How to Write a Resume with International Experience

In today's globalized economy, international experience is highly valued by employers as it showcases a range of critical skills including cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and a global mindset. As a job seeker, including your international experiences on your resume is a smart move that can set you apart from the competition. Here's how to effectively present your international experience on your resume.

Understand the Value of International Experience

Employers often seek candidates who can demonstrate they are culturally fluent, independent thinkers, and capable of thriving in diverse environments. International experience may include study abroad programs, volunteer work, international internships, or employment with multinational companies. Each of these experiences can contribute to your professional development.

Customize Your Resume for the Job

Before you begin drafting your resume, investigate the specific needs of the positions you're applying for. Tailor your resume to highlight international experience that is most relevant to the job. Consider the country where the company is based and any international work that may be involved in the role.

Incorporate International Experience in the Professional Experience Section

List your international work experience in the professional experience section just like any other job. Be sure to include the name of the organization, your job title, the location (city, country), and the dates of employment. Beneath each role, describe your responsibilities, achievements, and any specific projects that are particularly noteworthy.

For example:

• International Sales Manager, TechSolutions Inc. | Berlin, Germany | January 2019 - Present
• Spearheaded the launch of a new product line in three European countries, resulting in a 20% increase in regional sales.
• Collaborated with international marketing teams to align global branding strategies.

Emphasize Skills and Achievements

Alongside your roles and responsibilities, highlight the skills you developed while working abroad. These might include language proficiency, problem-solving in unfamiliar situations, and successfully navigating cultural differences in business practices. Showcase any significant achievements such as negotiating international deals, managing diverse teams, or increasing market share in international markets.

Highlight Language Skills

If you've acquired or improved your language skills while working abroad, be sure to include this in a separate 'Languages' section. State your proficiency level to give employers an accurate understanding of your capability.

Focus on Education

If your international experience was through education, include this in your education section. Alongside your degree, mention any international courses or exchange programs you participated in, discussing the relevant coursework and skills gained.

Use International Formats Wisely

Be mindful of the resume format that is customary in the country of your target job. Certain countries may prefer a CV-style format over a resume, or may expect additional personal information such as a photo. Research standard practices in the country and adapt your resume accordingly.

Demonstrate Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness

Use your resume to show that you not only have the skills but also the cultural awareness to work effectively in an international setting. This may involve drawing attention to activities or projects where you actively engaged with diverse cultures.

Include International References

Having references from international employers can be highly impressive to potential employers as they suggest a degree of global competence. Always ask permission from your referees before including their contact details on your resume.

Use a Cover Letter to Your Advantage

Your cover letter is a great place to elaborate on your international experience. Use it to tell a story about what you've learned, how it's shaped your professional perspective, and why it makes you an ideal candidate for the position.

Proofread and Get Feedback

Ensure your resume is free from errors by proofreading it thoroughly. Additionally, consider getting feedback from professionals who are familiar with international hiring practices.

International experience can be a golden ticket in today's competitive job market, but it's important to present it effectively. By incorporating these strategies into your resume, you'll be able to confidently demonstrate the value of your global experiences to prospective employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is international experience important on a resume?

International experience is highly valued by employers as it demonstrates essential skills like cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and a global mindset. In today's global job market, companies are looking for candidates who can thrive in diverse environments, making international experience a significant asset.

2. What qualifies as international experience?

International experience can encompass a variety of activities such as studying abroad, participating in volunteer programs overseas, completing international internships, or working for multinational companies. Any experience that involves cross-border interactions, cultural immersion, or working in a foreign country qualifies as international experience.

3. How should I incorporate international experience into my resume?

When including international experience on your resume, treat it like any other job experience. Clearly label the organization, job title, location, and dates of employment. Describe your responsibilities, achievements, and significant projects in a way that showcases the skills and knowledge you gained from your international experience.

4. Should I tailor my resume for each international job application?

Yes, it is highly recommended to customize your resume for each job application, especially for international positions. Research the company and the specific job requirements to highlight the most relevant international experience that aligns with the role. This tailored approach can significantly increase your chances of standing out among other applicants.

5. How can I highlight language skills gained from international experience?

To emphasize language skills acquired during international experiences, create a dedicated 'Languages' section on your resume. Clearly state your proficiency level in each language to provide recruiters with a clear understanding of your language capabilities.

6. Is it necessary to follow different resume formats for different countries?

It is essential to research and understand the standard resume formats preferred in the country where you are applying for a job. Some countries may require a CV-style format, while others may have specific expectations regarding resume content and structure. Adapting your resume to the country's preferences shows cultural awareness and respect for local practices.

7. Can I include international references on my resume?

Including international references on your resume can be highly beneficial, especially if they can attest to your global competence and skills. Always seek permission from your references before providing their contact details on your resume to ensure their willingness to vouch for your credentials.

8. How can I use my cover letter to highlight international experience?

Your cover letter is an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into your international experience. Use it to narrate a compelling story about your global experiences, how they have influenced your professional journey, and why they make you a valuable candidate for the position. Personalizing your cover letter with specific examples can reinforce the impact of your international background.

9. What role does cultural sensitivity play in presenting international experience?

Cultural sensitivity is crucial when presenting international experience on your resume. Demonstrating an understanding and respect for diverse cultures shows employers that you are not only skilled but also capable of effectively engaging in international settings. Highlighting experiences where you interacted with different cultures can emphasize your cultural awareness.

10. How can I ensure my resume effectively portrays my international experience?

To ensure your resume effectively showcases your international experience, proofread it meticulously to eliminate any errors or inconsistencies. Seek feedback from professionals familiar with international hiring practices to ensure that your resume effectively communicates the value of your global experiences to potential employers.

Further Resources

For further guidance on how to enhance your resume with international experience and succeed in the global job market, here are some valuable resources:

1. The Balance Careers - How to Include International Experience on Your Resume This detailed guide provides tips and examples on effectively incorporating international experience into your resume.
2. TopResume - How to List International Experience on Your Resume TopResume offers insights on listing international experience on your resume, including showcasing skills and cultural competencies.
3. Monster - How to Showcase Your Study Abroad Experience on Your Resume Learn how to highlight study abroad programs and international education experiences on your resume from Monster's expert advice.
4. Indeed Career Guide - How to Highlight International Experience in a Job Interview Explore tips on discussing your international experience during job interviews and demonstrating its relevance to potential employers.
5. LiveCareer - Using Study Abroad to Boost Your Career LiveCareer delves into how study abroad experiences can enhance your resume and career prospects, offering valuable insights.
6. LinkedIn Learning - Working with Multicultural Teams Access online courses on LinkedIn Learning to develop skills for working in multicultural teams, a valuable asset in showcasing international experience.
7. ResumeGenius - How to Write a Resume: The Complete Guide Explore a comprehensive guide on resume writing from ResumeGenius, covering all aspects including structuring, formatting, and content creation.
8. Glassdoor - International Job Search Tips Glassdoor offers insights and tips for conducting an international job search successfully, including leveraging your global experiences.

By utilizing these resources, you can further refine your resume, ace job interviews, and navigate the global job market with confidence.