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Tips for the International Job Seeker

By Kristen Carterwrong-job
Contributor, Career Services

Are you seeking international employment though find yourself at a loss concerning the resume format and guidelines required for certain countries? If so, take solace in the fact that you are not alone! Simply stated: one size does not fit all. Consider some of the following interesting international resume standards detailed in the article “How Resumes Differ from Country to Country”:

  • Format– Europe requires its own format, referred to as the Europass CV, which is a standard template that all job applicants must adopt.
  • Personal Information– While it is not uncommon to include such content as nationality, date of birth, and gender on European and Asian resumes, Australia has more stringent privacy laws.
  • Photos– While seen as a faux pas in the U.S., attaching a photo to your document in France, Germany, or some Asian countries is commonplace. Yet, keep in mind this is not an accepted practice in the United Kingdom.

As a career coach, one of the most common questions I encounter relates to resume length. I strongly agree with Mary Anne Thompson’s (founder of Going Global) advice to maintain the 2-page average length for resumes—no matter the country, no matter the position.

Here are some additional key strategies to assist you on your journey to pursuing international employment:

  1. Know the terminology. The terms “CV” (curriculum vitae) and “resume” are often times used interchangeably throughout the globe. However, when a position requires a CV in the United States, it is generally a format adopted mainly by researchers, educators, or individuals in academia, which also looks much different than the standard U.S. resume.
  2. Do your research. Each country will have different requirements regarding the application process for a work visa, so it is vitally important to research the visa laws and requirements relevant to your particular country of interest. For instance, Great Britain has a fairly restrictive points-based work visa structure that is divided into several employment-related categories, all aimed at different groups of migrants.
  3. Consider learning a language. While not necessarily always a requirement, some multinational companies may expect you to speak both the native language of the country as well as English. As a result, you may consider an intense language study, such as the Critical Language Scholarship Program offered through the U.S. Department of State. Aside from attending intensive language study programs or seeking out tutoring services, look for local cultural centers or community activities (i.e. a Farsi-speaking book group) that can assist you in furthering these skills.
  4. Utilize global job search resources. Several countries are included within Indeed Worldwide; however, keep in mind that some of these sites may be in the country’s native language. The U.S. Department of State also offers some resources for international employment on their website.

No matter what country you are interested in, focus on your achievements. Tom O’Neil, CEO of CV.CO.NZ Ltd, places a huge emphasis on this very fact in his article titled, “Write a Resume that Travels Across Countries and Cultures.” He states, “To be effective in a world of global recruitment, create a ‘brochure’ that sells your skills and makes it clear to hiring managers that you are the solution to their problem.”

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