In a non-English speaker country, should I write my resume in English when English is one of the requirements?

The name of the pictureThe name of the pictureThe name of the pictureClash Royale CLAN TAG#URR8PPP





.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0;







up vote
5
down vote

favorite












I have read this question Is it better to write a good cover letter in English or a mediocre one in the local language? but this is a different scenario.



Often, one of the requirements demanded on job posts in my country (previous question is in a foreign country) is advanced level of English. In these cases, should I send my resume written in English (indicating my level as well), or is it better to just send my resume written in the local language and indicate my level of English?







share|improve this question






















  • If you want your resume to show your proficiency, then be certain to have it spell-checked and proofread before sending.
    – Thorbjørn Ravn Andersen
    Sep 17 '13 at 12:37










  • Remember to use the CEFR framework to indicate your knowledge of any language if you're in the EU. "Advanced level of English" could be anywhere between B1 and C2.
    – phw
    Sep 17 '13 at 13:47






  • 1




    @phw I usually state that I hold a B2 certification
    – user8137
    Sep 17 '13 at 14:34










  • At a former company (US based), we hired people who were fluent in French. None of the hiring managers (those who would need to read the resume) were fluent, but our customers were in French-speaking Canada. So resumes needed to be in English. Your situation could be a mirror image of this scenario.
    – John Oglesby
    Sep 18 '13 at 0:33










  • @JohnOglesby yes, it's the same I guess.
    – user8137
    Sep 18 '13 at 7:10
















up vote
5
down vote

favorite












I have read this question Is it better to write a good cover letter in English or a mediocre one in the local language? but this is a different scenario.



Often, one of the requirements demanded on job posts in my country (previous question is in a foreign country) is advanced level of English. In these cases, should I send my resume written in English (indicating my level as well), or is it better to just send my resume written in the local language and indicate my level of English?







share|improve this question






















  • If you want your resume to show your proficiency, then be certain to have it spell-checked and proofread before sending.
    – Thorbjørn Ravn Andersen
    Sep 17 '13 at 12:37










  • Remember to use the CEFR framework to indicate your knowledge of any language if you're in the EU. "Advanced level of English" could be anywhere between B1 and C2.
    – phw
    Sep 17 '13 at 13:47






  • 1




    @phw I usually state that I hold a B2 certification
    – user8137
    Sep 17 '13 at 14:34










  • At a former company (US based), we hired people who were fluent in French. None of the hiring managers (those who would need to read the resume) were fluent, but our customers were in French-speaking Canada. So resumes needed to be in English. Your situation could be a mirror image of this scenario.
    – John Oglesby
    Sep 18 '13 at 0:33










  • @JohnOglesby yes, it's the same I guess.
    – user8137
    Sep 18 '13 at 7:10












up vote
5
down vote

favorite









up vote
5
down vote

favorite











I have read this question Is it better to write a good cover letter in English or a mediocre one in the local language? but this is a different scenario.



Often, one of the requirements demanded on job posts in my country (previous question is in a foreign country) is advanced level of English. In these cases, should I send my resume written in English (indicating my level as well), or is it better to just send my resume written in the local language and indicate my level of English?







share|improve this question














I have read this question Is it better to write a good cover letter in English or a mediocre one in the local language? but this is a different scenario.



Often, one of the requirements demanded on job posts in my country (previous question is in a foreign country) is advanced level of English. In these cases, should I send my resume written in English (indicating my level as well), or is it better to just send my resume written in the local language and indicate my level of English?









share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48









Community♦

1




1










asked Sep 17 '13 at 10:06







user8137


















  • If you want your resume to show your proficiency, then be certain to have it spell-checked and proofread before sending.
    – Thorbjørn Ravn Andersen
    Sep 17 '13 at 12:37










  • Remember to use the CEFR framework to indicate your knowledge of any language if you're in the EU. "Advanced level of English" could be anywhere between B1 and C2.
    – phw
    Sep 17 '13 at 13:47






  • 1




    @phw I usually state that I hold a B2 certification
    – user8137
    Sep 17 '13 at 14:34










  • At a former company (US based), we hired people who were fluent in French. None of the hiring managers (those who would need to read the resume) were fluent, but our customers were in French-speaking Canada. So resumes needed to be in English. Your situation could be a mirror image of this scenario.
    – John Oglesby
    Sep 18 '13 at 0:33










  • @JohnOglesby yes, it's the same I guess.
    – user8137
    Sep 18 '13 at 7:10
















  • If you want your resume to show your proficiency, then be certain to have it spell-checked and proofread before sending.
    – Thorbjørn Ravn Andersen
    Sep 17 '13 at 12:37










  • Remember to use the CEFR framework to indicate your knowledge of any language if you're in the EU. "Advanced level of English" could be anywhere between B1 and C2.
    – phw
    Sep 17 '13 at 13:47






  • 1




    @phw I usually state that I hold a B2 certification
    – user8137
    Sep 17 '13 at 14:34










  • At a former company (US based), we hired people who were fluent in French. None of the hiring managers (those who would need to read the resume) were fluent, but our customers were in French-speaking Canada. So resumes needed to be in English. Your situation could be a mirror image of this scenario.
    – John Oglesby
    Sep 18 '13 at 0:33










  • @JohnOglesby yes, it's the same I guess.
    – user8137
    Sep 18 '13 at 7:10















If you want your resume to show your proficiency, then be certain to have it spell-checked and proofread before sending.
– Thorbjørn Ravn Andersen
Sep 17 '13 at 12:37




If you want your resume to show your proficiency, then be certain to have it spell-checked and proofread before sending.
– Thorbjørn Ravn Andersen
Sep 17 '13 at 12:37












Remember to use the CEFR framework to indicate your knowledge of any language if you're in the EU. "Advanced level of English" could be anywhere between B1 and C2.
– phw
Sep 17 '13 at 13:47




Remember to use the CEFR framework to indicate your knowledge of any language if you're in the EU. "Advanced level of English" could be anywhere between B1 and C2.
– phw
Sep 17 '13 at 13:47




1




1




@phw I usually state that I hold a B2 certification
– user8137
Sep 17 '13 at 14:34




@phw I usually state that I hold a B2 certification
– user8137
Sep 17 '13 at 14:34












At a former company (US based), we hired people who were fluent in French. None of the hiring managers (those who would need to read the resume) were fluent, but our customers were in French-speaking Canada. So resumes needed to be in English. Your situation could be a mirror image of this scenario.
– John Oglesby
Sep 18 '13 at 0:33




At a former company (US based), we hired people who were fluent in French. None of the hiring managers (those who would need to read the resume) were fluent, but our customers were in French-speaking Canada. So resumes needed to be in English. Your situation could be a mirror image of this scenario.
– John Oglesby
Sep 18 '13 at 0:33












@JohnOglesby yes, it's the same I guess.
– user8137
Sep 18 '13 at 7:10




@JohnOglesby yes, it's the same I guess.
– user8137
Sep 18 '13 at 7:10










4 Answers
4






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
9
down vote



accepted










When you should write your CV/Resume/Cover letter in English:



  • In vacancy's text they ask you to do so.

  • Vacancy is published in English.

  • Vacancy is published in English and local language.

When you should not write your CV/Resume/Cover letter in English:



  • Vacancy is published only in local language and employer does not ask you to write them in English.

Even if English knowledge is required for your position, it does not mean that the person who should review your CV/Resume/Cover knows English.



You can also send your information in two languages. But i'd not suggest to do this if you are asked to send it in specified language.






share|improve this answer




















  • This article about applying in the Netherlands confirms that you should apply in English if that's the language used in the ad: "Always adapt your letter (and CV) to the language of the ad, even if you are a Dutch speaker applying for a job offered in English."
    – Lilienthal♦
    Oct 21 '15 at 10:27


















up vote
4
down vote













Just because the position you apply for requires an advanced level of English doesn't necessarily mean that everyone in the company requires an advanced level of English.



Providing a resume both in the local language and in English provides accessibility to HR or other employees who may need to evaluate you but aren't as knowledgeable of English.






share|improve this answer



























    up vote
    0
    down vote













    Points F0G addressed above are good guidelines.



    However, one must also consider that depending on the size of the organisation. They may have a few (if not more) members of staff who's level of english is at full professional proficiency .
    If that is the case, writing your resume in english would be your best option. Trying to translate your intent and purpose will always not transpire well with such matters. As the saying goes it may get 'lost in translation'.



    Secondly, let us not forget that some international companies outside of english speaking countries (US,CAN,UK,AUS,NZ,etc). Also hire native speakers (in this case english) with the intention of strengthening their communication barriers abroad in conjunction with their applicants secondary or tertiary language skills as an intermediary communication base in their branches abroad. Either way, unless it is explicitly stated that a translation is needed. It isn't required to do so.



    Personally having written my own CV/resume solely in english to the middle east and africa. I did not have any issues when it came to interviews nor the application processes.



    Good luck!






    share|improve this answer



























      up vote
      0
      down vote













      So the fact is: You are an excellent English speaker, and at most mediocre speaker of the native language. Either that is acceptable for the position that you wish to apply for, or it isn't. If it isn't acceptable then you won't get the position, no matter what you do. How you write your CV won't make a difference. So logically, we can exclude that case.



      Based on the assumption that they are happy to hire someone with excellent English but mediocre native language I'd write the CV in English. If possible I'd add a cover letter in the native language - just in case your CV arrives in the postroom of the company with someone who wouldn't have a clue what this letter is otherwise, to make sure it actually goes to someone reading English.



      I'd say if there is nobody who can read your English CV, then you won't be getting the job anyway, so write it in English.






      share|improve this answer




















        Your Answer







        StackExchange.ready(function()
        var channelOptions =
        tags: "".split(" "),
        id: "423"
        ;
        initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);

        StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function()
        // Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
        if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled)
        StackExchange.using("snippets", function()
        createEditor();
        );

        else
        createEditor();

        );

        function createEditor()
        StackExchange.prepareEditor(
        heartbeatType: 'answer',
        convertImagesToLinks: false,
        noModals: false,
        showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
        reputationToPostImages: null,
        bindNavPrevention: true,
        postfix: "",
        noCode: true, onDemand: false,
        discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
        ,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
        );



        );








         

        draft saved


        draft discarded


















        StackExchange.ready(
        function ()
        StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fworkplace.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f14477%2fin-a-non-english-speaker-country-should-i-write-my-resume-in-english-when-engli%23new-answer', 'question_page');

        );

        Post as a guest

























        StackExchange.ready(function ()
        $("#show-editor-button input, #show-editor-button button").click(function ()
        var showEditor = function()
        $("#show-editor-button").hide();
        $("#post-form").removeClass("dno");
        StackExchange.editor.finallyInit();
        ;

        var useFancy = $(this).data('confirm-use-fancy');
        if(useFancy == 'True')
        var popupTitle = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-title');
        var popupBody = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-body');
        var popupAccept = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-accept-button');

        $(this).loadPopup(
        url: '/post/self-answer-popup',
        loaded: function(popup)
        var pTitle = $(popup).find('h2');
        var pBody = $(popup).find('.popup-body');
        var pSubmit = $(popup).find('.popup-submit');

        pTitle.text(popupTitle);
        pBody.html(popupBody);
        pSubmit.val(popupAccept).click(showEditor);

        )
        else
        var confirmText = $(this).data('confirm-text');
        if (confirmText ? confirm(confirmText) : true)
        showEditor();


        );
        );






        4 Answers
        4






        active

        oldest

        votes








        4 Answers
        4






        active

        oldest

        votes









        active

        oldest

        votes






        active

        oldest

        votes








        up vote
        9
        down vote



        accepted










        When you should write your CV/Resume/Cover letter in English:



        • In vacancy's text they ask you to do so.

        • Vacancy is published in English.

        • Vacancy is published in English and local language.

        When you should not write your CV/Resume/Cover letter in English:



        • Vacancy is published only in local language and employer does not ask you to write them in English.

        Even if English knowledge is required for your position, it does not mean that the person who should review your CV/Resume/Cover knows English.



        You can also send your information in two languages. But i'd not suggest to do this if you are asked to send it in specified language.






        share|improve this answer




















        • This article about applying in the Netherlands confirms that you should apply in English if that's the language used in the ad: "Always adapt your letter (and CV) to the language of the ad, even if you are a Dutch speaker applying for a job offered in English."
          – Lilienthal♦
          Oct 21 '15 at 10:27















        up vote
        9
        down vote



        accepted










        When you should write your CV/Resume/Cover letter in English:



        • In vacancy's text they ask you to do so.

        • Vacancy is published in English.

        • Vacancy is published in English and local language.

        When you should not write your CV/Resume/Cover letter in English:



        • Vacancy is published only in local language and employer does not ask you to write them in English.

        Even if English knowledge is required for your position, it does not mean that the person who should review your CV/Resume/Cover knows English.



        You can also send your information in two languages. But i'd not suggest to do this if you are asked to send it in specified language.






        share|improve this answer




















        • This article about applying in the Netherlands confirms that you should apply in English if that's the language used in the ad: "Always adapt your letter (and CV) to the language of the ad, even if you are a Dutch speaker applying for a job offered in English."
          – Lilienthal♦
          Oct 21 '15 at 10:27













        up vote
        9
        down vote



        accepted







        up vote
        9
        down vote



        accepted






        When you should write your CV/Resume/Cover letter in English:



        • In vacancy's text they ask you to do so.

        • Vacancy is published in English.

        • Vacancy is published in English and local language.

        When you should not write your CV/Resume/Cover letter in English:



        • Vacancy is published only in local language and employer does not ask you to write them in English.

        Even if English knowledge is required for your position, it does not mean that the person who should review your CV/Resume/Cover knows English.



        You can also send your information in two languages. But i'd not suggest to do this if you are asked to send it in specified language.






        share|improve this answer












        When you should write your CV/Resume/Cover letter in English:



        • In vacancy's text they ask you to do so.

        • Vacancy is published in English.

        • Vacancy is published in English and local language.

        When you should not write your CV/Resume/Cover letter in English:



        • Vacancy is published only in local language and employer does not ask you to write them in English.

        Even if English knowledge is required for your position, it does not mean that the person who should review your CV/Resume/Cover knows English.



        You can also send your information in two languages. But i'd not suggest to do this if you are asked to send it in specified language.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered Sep 17 '13 at 10:49









        F0G

        314313




        314313











        • This article about applying in the Netherlands confirms that you should apply in English if that's the language used in the ad: "Always adapt your letter (and CV) to the language of the ad, even if you are a Dutch speaker applying for a job offered in English."
          – Lilienthal♦
          Oct 21 '15 at 10:27

















        • This article about applying in the Netherlands confirms that you should apply in English if that's the language used in the ad: "Always adapt your letter (and CV) to the language of the ad, even if you are a Dutch speaker applying for a job offered in English."
          – Lilienthal♦
          Oct 21 '15 at 10:27
















        This article about applying in the Netherlands confirms that you should apply in English if that's the language used in the ad: "Always adapt your letter (and CV) to the language of the ad, even if you are a Dutch speaker applying for a job offered in English."
        – Lilienthal♦
        Oct 21 '15 at 10:27





        This article about applying in the Netherlands confirms that you should apply in English if that's the language used in the ad: "Always adapt your letter (and CV) to the language of the ad, even if you are a Dutch speaker applying for a job offered in English."
        – Lilienthal♦
        Oct 21 '15 at 10:27













        up vote
        4
        down vote













        Just because the position you apply for requires an advanced level of English doesn't necessarily mean that everyone in the company requires an advanced level of English.



        Providing a resume both in the local language and in English provides accessibility to HR or other employees who may need to evaluate you but aren't as knowledgeable of English.






        share|improve this answer
























          up vote
          4
          down vote













          Just because the position you apply for requires an advanced level of English doesn't necessarily mean that everyone in the company requires an advanced level of English.



          Providing a resume both in the local language and in English provides accessibility to HR or other employees who may need to evaluate you but aren't as knowledgeable of English.






          share|improve this answer






















            up vote
            4
            down vote










            up vote
            4
            down vote









            Just because the position you apply for requires an advanced level of English doesn't necessarily mean that everyone in the company requires an advanced level of English.



            Providing a resume both in the local language and in English provides accessibility to HR or other employees who may need to evaluate you but aren't as knowledgeable of English.






            share|improve this answer












            Just because the position you apply for requires an advanced level of English doesn't necessarily mean that everyone in the company requires an advanced level of English.



            Providing a resume both in the local language and in English provides accessibility to HR or other employees who may need to evaluate you but aren't as knowledgeable of English.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Sep 18 '13 at 0:15









            jmac

            19.4k763137




            19.4k763137




















                up vote
                0
                down vote













                Points F0G addressed above are good guidelines.



                However, one must also consider that depending on the size of the organisation. They may have a few (if not more) members of staff who's level of english is at full professional proficiency .
                If that is the case, writing your resume in english would be your best option. Trying to translate your intent and purpose will always not transpire well with such matters. As the saying goes it may get 'lost in translation'.



                Secondly, let us not forget that some international companies outside of english speaking countries (US,CAN,UK,AUS,NZ,etc). Also hire native speakers (in this case english) with the intention of strengthening their communication barriers abroad in conjunction with their applicants secondary or tertiary language skills as an intermediary communication base in their branches abroad. Either way, unless it is explicitly stated that a translation is needed. It isn't required to do so.



                Personally having written my own CV/resume solely in english to the middle east and africa. I did not have any issues when it came to interviews nor the application processes.



                Good luck!






                share|improve this answer
























                  up vote
                  0
                  down vote













                  Points F0G addressed above are good guidelines.



                  However, one must also consider that depending on the size of the organisation. They may have a few (if not more) members of staff who's level of english is at full professional proficiency .
                  If that is the case, writing your resume in english would be your best option. Trying to translate your intent and purpose will always not transpire well with such matters. As the saying goes it may get 'lost in translation'.



                  Secondly, let us not forget that some international companies outside of english speaking countries (US,CAN,UK,AUS,NZ,etc). Also hire native speakers (in this case english) with the intention of strengthening their communication barriers abroad in conjunction with their applicants secondary or tertiary language skills as an intermediary communication base in their branches abroad. Either way, unless it is explicitly stated that a translation is needed. It isn't required to do so.



                  Personally having written my own CV/resume solely in english to the middle east and africa. I did not have any issues when it came to interviews nor the application processes.



                  Good luck!






                  share|improve this answer






















                    up vote
                    0
                    down vote










                    up vote
                    0
                    down vote









                    Points F0G addressed above are good guidelines.



                    However, one must also consider that depending on the size of the organisation. They may have a few (if not more) members of staff who's level of english is at full professional proficiency .
                    If that is the case, writing your resume in english would be your best option. Trying to translate your intent and purpose will always not transpire well with such matters. As the saying goes it may get 'lost in translation'.



                    Secondly, let us not forget that some international companies outside of english speaking countries (US,CAN,UK,AUS,NZ,etc). Also hire native speakers (in this case english) with the intention of strengthening their communication barriers abroad in conjunction with their applicants secondary or tertiary language skills as an intermediary communication base in their branches abroad. Either way, unless it is explicitly stated that a translation is needed. It isn't required to do so.



                    Personally having written my own CV/resume solely in english to the middle east and africa. I did not have any issues when it came to interviews nor the application processes.



                    Good luck!






                    share|improve this answer












                    Points F0G addressed above are good guidelines.



                    However, one must also consider that depending on the size of the organisation. They may have a few (if not more) members of staff who's level of english is at full professional proficiency .
                    If that is the case, writing your resume in english would be your best option. Trying to translate your intent and purpose will always not transpire well with such matters. As the saying goes it may get 'lost in translation'.



                    Secondly, let us not forget that some international companies outside of english speaking countries (US,CAN,UK,AUS,NZ,etc). Also hire native speakers (in this case english) with the intention of strengthening their communication barriers abroad in conjunction with their applicants secondary or tertiary language skills as an intermediary communication base in their branches abroad. Either way, unless it is explicitly stated that a translation is needed. It isn't required to do so.



                    Personally having written my own CV/resume solely in english to the middle east and africa. I did not have any issues when it came to interviews nor the application processes.



                    Good luck!







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered Sep 22 '13 at 0:58









                    JMPa

                    511




                    511




















                        up vote
                        0
                        down vote













                        So the fact is: You are an excellent English speaker, and at most mediocre speaker of the native language. Either that is acceptable for the position that you wish to apply for, or it isn't. If it isn't acceptable then you won't get the position, no matter what you do. How you write your CV won't make a difference. So logically, we can exclude that case.



                        Based on the assumption that they are happy to hire someone with excellent English but mediocre native language I'd write the CV in English. If possible I'd add a cover letter in the native language - just in case your CV arrives in the postroom of the company with someone who wouldn't have a clue what this letter is otherwise, to make sure it actually goes to someone reading English.



                        I'd say if there is nobody who can read your English CV, then you won't be getting the job anyway, so write it in English.






                        share|improve this answer
























                          up vote
                          0
                          down vote













                          So the fact is: You are an excellent English speaker, and at most mediocre speaker of the native language. Either that is acceptable for the position that you wish to apply for, or it isn't. If it isn't acceptable then you won't get the position, no matter what you do. How you write your CV won't make a difference. So logically, we can exclude that case.



                          Based on the assumption that they are happy to hire someone with excellent English but mediocre native language I'd write the CV in English. If possible I'd add a cover letter in the native language - just in case your CV arrives in the postroom of the company with someone who wouldn't have a clue what this letter is otherwise, to make sure it actually goes to someone reading English.



                          I'd say if there is nobody who can read your English CV, then you won't be getting the job anyway, so write it in English.






                          share|improve this answer






















                            up vote
                            0
                            down vote










                            up vote
                            0
                            down vote









                            So the fact is: You are an excellent English speaker, and at most mediocre speaker of the native language. Either that is acceptable for the position that you wish to apply for, or it isn't. If it isn't acceptable then you won't get the position, no matter what you do. How you write your CV won't make a difference. So logically, we can exclude that case.



                            Based on the assumption that they are happy to hire someone with excellent English but mediocre native language I'd write the CV in English. If possible I'd add a cover letter in the native language - just in case your CV arrives in the postroom of the company with someone who wouldn't have a clue what this letter is otherwise, to make sure it actually goes to someone reading English.



                            I'd say if there is nobody who can read your English CV, then you won't be getting the job anyway, so write it in English.






                            share|improve this answer












                            So the fact is: You are an excellent English speaker, and at most mediocre speaker of the native language. Either that is acceptable for the position that you wish to apply for, or it isn't. If it isn't acceptable then you won't get the position, no matter what you do. How you write your CV won't make a difference. So logically, we can exclude that case.



                            Based on the assumption that they are happy to hire someone with excellent English but mediocre native language I'd write the CV in English. If possible I'd add a cover letter in the native language - just in case your CV arrives in the postroom of the company with someone who wouldn't have a clue what this letter is otherwise, to make sure it actually goes to someone reading English.



                            I'd say if there is nobody who can read your English CV, then you won't be getting the job anyway, so write it in English.







                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered Oct 18 '15 at 19:35









                            gnasher729

                            71.7k31133225




                            71.7k31133225






















                                 

                                draft saved


                                draft discarded


























                                 


                                draft saved


                                draft discarded














                                StackExchange.ready(
                                function ()
                                StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fworkplace.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f14477%2fin-a-non-english-speaker-country-should-i-write-my-resume-in-english-when-engli%23new-answer', 'question_page');

                                );

                                Post as a guest

















































































                                Comments

                                Popular posts from this blog

                                List of Gilmore Girls characters

                                What does second last employer means? [closed]

                                One-line joke