Languages on Resume

Should You List Languages on Resume

Listing languages on your resume can significantly enhance your professional profile, demonstrating versatility, cultural competence, and a broader skill set to potential employers. However, the decision to include this information depends on several factors such as the country, industry, job role, and level of fluency.

In the United States, for example, proficiency in multiple languages is often valued, particularly in diverse industries like healthcare, hospitality, or international trade. Conversely, in European countries like France or Germany, where multiple languages are commonly spoken, it may not hold as much weight unless you're applying for roles specifically requiring multilingual skills.

Why to List Languages on Resume

• Demonstrates cultural competence and adaptability: A multilingual candidate is more likely to understand and navigate diverse work environments, making them valuable assets in global teams or companies with international operations.
• Broader career opportunities: Being bilingual or multilingual opens up a wide range of job opportunities across various industries, both domestically and internationally.
• Communication and problem-solving skills: Learning multiple languages requires strong cognitive abilities, which can be beneficial in solving complex problems and improving overall communication skills.
• Increased chances for advancement: In many organizations, bilingual employees are sought after for roles that require international travel or collaboration with foreign offices. Mastering a new language can pave the way for career growth and opportunities.

Where to List Languages on Resume

• Language Proficiency section: Create a dedicated section for language skills, listing each language you speak, your level of proficiency (beginner, intermediate, advanced, or native), and any relevant dialects or regional variations.
• Work experience section: If you have utilized your language skills in previous jobs, include this information under the work experience section with specific examples of how your linguistic abilities contributed to your success in those roles.
• Education section: Mention any languages studied during your academic career and their level of proficiency.
• Customize for job requirements: Tailor your language listing according to the job posting's specific language needs, highlighting relevant skills that align with the position.

Examples of How to List Languages on Resume

Fluency in Multiple Languages

• Language Proficiency:
• English (Native)
• Spanish (Advanced)
• French (Intermediate)
• German (Basic)

This example demonstrates your fluency in multiple languages, with each level of proficiency clearly defined. The listing is concise and easy to read.

Language Proficiency for Specific Role

• Work Experience:
• Bilingual Customer Service Representative, XYZ Corporation, 2018 - Present
  • Handled customer inquiries in English and Spanish through phone, email, and live chat
  • Provided accurate translation services between both languages
  • Earned multiple customer service awards for exceptional multilingual support

This example showcases how you have leveraged your language skills in a specific role, providing concrete examples of your proficiency and the positive impact on your performance.

What to Avoid While Listing Languages on Resume

• Vague or inflated proficiency levels: Be honest about your language skills; avoid using terms like "fluent" if you have only basic knowledge of a language.
• Neglecting relevant dialects or regional variations: If you speak a specific dialect of a language, make sure to include this information for greater clarity and accuracy.
• Overemphasizing less-common languages: While it's good to showcase diverse skills, avoid listing obscure or rare languages that may not be valuable in the job market unless they are directly relevant to the position you're applying for.
• Omitting contextual information: Include any certifications, years of study, or relevant experience to provide a more comprehensive understanding of your language abilities.

How to List Foreign or Less Common Languages on Resume

Best Practices for Including Foreign or Less Common Languages in a Resume

• Level of Proficiency: Clearly state the level of proficiency you have in each language. This can include beginner, intermediate, advanced, native or bilingual. Be honest about your abilities as this may be verified during an interview process.

  Example: Advanced - Speak, read, and write French fluently with a near-native accent; also proficient in German (intermediate level).

• Contextualize Your Skills: Provide examples of situations where you have used your language skills. This could be past work experiences, travel, or cultural immersion. This helps to demonstrate the practical application of your language abilities.

  Example: Fluent in Russian; worked as a translator for a Russian-speaking client base during a six-month internship at XYZ company.

• Certification and Training: If you have any formal certification or training in the language, such as a CELTA or a TOEFL score, include this information. This can help to validate your language skills.

  Example: Certified in Business English (CELTA) by Cambridge English; TOEIC score of 950.

• Spelling and Grammar: Ensure that your resume is free of errors in spelling and grammar, especially when listing languages or providing examples related to language skills. This shows attention to detail and professionalism.

  Example: Proficient in Spanish with excellent written and spoken communication skills; able to edit documents for proper grammar and syntax.

• Relevance: Only include languages that are relevant to the job you are applying for. If a language is not directly related to the position, it may be best to omit it from your resume.

  Example: While I am fluent in Mandarin, the role at ABC company does not require this skill set; therefore, I have chosen not to include it on my current resume.

Example 1: Foreign or Less Common Languages on a Languages Resume

[Resume Excerpt]

Languages:

• French - Advanced (Spoken, Reading, Writing)
• German - Intermediate (Spoken, Reading, Writing)
• Italian - Basic (Spoken and Reading only)

Skills & Certifications:

• CELTA certified in Business English by Cambridge English
• TOEIC score of 950

Example 2: Foreign or Less Common Languages in a Languages Context

[Resume Excerpt]

Languages:

• Russian - Fluent (Spoken, Reading, Writing) - Worked as a translator for a Russian-speaking client base during a six-month internship at XYZ company.
• Dutch - Intermediate (Spoken and Reading only) - Studied abroad in the Netherlands for one semester.

Skills & Certifications:

• TOEFL score of 105
• Fulbright Scholarship recipient for study abroad program in the Netherlands.

How to List Language Certifications and Levels on Resume

Best Practices for Including Language Certifications and Levels

• Clearly Label the Section: Clearly mark the section as "Language Proficiency" or "Languages & Certifications". This helps recruiters quickly identify your language skills.

  Example:

  Language Proficiency

• English (Fluent) [Native/Bilingual, C2 Level]

• Spanish (Proficient) [C1 Level, DELE Certified]

• French (Intermediate) [A2 Level, TCF Certified]

• List the Language and Level of Proficiency: For each language you list, provide the level of your proficiency using a recognized scale such as CEFR for European languages or ACTFL for American languages. This demonstrates your expertise in each language.

  Example:

  • English (Fluent) [Native/Bilingual, C2 Level]
  • Native speaker with command of language that allows full participation in all professional and social situations. Can produce very complex language, including abundant idiomatic expressions.

• Include Any Relevant Certifications: If you have formal certifications that verify your language proficiency, list them along with the level achieved. This provides concrete evidence of your language skills.

  Example:

  • Spanish (Proficient) [C1 Level, DELE Certified]
  • Passed Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) exam at level C1 in 2018

• Highlight Specific Skills: If possible, provide examples of how you have used the language in a professional or academic context to demonstrate your competency. This shows recruiters that you can apply your language skills effectively.

  Example:

  • Spanish (Proficient) [C1 Level, DELE Certified]
  • Conducted field research in Mexico using Spanish to interview subjects and analyze data for a sociology project

• Mention the Dialect or Accent if Relevant: If you are proficient in a specific dialect or accent of a language, mention it to show your versatility. This can be especially important when applying for roles in multilingual regions.

  Example:

  • Mandarin (Intermediate) [Beijing Dialect, HSK Level 4 Certified]
  • Studied and used Mandarin during a semester abroad in Beijing, focusing on the Beijing dialect

Example 1: Language Certifications and Levels on Languages Resume

Consider this example for a candidate who is applying for a position that requires strong language skills, such as a translator or international project manager:

Languages & Certifications

• English (Fluent) [Native/Bilingual, C2 Level]
  • Native speaker with command of language that allows full participation in all professional and social situations. Can produce very complex language, including abundant idiomatic expressions.
• Spanish (Proficient) [C1 Level, DELE Certified]
  • Passed Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) exam at level C1 in 2018
• French (Intermediate) [A2 Level, TCF Certified]
  • Studied and used French for a semester abroad in France, focusing on the Parisian dialect
• German (Basic) [A1 Level, Goethe Certificate]
  • Completed basic German coursework and exam at the Goethe Institut in 2020

Example 2: Language Certifications and Levels in Languages Context

Consider this example for a candidate who is applying for a position that requires language skills for customer service or multilingual sales roles:

Languages & Proficiency

• English (Proficient) [C1 Level, TOEFL Certified]
  • Adept at using English in a variety of professional and personal contexts. Effective communicator with strong writing and speaking skills.
• Mandarin (Intermediate) [Beijing Dialect, HSK Level 4 Certified]
  • Studied and used Mandarin during a semester abroad in Beijing, focusing on the Beijing dialect
• Spanish (Basic) [A1 Level, SIELE Certified]
  • Completed basic Spanish coursework and exam at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in 2020
• Vietnamese (Elementary) [TET Level 3 Certified]
  • Passed the TET 3 exam, demonstrating a basic understanding of Vietnamese grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation

How to List Business or Professional Languages on Resume

Best Practices for Listing this Subcategory

• Specify Proficiency Level: Include the level of proficiency you have in each language (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Native/Bilingual). This helps potential employers understand how confident they can be in your language skills when it comes to professional communication.

  For example:

  • Spanish: Advanced (Can conduct business meetings fluently and effectively)

• Indicate Context: Instead of simply listing languages, provide context about when and where you use them. This could include countries or regions, specific industries, or even software tools for language learning.

  For example:

  • German: Business level (Used in international automotive projects)

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize any specialized vocabulary or skills you possess that are specific to your intended profession. This shows potential employers that you're not only multilingual but also equipped to handle the nuances of professional communication in these languages.

  For example:

  • French: Advanced (Proficient in legal terminology, having worked on cross-border contracts)

• Showcase Translation Experience: If you have experience translating documents or providing interpretation services, make sure to include this in your language section. This can be particularly valuable for roles that involve working with clients from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

  For example:

  • Mandarin: Business level (Experience in document translation and interpretation for healthcare settings)

• Organize Consistently: Regardless of how many languages you list, keep the format consistent across all entries. This makes your resume easy to read and ensures that employers can quickly gather the necessary information about your language skills.

Example 1: Business or Professional Languages on Languages Resume

• Portuguese: Advanced (Used in global technology sales)
  • Proficient in technical terminology related to software development
  • Conducted business meetings with clients from Brazil and Portugal

Example 2: Business or Professional Languages in Languages Context

• Arabic: Intermediate (Used in Middle Eastern finance projects)
  • Knowledgeable in financial terms and industry-specific vocabulary
  • Collaborated on cross-border investment deals with Arab clients

How to List Second Language Proficiency on Resume

When listing your second language proficiency on a resume, it's essential to make it stand out and effectively communicate your skills. Here are some best practices:

1. Highlight Relevant Languages

List the languages that are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you're applying for a position in a Spanish-speaking country, include your proficiency in Spanish. Always mention both the language name and the level of proficiency (e.g., Fluent, Advanced, Intermediate, Basic).

• Spanish: Fluent (Native or Bilingual)
• French: Advanced (CERF B2 Level)

2. Include Context and Usage

Provide context about when and how you use the language. This could include professional settings, travel experiences, or social interactions. Showcasing your versatility can make you more appealing to potential employers.

• Spanish: Utilized daily in a multicultural work environment and for traveling to various Spanish-speaking countries
• German: Used during international business meetings and negotiations

3. Mention Certifications or Training

If you have any formal certifications, such as the TOEFL, DELE, or DELF, make sure to include them. This can help validate your language skills and demonstrate a commitment to language learning.

• French: TOEIC score of 900; CEFRL B2 level certification (DELF)
• Mandarin: HSK level 4 certification, over two years of formal instruction at a Chinese university

4. Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities

Show how your language skills have helped you solve problems or complete tasks effectively. This could involve resolving cross-cultural communication issues, finding information in another language, or collaborating with international teams.

• Arabic: Successfully negotiated a contract with an Arabic-speaking client, improving the company's sales by 15%
• Japanese: Translated technical documents from Japanese to English, ensuring the accuracy of project specifications

Example 1: Second Language Proficiency on Languages Resume

In a resume for a multicultural marketing position, the candidate could list their language skills as follows:

• Spanish (Native): Utilized daily in a multicultural work environment and for traveling to various Spanish-speaking countries. Completed a Master's degree in Marketing from a Spanish university.
• Mandarin (Intermediate): Used during international business meetings and negotiations. Achieved HSK level 4 certification, demonstrating a commitment to language learning.
• French (Advanced): Proficient in written and spoken French, with a TOEIC score of 900 and CEFRL B2 level certification (DELF).

Example 2: Second Language Proficiency in Languages Context

In a resume for an international project manager position, the candidate could showcase their language skills as follows:

• German (Fluent): Utilized daily during international business meetings and negotiations. Managed a team of German engineers for a large-scale project in Germany.
• Portuguese (Intermediate): Used during travel to Brazil for business trips. Translated project documentation from Portuguese to English, ensuring the accuracy of project specifications.

By following these best practices, you can effectively demonstrate your second language proficiency on your resume and increase your chances of securing a job that requires language skills.

How to List Native or First Language on Resume

Best Practices for Listing 'Native or First Language' on a Resume

• Highlight Native/First Language Prominently: Place your native or first language at the top of your Languages section, as it is often the most important language skill you possess. Make sure it is easily noticeable.

  • Example: Languages

• English (Native)

• Spanish (Fluent)

• French (Conversational)

• Use the Correct Term: Clearly denote whether your native or first language is a language you speak natively, or one that you learned as your primary language during your formative years. This will help potential employers understand your level of proficiency.

  • Example: Languages

• English (Native/First Language)

• Spanish (Fluent)

• French (Conversational)

• Include Proficiency Level: If you are listing a language other than your native or first language, indicate your proficiency level using terms like "Fluent," "Advanced," "Intermediate," or "Beginner." This will provide employers with an understanding of the depth of your linguistic abilities.

• Specify Dialects or Regional Variations: If you are particularly skilled in a specific dialect or regional variation of a language, make sure to include this information to showcase your unique skills.

  • Example: Languages

• English (Native) – British English

• Spanish (Fluent) – Castilian Spanish

• French (Conversational) – Parisian French

• Include Writing and Speaking Skills: When listing your native or first language, specify whether you are proficient in writing and speaking, as well. This will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the language.

  • Example: Languages

• English (Native) – Writing: Fluent; Speaking: Fluent

• Spanish (Fluent) – Writing: Advanced; Speaking: Fluent

• French (Conversational) – Writing: Intermediate; Speaking: Conversational

Example 1: Native or First Language on Languages Resume

In the context of an international development worker applying for a position with an organization working in multiple countries, they would list their native language as follows:

• Languages
  • English (Native) – Writing: Fluent; Speaking: Fluent

Example 2: Native or First Language in Languages Context

For a multilingual sales representative seeking a position in a global corporation, they would list their native language as follows:

• Languages
  • English (Native) – Writing: Fluent; Speaking: Fluent
  • Spanish (Fluent) – Writing: Advanced; Speaking: Fluent
  • French (Conversational) – Writing: Intermediate; Speaking: Conversational
  • Mandarin (Beginner) – Writing: Basic; Speaking: Basic