Whether you’re interested in moving abroad or you’re just looking for a competitive job in your field, one thing is clear – you need a resume that goes beyond your country’s borders.
With the market getting more globalized, companies look for international candidates as opposed to born-and-bred locals. They need employees who can bridge the differences between cultures and industries and help their business come out on top.
But how are you supposed to show that you’ve got the experience and know-how of the type of cosmopolitan employee they need? This is where your international resume comes in.
In this guide, we’re going to teach you:
- What Is an International Resume?
- How It’s Different from a Normal Resume
- 9 Steps to Writing an International Resume
…and more!
Let’s dive in.
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What Is an International Resume?
An international resume is any resume that’s tailored to meet the expectations, norms, and legal requirements of one or more countries outside of your home country.
Unlike a standard resume or CV that might follow one specific format, an international resume has to adapt to differences worldwide. This means one of two things:
- Creating a resume that’s perfect for one specific country you’re aiming to get a job in.
- Writing a universal resume that you could use in several different countries without breaking conventions in any of them.
Some things that make an international resume distinct include variations in format, length, content, and tone depending on the target country. For example, some countries expect a certain level of professionalism that could come off as too stiff or impersonal in others.
Creating an international resume requires research and cultural awareness. It’s not about simply translating your existing resume – you need to customize it to resonate with local hiring managers, reflect local standards, and comply with their legal requirements. This significantly increases your chances of making a strong impression and securing interviews abroad.
Whether you’re applying for a job in Europe, East Asia, the Middle East, or anywhere else, understanding these nuances will help you present yourself professionally and respectfully in diverse job markets.
International Resume Example
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Quick Tip
New to making a resume? Follow our beginner’s guide for a full breakdown!
When Do You Need an International Resume?
You need an international resume whenever you’re looking for a job outside your home country or when you’re aiming for a multinational company that values global experience. This could be for roles that include relocation, remote positions targeting candidates worldwide, or roles that require cross-border collaboration.
If you’re applying for a job abroad, a resume that meets your local standards might not suffice. Every country has unique expectations about what should be included and how it should be formatted. For example, while US employers prefer concise, one-page resumes that emphasize achievements, many European countries expect longer, more detailed CVs with more personal information and a comprehensive education history.
Even if you’re applying remotely, employers might want evidence that you understand their local business culture and professional standards. This especially goes for customer service representative roles where you might be expected to help customers from a certain country, so an international resume can demonstrate your comprehension of the local communication style.
Basically, anytime your job search crosses physical or cultural borders, it’s time to adapt your resume to fit international standards.
9 Steps to Writing an International Resume
Now that you know when you need an international resume, it’s time to write one! Just follow the steps we’ve outlined below, starting with:
#1. Pick the Right Format
Before you can start filling in the contents of your resume, you need to choose an appropriate format. This determines the entire structure and look of your resume, so it’s an important first step.
Generally, there are three types of resume formats you can choose from:
- Reverse-chronological (sometimes called chronological)
- Functional (sometimes called skill-based)
- Combination (sometimes called hybrid)
That being said, there’s always a clear choice for an international resume, and that’s the reverse-chronological resume format.
This is hands-down the most popular format worldwide, and it’s what hiring managers expect to see. So, we’re going to focus on showing you how to make a reverse-chronological resume for the rest of this guide.
Here’s what this format looks like:
#2. Customize the Layout
Now that you know what resume format to start with, it’s time to perfect your resume’s layout. This is usually determined by the template you’re working with.
The layout determines whether your resume looks organized or cluttered. Regardless of what country your resume is targeting, there are a few standard conventions you should follow here. These include:
- Use clear section headings. This helps the hiring manager navigate through your resume and find what they’re looking for.
- Set the margins. Your resume needs just the right amount of white space to look tidy. Use one inch on all sides so your text fits perfectly on the page.
- Pick a professional font. Always opt for a font that’s professional and easy to read but not overused. We recommend replacing Times New Roman with something like Lora, for example.
- Adjust the font size. No one should have to squint to read your resume, so use 11-12 pt for your normal text and up to 14-16 pt for your section titles.
Besides these, there’s one important element you need to consider – should you include a photo or not? The answer here depends entirely on the country you’re applying for a job in and, to an extent, on the industry.
You need a flexible resume template that lets you add or remove a picture without messing up all your formatting so far, so choose wisely. The wrong template will end up being a hassle once you need to make changes to your resume.
Use a (Free) Resume Template
Fixing the layout on your resume can take ages.
And if you plan to apply for jobs in different countries, then you’re looking at hours of painstakingly tweaking margins, adjusting font sizes, and toggling the photo on and off, all before you can even get to the contents.
That’s why we recommend you start with one of our free resume templates. Each one is pre-formatted, so you won’t have to bother with the layout at all.
They’re created in close collaboration with HR experts from around the globe, so they’re both visually appealing and meet all industry standards!
You can easily switch between different templates and toggle various customization features, so you don’t have to start over every time you want to apply for a job in a different country.
Just look at how the same international resume would look for applications in two different countries:
#3. Include All Necessary Contact Details
Now, it’s time to focus on your resume’s contents.
So, let’s start with one section that’s especially crucial for an international resume – the contact information.
Typically, the contact information section is the simplest section to write. You just have to list:
Typical Contact Information:
- Full name. Your first and last name, right at the top of your resume.
- Email address. A professional email address that’s easy to spell, preferably a combination of your first and last names. (E.g.: doe.jane@novoresume.com)
- Phone number. A phone number where the hiring manager can easily reach you. For international resumes, always include your country’s dial code at the beginning.
- Location. Your city and state/country should be enough information.
- Relevant links. Any supplemental information, such as your LinkedIn profile, a personal blog, or a portfolio website.
However, when you’re writing an international resume, there are a bunch of other details you might be expected to add. Some of them include:
International Resume Details:
- Work authorization. If you have a visa or if you need the employer to sponsor you for one, specify so in your resume.
- Nationality. This detail is common for resumes across Europe and Asia, and it often ties into the previous point about work authorization and other legal considerations the employer might need to make.
- Driver’s license. This is something commonly listed on resumes around the world since employers might expect you to do business trips throughout the country.
- Date of Birth. In many countries, it’s standard practice to include your exact date of birth.
- Marital Status. Some employers in countries such as India want to know if their candidates are married or even how many children they have.
- Headshot. While the practice is dwindling around the world, many employers worldwide expect you to include a professional photo on your resume.
As you can see, international resumes often require more personal details than you might be used to disclosing. This might feel intrusive, but adhering to what the employer expects can prevent misunderstandings or delays during the hiring process.
Keep in mind that while some of these personal details can be expected in one place, they might be taboo in another. For example, in much of the Anglosphere (countries such as the USA, the UK, and Ireland), it’s actually illegal to include most of these personal details on your resume since they could lead to hiring bias and discrimination.
So, make sure to do your homework. Research local expectations carefully and include only what’s relevant to the position and country.
#4. Tailor Your Experience to the Job and Region
We’ve come to the most important section of your international resume – your work experience.
This section allows you to demonstrate your skills, achievements, and relevant experience for the role you’re applying for. But it also needs to be tailored to the position and the norms in the specific country you’re applying to.
First, let’s look at how you should format it:
- Job title. Start with your job title to help the hiring manager quickly identify your role. Be accurate and specific, using job titles that align with the position you’re applying for.
- Company name. Mention the name of the company. If they aren’t well-known, you can also add a brief explanation about their operations.
- Location. State the location, namely the city and country.
- Dates employed. Use the mm/yyyy format to keep things simple and easy to track.
- Responsibilities and achievements. This is the core of your work experience section, so be sure to list between three and six bullet points with examples for each role.
But those are only the basics. For your international resume to make an impact, you need to focus on your most impressive achievements over routine responsibilities. For example, instead of simply mentioning that you "were responsible for a team," transform it into a real accomplishment, like "led a team of 10 and increased project completion by 30%."
Next, you want to tailor your work experience to match both the job and the country. The first part is easy – just list only your relevant past roles instead of your entire work experience (such as part-time summer roles). Also, make sure to reference the job ad for keywords on what they expect a candidate to have done.
For instance, in many Western countries, emphasizing your achievements and using confident, results-oriented language is encouraged. However, in countries like Japan or South Korea, a more modest approach focusing on teamwork and collective success goes a long way.
Make sure you adapt your tone to respect local norms. It shows cultural sensitivity, which will strengthen your international application and increase your chances of landing an interview.
#5. Explain Your Education
Your education section isn’t usually quite as essential as your work experience unless you’re new to the job market. However, as a part of your international resume, it can give employers insight into your academic background and help them assess your qualifications.
Your education should always list your most recent degree first, starting with your highest qualification, and only include relevant details. So, focus on degrees that are internationally recognized, and possibly skip high school if you have a higher education degree.
Here’s how to format it on your resume:
- Program Name. List your degree and major (e.g., “B.A. in Business Administration”).
- University Name. Include the name of your institution (e.g., “New York State University”).
- Location. If your institution is not widely recognized, add the city and country (e.g., “Stockholm, Sweden”).
- Dates Attended. Use a mm/yyyy format (e.g., “08/2014 – 06/2018”).
- Qualification. In some countries, you may need to clarify the equivalent level of your degree using international frameworks (e.g., ISCED for EU countries).
Now, let’s look at an example of the education section on an international resume:
Example of an International Education Section:
B.A. in Business AdministrationColumbia UniversityNew York, USA08/2014 – 06/2018- Relevant Coursework: International Business, Marketing Strategies
- Achievements: Led a business strategy project with global insights.
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Quick Tip
Are you looking for a job in academia? Learn how to write an academic CV to get there!
#6. Focus on Cross-Cultural Skills
Your skills section is essential for showcasing what you can bring to an international role. So, you should take advantage of this section to the fullest by listing both hard and soft skills.
Similarly to your work experience section, your skills also need to be tailored according to where you’re applying.
For example, if you’re applying for a business role, skills like communication, leadership, and adaptability are always good. However, if you’re aiming for a position in East Asia, humility and modesty are more important than self-promotion, whereas in the USA, being assertive can be seen as a key strength.
In international roles, interpersonal skills and cross-cultural competence are among the most crucial things you could add to your resume. Highlight your ability to work with diverse teams, communicate across cultural boundaries, and adapt to new environments.
Also, be sure to connect these skills to any international projects, multicultural workplaces, or cultural training you’ve completed. Employers want to see that you can navigate global teams and understand different cultural perspectives.
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Quick Tip
Not sure which skills to add to your resume? Choose from our list with over 400 skills for different roles!
#7. Group International Experiences Together
If you have multiple international experiences, they must highlight your global expertise. You could create a dedicated section for your international experience to keep things neat.
A simple section named something like “International Experience” or “Global Projects” is more than enough. This can help hiring managers quickly spot your international background and see the value of your cross-border work.
You can include any study abroad programs, remote work with international teams, volunteering abroad, or professional roles in foreign countries. Be sure to provide context about the locations, cultures, and types of projects you worked on.
Whether you helped launch a product in Asia or collaborated with a European team remotely, sharing the scope of your experiences demonstrates your ability to adapt to diverse environments and work effectively with different teams.
#8. List Language Proficiencies
Never understate the boost a foreign language can give your resume. If you’re bilingual or, even better, a polyglot, then that definitely belongs on your resume.
Even if the position is advertised as only requiring your primary language, such as English, an extra language or two can still be very useful.
Just list any languages you know in your resume by writing them down and assigning them an appropriate level, such as:
- Native
- Fluent
- Proficient
- Intermediate
- Basic
If you want to make the formatting even more international, use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) or the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency scales. This can make your language fluency level more credible.
Of course, aiming for an international job goes hand-in-hand with adapting to the local language in any capacity.
Even if you speak the “same” language as your target country, you still have to adjust the spelling, vocabulary, and formatting to local conventions. For example, if you’re trying to create a Canadian resume, you will have to adjust to spelling some words closer to the British variant than the American one.
This localization also applies to different metrics, like measurements and date formats. We recommend using a date format like dd/mm/yyyy instead of mm/dd/yyyy, since it’s more universal.
#9. Translate Your Resume
Languages are important, but let’s talk about the language your international resume should be written in.
This is a pretty easy step. Just check the job ad – does it explicitly say to send a resume in one or two languages? Usually, this will be English and the local native language.
If the answer is “No,” and the employer hasn’t specified anything about what language you should send your resume in, then use the same language the job ad is in. This might mean translating your resume to the native language of that country or just sticking to English if that’s what the job posting is written in.
There are many global companies where most of the hiring process is in English, even when it isn’t an official language in the country. This serves as an extra level of screening before the applications even reach the applicant tracking system (ATS), so candidates without the necessary language proficiency are deterred from applying at all.
With that in mind, if you have the option to attach more than one file to your application, we encourage you to include a version of your resume in the local language, too. This shows extra effort and respect towards the employer and your future coworkers.
Don’t underestimate this step, though. A professional translation service or the help of a native speaker is mandatory here – you don’t want to make a bad impression through a grammatical mistake or create a misunderstanding. For example, in some languages, the English “homemaker” can be interpreted as “construction worker,” so it’s better to specify you were a “stay-at-home parent” instead to keep things simple and easy to understand.
FAQs About International Resumes
Are you still wondering about something on how to write an international resume? Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.
Key Takeaways
And that's everything you need to know about writing a great international resume!
By now, you should be equipped to create a resume that opens doors worldwide. But before you start applying, let's recap the most important points we covered:
- Thoroughly research local expectations before you start applying. What's standard practice in one country can be completely inappropriate or even illegal in another.
- Make sure to adapt your content culturally, not just translate it. An international resume should show you understand and respect different business cultures, communication styles, and professional standards.
- Always use the reverse-chronological format since it’s universally preferred and it’s what hiring managers expect to see, regardless of which country you're targeting.
- Highlight your cross-cultural competencies and international experiences. Employers who want global talent will need evidence that you can navigate diverse environments, work with multicultural teams, and adapt to different business practices.
- Include all the necessary personal information for your target region. Be prepared to add details like your work authorization status, nationality, or driver's license information, even if it seems unusual compared to your home country's standards.
- Choose a flexible resume template that allows for easy customization. You'll need to toggle elements like photos, adjust formatting, and modify sections depending on where you're applying, and the right template can save you hours of reformatting work.
