native language, such as a TOEFL score, include these details to validate your proficiency level. Similarly, mention any relevant education or training in the language.

Example 1: Detailed Example

Skills

• Native/Mother Tongue: English (Standard American English - Spoken, Written, and Listening)
  • TOEFL iBT Score: 100

4. Showcase Bilingual or Multilingual Abilities

If you're proficient in multiple languages, list your native language alongside other languages you speak, highlighting your highest level of proficiency first. This showcases your multilingual abilities, which can be attractive to employers.

Example 2: Native Language in a Language Context

Skills

• Native/Mother Tongue: English (Standard American English - Spoken, Written, and Listening)
• Advanced Proficiency: Spanish (Spoken and Written)
• Intermediate Proficiency: French (Listening and Basic Speaking)

5. Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description

When applying for jobs, always tailor your resume to the specific job requirements. If a job description mentions the need for multilingual abilities or native-level proficiency in a particular language, emphasize these skills on your resume to improve your chances of getting an interview.