HOW TO WRITE LANGUAGE SKILLS IN RESUME/CV FOR JOBS IN EUROPE

The Internet is full of information about writing a resume, CV and cover letter for jobs in Europe. Many people have asked me to create an article on this subject, so here it is.

Do you know how to write language skills in a resume/CV for jobs in Europe? If not, the following rules will help you.

The importance of language skills at work is increasingly growing. Therefore, it has become easier to find job vacancies on websites with international characters. The appropriate knowledge of English is required for most people who want to work abroad (for example, in Germany or France).

Language skills are essentials in the job market. You can have all the degrees and certifications, but your CV/resume will not get a second look from an employer if you don't meet their basic requirements. 

The fact is that language skills are something that every employer wants to see on your resume, no matter where in Europe you want to work. For example, a Swedish employer will be impressed if you speak Swedish fluently. Still, they are less interested in your background education or your experience with some software that is not widely used, so the use of this knowledge is limited to your country only. It can hardly be transferred to Sweden.

How much language skills are essential?

A lot! Of course, it's not all about language skills. Have you ever tried to rent a flat from an English landlord? If so, you know what I mean and how important it is for you to speak good English (even if your level of comprehension isn't very high).

The fact is that when Europeans communicate with each other, their first language is always used. This doesn't mean that they don't speak any other languages except their native one. Still, they prefer their language if there are difficulties in communication because it will be much easier to explain or clarify something by using their language. You are automatically eliminated or rejected if you apply for a job in Sweden and don't write Swedish at even the basic level on your CV/resume. So, no matter how attractive your CV is, it won't be considered by any company in Europe without foreign language skills.

How do you prove that you have the required level of language skills?

You can write it on your resume/CV or attach a certificate to your application letter (which sometimes doesn't even look at by hiring managers). 

Standard European Union Language Levels and requirements

EU Official Languages : English(B1), French(B2) , German(C1), Spanish(C2)  and Italian(C1).   People from countries like Sweden love their language and try to reach higher standards than required. Most people speak Swedish fluently because they went to foreign language classes at school.

Where to mention language proficiency in your resume?

It's a good idea to mention your foreign language skills right at the beginning of your CV/resume when applying for vacancies abroad. Why? Because potential employers tend to notice such information first and therefore attach particular attention to this section of the document while checking through all other details (education and experience). It is not necessary to have a high level of any foreign language to get a job abroad. For example, it's enough for an office assistant position in the case of German fluency to mention that you're able to read press releases or e-mail messages in German and translate them into Russian/English if necessary.

To indicate foreign language skills in a resume/CV, they should be placed at the beginning of your document right under your name or close to it. In the first place (or at least on the very top), you should also include information about other major foreign languages you are speaking as well as some words about when, where and how often do you communicate these languages ('fluent English', 'good Spanish skills' etc.).

What about other languages?

If you speak or know any foreign language, it's the right time to write it on your resume/CV. For example, if you speak German fluently and English just at the primary level, I suggest that you write down "fluent German" in your CV and a separate line put "good (level of comprehension) English".  

It is also recommended to mention which countries your skills are valid in because some people still think that knowing French means communicating with all French-speaking countries like Canada, Belgium, Switzerland etc. Let me tell you that no one will question you if you don't speak Italian, but please do not expect them to hire you just because you speak the Spanish language. It won't work, I'm sorry to say.  

Recommendations

For students who want to study abroad, it's good advice to learn the language before coming and take some courses there. If your first foreign language is Russian, you may want to check at the website of any university abroad what are its requirements for applicants and how many points you will get due to being proficient in this language. It's a good idea to ask about it directly at the international relations department of that particular university. Good luck!