how to put in a resume language skills

10 Examples – How to Include Language Skills on Your Resume

• Language Skills: Levels of Proficiency Part 1
• How to Choose the Right Resume Format Part 2
• How to Position Your Language Skills Part 3
• How to Highlight Languages In Job-Related Sections Part 4
• How to Cite Your Languages in a Resume: Examples Part 5
• CERF Language Proficiency Scale: Descriptions, Examples Part 6
• ACTFL Language Proficiency Scale: Descriptions, Examples Part 7
• ILR Language Proficiency Scale: Descriptions, Examples Part 8
• How to Incorporate Language Skills in Cover Letter Part 9
• How to Display Language Proficiency on LinkedIn Part 10

Showcasing your language skills on your resume can set you apart from other candidates and help you land your dream job. But how do you highlight these skills effectively? Here are some tips and examples on how to include language skills on your resume.

Part 1 Language Skills: Levels of Proficiency

Knowing your level of proficiency for each language helps employers understand how effectively you can communicate in various situations. Here are some guidelines and examples to help you define your language skills:

• Native : Being a native speaker means that you grew up with the language and it is likely your first language. You are fully proficient in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in this language. On your resume, you can mention that you are a native speaker of English or another language.
• Fluent : If you can effortlessly speak, read, and write a language without any significant difficulties, you are considered to be fluent in that language. This generally means that you can comfortably engage in conversations, understand cultural contexts, and are able to think in the language. In this case, you could say that you are fluent in French, Spanish, and Italian, for example.
• Professional Working Proficiency : If you can confidently engage in face-to-face or written professional discussions, you possess a professional working proficiency in the language. You should be able to relay complex ideas, read texts, and comprehend business-related jargon. For example, you may have professional working proficiency in Japanese.
• Intermediate Level : An intermediate language skill level is marked by your ability to participate in most social and workplace conversations with occasional misunderstandings. You may have a limited vocabulary and struggle with more complex speech or writing.
• Limited working proficiency is when you can manage basic conversations and tasks in the language. You can understand the general idea and give simple instructions. However, complex topics can be challenging to grasp, and you might feel more comfortable with support from native speakers in the workplace.
• Conversational : If you can communicate in a language but only during casual conversations, you have conversational proficiency. You can typically express basic ideas and understand spoken language, but you may struggle with complex concepts or writing.
• Elementary : If you know only a few phrases and basic vocabulary in a language, your proficiency is at the elementary level. You can handle simple interactions and communicate simple needs.

Resume Section Example 1

_______________________________________

Language Skills:

• English: Native Speaker
• Spanish: Fluent
• French: Professional Working Proficiency
• Mandarin Chinese: Intermediate Level
• German: Limited Working Proficiency

Resume Section Example 2

• Fluent in English and Spanish
• Professional working proficiency in French
• Intermediate level in Japanese
• Conversational in Portuguese

To further show off your language skills, you could include any certifications or achievements related to languages you’ve earned. This might look like:

Certifications: – English: TOEFL iBT – 110/120 – Spanish: DELE A2

Another way to let your language skills shine is by highlighting any experience you’ve gained using these languages. Be it a study abroad program, volunteer work, or professional experience in a foreign country, make sure you mention it in your resume.

Experience: Study Abroad: – Semester in Barcelona, Spain – Fall 2020 – Attended University of Barcelona courses in Spanish – Improved language skills through immersion and interaction with locals

Volunteer Work: – Assisted at a local community center, teaching English to Spanish-speaking immigrants – 4 months in 2019

To help gauge your language proficiency, you can use scales like the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) or the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Both use standardized measurements to indicate a person’s language abilities. Alternatively, you can take recognized language proficiency tests to obtain a more exact evaluation of your language abilities.

There are two commonly used scales: the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages). Both have varying levels based on linguistic knowledge and communication abilities.

For the CEFR scale , proficiency is organized into six levels:

• A1: Beginner
• A2: Elementary/Breakthrough
• B1: Intermediate/Threshold
• B2: Upper-Intermediate/Vantage
• C1: Advanced/Effective Operational Proficiency
• C2: Mastery/Near-native Proficiency

For the ACTFL scale , there are five main levels:

• Novice (Low, Mid, High)
• Intermediate (Low, Mid, High)
• Advanced (Low, Mid, High)
• Distinguished

When you include language skills on your resume, it’s important to choose the appropriate proficiency level that best reflects your abilities and matches the scale used in your country or industry. Always be honest about your skills, as you don’t want to be placed in a situation that exceeds your capability.

Part 2 How to Choose the Right Resume Format

Your resume format directly impacts how your language abilities are highlighted. Here are some popular resume formats and guidance on how to effectively showcase your language expertise:

Option 1: Chronological resume : This format focuses on your work experience in reverse chronological order. To demonstrate your language skills, you can mention your proficiency in the “Skills” or “Language Skills” section. If you’ve used specific languages extensively in previous roles, you can include that in the job description. For example:

• Fluent in Spanish: Acted as a translation liaison between the sales team and Spanish-speaking clients.

Option 2: Functional resume : A functional resume emphasizes skills and achievements over work history. Create a “Language Skills” section and use bullet points to demonstrate your proficiency level in multiple languages. Here’s an example:

• French: Conversational
• Mandarin: Beginner

Option 3: Combination resume : This format merges the best of both chronological and functional resumes. Create a “Language Skills” section to showcase your proficiency levels, and mention specific instances where you’ve used your language skills in your work experience. For example:

• Facilitated communication with Spanish-speaking clients and translated marketing materials.

Choose the appropriate resume format based on your work history and experience, then effectively highlight your language skills in the designated section.

Part 3 How to Position Your Language Skills

When listing language skills on your resume, it’s important to showcase them in a way that highlights your proficiency and catches the attention of potential employers. To effectively position your language skills, consider the following strategies:

• Place your language skills in a dedicated skills section. This helps employers quickly identify your linguistic abilities without having to search through your entire resume. Keep this section concise and well-organized.
• Tailor your language skills to the job you’re applying for. If a job requires fluency in a specific language, make sure it’s prominent on your resume. Highlight any certifications, degrees, or courses you have taken in the language as well.
• Don’t forget to mention your language skills in the experience or education sections if relevant. For instance, you can include a bullet point highlighting your use of a second language to negotiate contracts or collaborate with international clients. This demonstrates real-world application of your language skills, making them more tangible and impressive to employers.
• Lastly, showcase your skill level accurately and honestly. Exaggerated or false claims about your language proficiency can lead to uncomfortable situations during interviews or on the job. Be clear and confident in your abilities, but also be fair and realistic when describing your language skills on your resume.

Part 4 How to Highlight Languages In Job-Related Sections

One way to highlight your language skills is by including them in your work experience. Mention specific instances where your language proficiency contributed to a project or improved team communication. For example, if you used your fluency in French to assist your team in handling an international client, describe the situation and the beneficial outcomes for your employer.

Incorporate languages in your professional experience section by discussing tasks or collaborations where your proficiency in a language was essential. For example, if you’re an interpreter, discuss situations where your language skills helped clients understand complex documents or navigate cultural barriers.

Match your language skills with the requirements outlined in the job listing. If the employer specifically seeks candidates with fluency in a certain language, emphasize your capability in that language in your job-related sections. For instance, if the position involves managing international clients and you’re proficient in the client’s native language, make sure you emphasize this when describing your professional experience.

Job-Related Sections Examples

1. Project Manager with Multilingual Team: – “As a Project Manager at X Company, I led a diverse team with members from different countries. My fluency in Spanish and English played a crucial role in bridging language gaps and facilitating effective communication among team members. This contributed to a cohesive work environment and improved project outcomes.”

2. Marketing Specialist Expanding into New Markets: – “During my tenure as a Marketing Specialist at ABC Corporation, I spearheaded the expansion into Latin American markets. My proficiency in Portuguese allowed me to tailor marketing campaigns to the local audience, resulting in a 20% increase in sales within the region.”

3. Customer Service Representative Handling International Clients: – “As a Customer Service Representative at DEF Solutions, I regularly interacted with international clients. My ability to speak Mandarin Chinese not only helped me assist Chinese-speaking clients but also improved overall team communication, leading to higher customer satisfaction ratings.”

4. Software Developer Collaborating with Offshore Team: – “While working as a Software Developer at Tech Innovators, I collaborated with an offshore development team based in India. My fluency in Hindi enabled me to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, leading to smoother coordination, reduced misunderstandings, and on-time project deliveries.”

5. Sales Manager in Global Sales Division: – “In my role as Sales Manager in the Global Sales Division of GHI Enterprises, I managed accounts across Europe and Asia. My proficiency in German was instrumental in establishing rapport with German clients, resulting in a 15% increase in sales within the German market.”

6. Legal Consultant Resolving Cross-Border Disputes: – “As a Legal Consultant at Law Firm XYZ, I specialized in resolving cross-border disputes. My ability to speak and write in both Spanish and English allowed me to draft legal documents and communicate with clients in their preferred language, simplifying complex legal matters and enhancing client satisfaction.”

7. International Relations Coordinator in a Nonprofit: – “While serving as the International Relations Coordinator at Nonprofit Organization ABC, I organized events and collaborations with international partners. My proficiency in French facilitated meaningful discussions and partnerships with French-speaking NGOs, expanding our global reach and impact.”

8. Tourism Manager Catering to Diverse Tourists: – “As a Tourism Manager at Wanderlust Adventures, I frequently interacted with tourists from various countries. My knowledge of multiple languages, including Spanish, Italian, and Japanese, allowed me to provide personalized assistance, leading to positive reviews and repeat business.”

Part 5 How to Cite Your Languages in a Resume: Examples

Phrases examples.

• Native speaker of German, with a strong understanding of grammar and syntax.
• Fluent in Spanish, with extensive experience living and working in Spanish-speaking countries.
• Proficient in French, with the ability to read, write, and speak at an intermediate level.
• Basic knowledge of Mandarin Chinese, with a focus on conversational skills and travel-related vocabulary.
• Fluent in Russian, with a focus on reading and translating literature and academic texts.
• Advanced proficiency in Japanese, with experience translating technical documents and interpreting for business meetings.
• Intermediate level in Italian, with a focus on reading and writing.
• Conversational fluency in Portuguese, with experience communicating with native speakers in both professional and social settings.
• Advanced proficiency in English, with experience teaching English as a second language to non-native speakers.

Part 6 CERF Language Proficiency Scale: Descriptions, Examples

CEFR scale (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages):

A1 (Beginner): – Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases. – Can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know, and things they have.

A2 (Elementary/Breakthrough): – Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance. – Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.

B1 (Intermediate/Threshold): – Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. – Can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken.

B2 (Upper-Intermediate/Vantage): – Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. – Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible without strain for either party.

C1 (Advanced/Effective Operational Proficiency): – Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. – Can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.

C2 (Mastery/Near-native Proficiency): – Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. – Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.

Example: How to list your language proficiency on a resume using the CERF scale

• English (C2): Native language
• Spanish (B2): Intermediate
• Mandarin Chinese (A2): Beginner

Part 7 ACTFL Language Proficiency Scale: Descriptions, Examples

ACTFL scale (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages):

Novice: – Novice Low: Can understand and produce basic words and phrases related to familiar topics, but may struggle with understanding or producing more complex language. – Novice Mid: Can understand and produce simple sentences and questions related to familiar topics, but may still struggle with more complex language and unfamiliar situations. – Novice High: Can understand and produce simple sentences and questions on a wider range of topics, but may still struggle with more complex language and unfamiliar situations.

Intermediate: – Intermediate Low: Can communicate effectively in most everyday situations, but may struggle with more complex language and abstract concepts. – Intermediate Mid: Can communicate effectively in most everyday situations, and can understand and produce more complex language related to familiar topics. – Intermediate High: Can communicate effectively in most situations, and can understand and produce more complex language related to a wide range of topics.

Advanced: – Advanced Low: Can understand and participate in conversations on a wide range of topics, but may struggle with understanding or producing more abstract or nuanced language. – Advanced Mid: Can understand and participate in conversations on a wide range of topics, and can understand and produce more abstract or nuanced language. – Advanced High: Can understand and participate in complex conversations on a wide range of topics, including abstract and nuanced ideas.

Superior: – Can understand and participate in complex conversations on a wide range of topics, including abstract and nuanced ideas, and can produce language with a high degree of accuracy, fluency, and cultural competence.

Distinguished: – Can understand and produce language with a level of proficiency and cultural competence that is equivalent to that of a highly educated native speaker.

Example: How to list your language proficiency on a resume using the ACTFL scale

• French (Advanced High)
• German (Intermediate Mid)
• Japanese (Novice High)

Part 8 ILR Language Proficiency Scale: Descriptions, Examples

Another popular testing standard is the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale:

Level 0: No proficiency – You have no ability to understand or communicate in the language.

Level 1: Elementary proficiency – You have basic communication skills and can understand simple phrases and expressions. You can communicate in familiar situations and can handle basic needs like ordering food or asking for directions.

Level 2: Limited working proficiency – You can communicate in most situations related to work or daily life. You can understand and participate in conversations about familiar topics, but may struggle with more complex language or unfamiliar situations.

Level 3: Professional working proficiency – You have a strong command of the language and can communicate effectively in most professional or academic settings. You can understand and participate in discussions on a wide range of topics and can express yourself clearly and accurately.

Level 4: Full professional proficiency – You have near-native fluency in the language and can communicate effectively in any situation. You can understand and express complex ideas and can adapt your language to different audiences and contexts.

Level 5: Native or bilingual proficiency – You have complete mastery of the language, including all its nuances and cultural references. You can understand and express yourself fluently and naturally, without any noticeable accent or errors.

Example: How to list your language proficiency on a resume using the ILR scale

• English: Full professional proficiency
• Spanish: Professional working proficiency
• Mandarin Chinese: Limited working proficiency
• French: Elementary proficiency

Part 9 How to Incorporate Language Skills in Cover Letter

When you’re working on your cover letter, take the opportunity to showcase your language skills. This can help set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your versatility as a potential employee. Here are some tips for incorporating language skills into your cover letter.

Start by mentioning your language proficiency levels in the opening paragraph. Include the names of the languages you know and how well you can speak, read, or write each of them.

In my previous role, I successfully used my fluency in French and conversational Spanish to assist clients and foster a positive working environment…

Next, highlight specific instances where your language skills were valuable. Sharing stories and experiences can show potential employers the real-world applicability of your language skills. Focus on how these skills benefited the company or your colleagues.

During my time at X Company, I was able to improve customer satisfaction rates for our French-speaking clientele by providing support and resolving issues in their native language.

Don’t forget to mention any language-related certifications or achievements you hold. Listing certifications, like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF), can solidify your claims of language proficiency. For example:

As a holder of a B2 DELF certification, I effectively communicate with clients and teammates in French on a daily basis.

Lastly, ensure your cover letter is tailored to the job position and company. Mention how your language expertise can positively impact the company or align with its values or objectives. For example:

With my knowledge of Mandarin and the company’s growing presence in the Chinese market, I am confident that my language skills will contribute to ABC Corporation’s growth and success…

Part 10 How to Display Language Proficiency on LinkedIn

When creating your LinkedIn profile, showcasing your language skills can help you stand out to potential employers and connections. Here’s how to add language skills to your LinkedIn profile effectively.

First, head to the Languages section under the Accomplishments tab of your LinkedIn profile’s editing interface. If it’s not visible, click on the “plus” symbol and select Languages from the list. This is the dedicated section for listing languages and their proficiency levels.

For each language you’re proficient in, add the language name and select the appropriate proficiency level from the available options:

• Elementary proficiency
• Limited working proficiency
• Professional working proficiency
• Full professional proficiency
• Native or bilingual proficiency

Choose the level that best represents your ability to speak, read, and write in that particular language. Be honest when selecting proficiency levels, as overestimating your skills could lead to uncomfortable situations during interviews or work tasks.

Once you’ve added all the languages you’re proficient in, save your changes and preview your LinkedIn profile to ensure your language abilities are displayed correctly.

As an alternative, you can also mention your language skills in the About section or Experience section, depending on the job importance of knowing a particular language. For example, if you’ve worked in roles where speaking another language was essential, make sure to highlight it in your job description.

Example 1 – About Section:

About Me: I am a results-oriented professional with a strong background in international sales and marketing. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, I excel at building relationships with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. My language skills have been instrumental in expanding our global market presence and driving revenue growth.

Example 2 – Experience Section:

Sales Manager, X Corporation – Led a multicultural sales team and increased international sales by 30%. – Utilized my fluency in Mandarin Chinese to establish and nurture key partnerships in the Chinese market, resulting in a 40% boost in revenue. – Collaborated with the marketing department to create bilingual promotional materials for the Latin American market, contributing to a 20% increase in sales in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different levels to describe language skills on a cv.

• Beginner: You have basic knowledge of the language and can communicate in simple everyday situations.
• Elementary: You can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases.
• Intermediate: You can communicate about familiar topics and understand the main points of clear standard input.
• Upper-intermediate: You can interact with native speakers without strain and understand more complex text on various topics.
• Fluent: You can express yourself spontaneously, effectively, and accurately, with a wide range of vocabulary and proper grammar.
• Expert: You have a near-native level of fluency, understanding idiomatic expressions, and cultural nuances.

What are some examples of showcasing language proficiency in a resume?

Here are three examples of how to showcase your language proficiency on a resume:

• Example 1: Languages: English (native), Spanish (fluent), French (intermediate)
• English – Native speaker
• Spanish – Fluent in spoken and written communication
• French – Intermediate level with strong reading and listening skills
• Example 3: In a Skills section: Proficient in English, Spanish, and French, with experience in translation and interpreting.

How should I list language skills in a job description on my CV?

When listing language skills in a job description, focus on how your language abilities were relevant to the position and contributed to your success. You can mention specific tasks or projects that required language skills, or discuss your interactions with clients and colleagues in another language.

Example: Managed a team of 10 Spanish-speaking employees, conducting weekly meetings and communicating project updates in both English and Spanish.

When is it appropriate to include a language on my resume?

It’s appropriate to include a language on your resume if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for, if it sets you apart from other candidates, or if it exemplifies your background and experience. This may be especially important for positions with multinational companies or those requiring frequent communication with people from different backgrounds.

What are the best practices for stating language skills in resume writing?

• Be honest about your level of proficiency, so you don’t set unrealistic expectations during interviews or in the workplace.
• Use the six-level scale to indicate your language skills accurately.
• List the languages you’re proficient in, along with your level, under a separate “Languages” or “Skills” section on your resume.
• Avoid using vague terms like “conversational” or “advanced”; instead, use precise terms like “intermediate” or “fluent.”
• Mention language-related experiences or accomplishments, such as translation work, language-related projects, or study abroad experiences.
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How to Include Languages on Your Resume [W/ Practical Tips]

You probably already know that speaking more than one language is a big professional asset. 

On top of the obvious (being able to communicate with more people), speaking multiple languages is known to improve your memory and ability to multitask, all of which are bound to help you perform better at your job.

But did you know that there is a right and wrong way to include language skills on your resume? 

The first can give you an advantage over other candidates with similar qualifications, whereas the second might make your language skills practically invisible in recruiters’ eyes. 

So, to help you make the most out of your resume language skills, we’ve put together this guide on everything you need to know on the topic, including:

• Why Do Resume Language Skills Matter?
• How to List Languages on Resume?

Language Proficiency Levels

• Language Sections on Resume Examples

And much more! 

What Are Resume Language Skills?

Language skills refer to the ability to communicate (speak, read, and write) in different languages. 

On a resume, language skills typically refer to any other language you master on top of your native language. Considering that there are many levels of language proficiency, language skills on a resume are typically categorized into beginner, mid-range, and advanced levels.

Why do Resume Language Skills Matter?

Let’s let hard facts do the talking. 

According to a Rosetta Stone survey, up to 35% of those responsible for hiring or managing employees said that a candidate’s or employee’s second language proficiency leads them to take one of the following actions:

• Extend a job offer
• Invite the candidate to a job interview
• Recommend a promotion
• Recommend a pay raise

Additionally, nearly 54% of those who already hold a job said that knowing a foreign language is important in their position. 

That’s no surprise - mastering a foreign language comes with many important benefits:

• Enhanced productivity and ability to multitask
• Higher creativity and better communication skills
• Bigger access to international markets and job opportunities

So, unless your knowledge of a foreign language consists of a mere 10 words (meaning, you’re just a beginner), always include your language skills on your resume. On top of all the benefits mentioned above, your language skills will effectively set you apart from candidates with the same work experience , skills, and education. 

Describing your language skills on your resume can get a bit messy, especially if you and the recruiter are not on the same page regarding language proficiency levels. 

For example, the recruiter might wonder if an intermediate candidate will be able to hold a work-related conversation with an international client, or whether a conversational level applicant is able to read and write, on top of being able to hold a conversation in a foreign language. 

To avoid all the confusion, you can list your language skills using a language proficiency scale . These are frameworks established by language organizations that categorize people into proficiency levels based on their language fluency, accuracy, and other factors. 

More importantly, these frameworks standardize language proficiency, helping recruiters and employers understand exactly what your language skill level means. 

Here are the four most popular language proficiency frameworks you can use on your resume: 

• Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) . This popular framework of European guidelines is fairly easy to understand. It scores basic users as A1 or A2, independent users as B1 or B2, and proficient users as C1 and C2.
• Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR). This US government-developed framework has 6 levels (0-5) and uses the (+) sign to differentiate the in-betweens.
• LinkedIn. As the world’s largest professional network , LinkedIn has its own language proficiency framework. Similar to the ILR, it categorizes them into native and bilingual proficiency, full professional proficiency, professional working proficiency, etc.
• American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). This is another popular language proficiency framework that categorizes language skills into Novice (Low, Mid, High),  Intermediate (Low, Mid, High), Advanced (Low, Mid, High), Superior , and Distinguished .

To make things easier, here is a table showing exactly how each framework compares to one another: 

How to List Languages on a Resume

By now, it’s pretty clear how important language skills are. This brings us to the reason you’re probably reading this article: learning how to list your language skills on your resume adequately.

Here’s how you can do that:

#1. Choose a Language Rating System

First things first, you have to choose a language rating system to use on your resume. 

Say, for example, that you master Spanish and French. If you use the CEFR framework to describe your proficiency level in French and the ILR framework to describe your Spanish skills, that’ll only confuse the recruiter reading your resume and make you look disorganized. 

So, to determine which language rating system you should use, the first thing you need to do is check the job requirements. 

If the job ad requires knowledge in a specific language and specifies a proficiency framework, then make sure to list your language skills according to that framework scale. 

Alternatively, if you have taken one of the popular language assessments, you can include your rating after each listed language. 

If, on the other hand, you’re applying for a position in a company that doesn’t require mastering a foreign language or isn’t in business with international clients, you can skip on using a formal rating scale altogether. 

Remember to be consistent even if the position you’re applying for doesn’t specify a language proficiency rating. If you’re going to be listing more than one language, pick a proficiency framework and stick to it! 

#2. Determine Your Fluency Level

There’s nothing worse than exaggerating your language proficiency level, only for recruiters to find out your language skills are not what you claim. 

To avoid awkwardness, make sure to determine your fluency level accurately (in writing, speaking, and reading) and be truthful about it on your resume. 

So, list the foreign language you know and check what the position you’re applying for needs. One employer might be more interested in your writing skills, whereas another might need someone with strong speaking skills to participate in meetings with foreign partners. 

In your resume, you should be able to give factual information about your fluency level in speaking, writing, and reading - as well as highlight whatever skill is more relevant to the position. If your fluency level varies among the three and the position specifically asks for, say, high reading comprehension, consider listing each rating separately. If, on the other hand, you have the same comprehension level for all three, or the job ad just doesn’t ask for much in terms of your language skills, simply list one rating to save space and make sure your resume is within the optimal one-page length . 

#3. Choose the Right Place to Include Your Language Skills

There are three ways you can list your language skills on your resume:

• On your resume summary or resume objective
• In the skills section
• In a separate language skills section

Where you choose to list your language skills will mainly depend on how important they are for the position you’re applying for. So, for example, if your fluency in a particular language is essential for the role, you can start by adding them to your resume summary as follows: 

• A bilingual, hard-working customer service agent who speaks English and Spanish and has over 5 years of experience in customer support. Previous experience communicating with customers both in English and Spanish in the same role. 

As language skill is mandatory for the role, the hiring manager is going to be looking for the language skill from the get-go in order to filter out unqualified candidates.

Having the language skill right on top of your resume helps the recruiter instantly see that you’re qualified for the role.

In such a case, it’s also good practice to include your language skills as a dedicated section alongside the respective skill levels. For example:

If, on the other hand, your language skills are not essential for the role, you can save space by adding them under your skills or education sections.  Here’s an example of how that would look on a resume: 

B.A. in Linguistics

King’s College, London

2012 - 2016

• Mastered limited working proficiency in Spanish and Italian 
• Graduated with a 3,85 GPA

#4. Format Your Language Skills the Right Way 

Regardless of where you choose to list your language skills on your resume, you’ve got to add your proficiency level accurately. That way, recruiters will have a clear idea of your knowledge. 

One way to do that, especially if you master more than one foreign language, is to list them in descending order of proficiency. For example: 

• Portuguese - Level 5 (ILR)/Bilingual Proficiency
• Spanish - Level 4 (ILR)/Full Professional Proficiency
• Italian - Level 2 (ILR)/Limited Working Proficiency

Resume Language Skills Examples

Knowing things theoretically is great, but practice makes perfect. 

Here are some practical examples of how you can list your language skills on your resume: 

Example #1. Dedicated Language Skills Section (LinkedIn Framework)

Language Skills

• English - Native/Bilingual 
• German - Native/Bilingual 
• Dutch - Professional Working Proficiency (CEFT level C1) 
• French - Limited Working Proficiency (CEFT level B1)

Example #2.  Dedicated Language Skills Section (ACTFL Framework)

• Romanian - Superior (ACTFL)
• Polish - Advanced Mid (ACTFL)
• Bulgarian - Intermediate Mid (ACTFL)

Example #3: Languages Under Skills Section

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Photo Editing
• Storyboarding
• Spanish (Full Professional Proficiency)

Always use the most relevant language proficiency framework (in your country) when describing your skills. For a job in Europe, that would be the CEFT system, whereas for a job in the US, the ACTFL or LinkedIn system.

How Do I Determine My Level of Language Proficiency?

As we already mentioned, the proficiency level of your language skills should be as accurate as possible, which means you should avoid estimations and guesswork. 

This might lead to overvaluing your skills (and eventually looking like a liar) or undervaluing them and missing the chance to stand out. 

To accurately determine your level of language proficiency, do one of the following:

• Obtain an official language certificate
• Self-assess your language knowledge 

The first option is perfect if the language is crucial for the job and if you’ll need to do more than the basics of communication. By paying for a test, you can get an official score of your proficiency. 

If the language is not an essential requirement for the position, on the other hand, using official guidelines and rules to self-assess your skills is totally acceptable too. 

Here is how you can do that: 

• Through the official ILR website and their self-assessment questionnaires for reading, writing, and speaking respectively.
• The official CEFR chart , allows you to judge your listening, reading, writing, spoken interaction, and spoken production skills. 
• The ACTFL site updates its proficiency guidelines every several years. They have a 10-level scale that lets you self-assess your language skills in several areas. 

If you hold an official certificate for one language and you’ve self-assessed your knowledge of another, you can make the distinction by writing, for example, “French - C1 certificate” and “Italian - B1 level.”  

5 Other Valuable (Optional) Sections to Include in Your Resume

Language skills are a valuable section to add to your resume after you’ve included some of the essentials, such as your work experience, education , and skills. 

However, they’re not the only optional section that you can take advantage of to take your resume from great to exceptional. 

Here are 5 other valuable optional sections to include in your resume if you’ve got the space: 

• Volunteering experience . Volunteer work is always a resume plus, especially if the company puts emphasis on giving or if your experience is related to the job position.
• Extracurricular activities. If you’ve just recently graduated, a section with your extracurricular activities can help significantly improve your resume, as they prove you’re an active individual that is engaged beyond their academic duties.
• Projects. Side projects can show that you’re naturally curious and that you take initiative.
• Awards and certifications. If you have any awards or certifications that testify to your skills, don’t hesitate to show them off on your resume. A little healthy flexing doesn’t hurt!
• Hobbies and interests . This can tell a lot about who you are outside of work, so make sure to list the hobbies that put you in the best light.

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! After reading this article, you should be able to add your language skills to your resume in the most effective way possible.

Before you get on with that, here are the most important points covered in this article:

• Knowing a foreign language can improve your productivity and ability to multitask as well as open more employment opportunities in international markets.
• To properly list your language skills on your resume, you have to pick one language rating system, determine your language proficiency, decide in what section you’ll list your languages, and format the section the right way.
• The most popular language rating systems include the LinkedIn rating system, the Interagency Language Roundtable, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
• To determine your language proficiency level, you can either take an official language test and acquire a certificate or self-assess your knowledge following the right guidelines and documentation.

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• Career Blog

Language Skills for Resume [Proficiency Levels & Examples]

As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, having strong language skills on your resume can set you apart from other candidates. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on language skills for resumes, including proficiency levels and examples.

Importance of Language Skills for Resume

Language skills are essential for any job that requires communication with people from diverse backgrounds, including customers, clients, and colleagues. Employers value candidates with language skills because they bring a unique perspective and cultural awareness to the workplace. In addition, bilingual employees can facilitate business dealings with foreign partners, opening doors to new markets and opportunities.

Types of Language Skills

When it comes to language skills, there are four main types that you need to be familiar with. They are speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Each of these skills is equally important and plays a crucial role in communication.

A. Speaking

Speaking is the ability to communicate verbally with others in a language that they can understand. It involves the use of correct grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Good communication skills allow you to express your ideas clearly and effectively, which is important in any profession. When it comes to your resume, you should include your level of proficiency in the languages you speak. For example, “native speaker,” “fluent,” “intermediate,” or “basic.”

B. Listening

Listening is the ability to understand and interpret spoken language. Good listening skills allow you to comprehend what others are saying to you, which is important when working with colleagues, clients, or customers. Listening also involves being able to follow instructions, receive feedback, and understand different accents or dialects. When listing your language skills on your resume, make sure to include your level of proficiency in listening as well.

Reading is the ability to understand written language. It involves being able to comprehend texts, emails, reports, and other written materials. Good reading skills are essential in any profession as they allow you to gather information and keep up with the latest news and trends in your industry. When including your language skills on your resume, make sure to mention your proficiency level in reading.

Writing is the ability to express yourself clearly and effectively in written form. This includes writing emails, reports, memos, or any other written communication. Good writing skills are important in any profession as they allow you to convey your ideas accurately and professionally. When listing your language skills on your resume, make sure to mention your proficiency level in writing as well.

Language skills are critical for any profession, and it is important to showcase your proficiency level in each of the four types of language skills- speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Employers seek professionals with excellent communication skills, and highlighting your language skills on your resume can put you at an advantage. Make sure to showcase your language skills on your resume to stand out from the competition.

Proficiency Levels

When it comes to describing your language skills on a resume, it’s important to accurately convey your proficiency level. There are four main levels of language proficiency that you can use to describe your abilities: Native/Bilingual, Professional Fluency, Intermediate Proficiency, and Basic Communication Skills. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

A. Native/Bilingual

If you grew up speaking a language or learned it at an early age to the point that you’re as fluent in it as your native tongue, you can consider yourself a native or bilingual speaker. Being a native or bilingual speaker means that you have a natural level of fluency and can use the language almost effortlessly. This is the highest level of language proficiency that you can achieve.

B. Professional Fluency

Professional Fluency is the ability to use a language in a work-related context with ease and efficiency. It means that you have an advanced level of language skill that allows you to communicate fluently and accurately in a professional setting. In order to be considered professionally fluent, you need to be able to use business and industry-specific vocabulary and understand complex concepts.

C. Intermediate Proficiency

Intermediate proficiency means that while you don’t yet have a fully fluent command of the language, you are able to communicate effectively in most situations. This includes being able to hold a conversation, read and understand written materials, and write simple texts. You might still struggle with complex vocabulary and grammar structures, but you can still express yourself and understand others.

D. Basic Communication Skills

Basic communication skills mean that you have a limited ability to use the language in everyday situations. You can understand and be understood when speaking about simple, familiar topics but may struggle with more complex vocabulary and grammar. This level of proficiency is usually achieved after taking a few language classes or studying abroad for a short period of time.

It’s important to accurately represent your language skills on your resume, using the appropriate terminology to describe your proficiency level. By including this information, you can demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and international partners in a professional setting. Use the examples provided above to ensure your resume showcases your language skills to their fullest.

Including Language Skills in the Resume

As the world becomes more interconnected, language skills have become increasingly valuable in the global job market. Including your language skills in your resume can help you stand out to potential employers, especially if the role requires bilingual or multilingual proficiency. Here are some tips for including language skills in your resume:

A. Tips for Writing Language Skills in a Resume

• Be honest about your proficiency level. If you overstate your abilities in a language that you’re not fluent in, it could hurt your chances of getting the job. Use proficiency levels to accurately describe your level of competence.
• Use clear language that describes your ability. For example, instead of using “basic” or “conversational” as descriptors, use more specific terms like “intermediate” or “advanced.”
• If you have a certification or degree in a language, mention it in your resume. This can really showcase your proficiency in that language to potential employers.
• Consider the relevance of the language to the job. If the role requires communication with clients or customers who speak a certain language, make sure to include that language in your resume.

B. Language Skills and Job Descriptions

Employers often look for candidates with language skills that are relevant to the job at hand. If the job requires bilingual or multilingual proficiency, make sure to highlight your experience with those languages in your resume. It’s important to tailor your language skills to the job requirements to stand out from the competition.

C. Mentioning Relevant Language Skills in the Resume

When mentioning language skills in your resume, you want to make sure you’re focusing on the most relevant ones. Here are some tips on how to do so:

• Look at the job description and see which languages are required or preferred. If you have experience with those languages, make sure to include them prominently in your resume.
• Mention any specific tasks or projects in which you used your language skills. This can serve as concrete evidence of your proficiency.
• If the job requires communication with non-English speaking clients or customers, make sure to emphasize your ability to communicate effectively in the necessary language.

Including language skills in your resume can help you stand out from other candidates in the global job market. By following these tips, you can effectively showcase your language proficiency and increase your chances of landing the job.

Examples of Language Skills for Resume

When it comes to language skills on a resume, it’s important to highlight your proficiency level in the languages you know. Here are some examples of how to list your language skills by level:

A. Example of Language Skills by Level

• Fluent:  English, French, Spanish
• Proficient:  Mandarin, German
• Conversational:  Italian, Portuguese

By listing your skills in this way, hiring managers can quickly and easily see what languages you are most proficient in.

B. Resume General Example with Language Skills

Objective:  To obtain a job in an international setting where my language skills can be fully utilized.

Language Skills:

• Fluent in English, French, and Spanish
• Proficient in Mandarin and German
• Conversational in Italian and Portuguese

In this example, language skills are included in the objective and listed separately with their corresponding proficiency levels.

C. Language Skills in Specific Job Roles Examples

Sales Manager:

• Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Spanish
• Proficient in Portuguese
• Conducted successful business negotiations with clients in various countries

In this example, language skills are listed with their corresponding level and the individual’s ability to use those skills in a professional setting is highlighted.

D. Multilingual Resume Examples

Multilingual Customer Service Representative:

• Fluent in English, Spanish, and French
• Assisted customers in all three languages, increasing customer satisfaction ratings by 20%
• Able to seamlessly switch between languages to assist diverse customer base

In this example, language skills are listed with their impact on the individual’s professional success. The ability to use multiple languages to assist customers and improve satisfaction ratings showcases the importance of language skills in certain job roles.

Language skills can be a valuable asset on a resume, and highlighting your proficiency level and relevant experience can make a positive impact on potential employers.

Testing Language Proficiency

When it comes to showcasing your language skills on your resume, it’s important to have evidence to back up your claims. One way to do this is by providing proof of your proficiency through language proficiency tests.

A. Common Language Proficiency Tests

There are several common language proficiency tests that you may consider taking, depending on the language(s) you speak and the intended purpose of the test. Some popular options include:

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• The Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) and Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF)
• The Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) for Mandarin Chinese

Be sure to research which tests are most relevant to your language skills and career goals.

B. Importance of Certifications and Tests

Certifications and language proficiency tests can be very important for your resume and career goals. These provide evidence to employers of your language abilities and can increase your chances of being hired or promoted. In addition, having certifications and test scores can also help you negotiate salary and increase your credibility in the job market.

C. Test Preparation Tips

Preparing for language proficiency tests can be stressful, but with careful preparation and practice, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you prepare for language proficiency tests:

Familiarize yourself with the test format and content: Research the test and review the format and content to better understand what to expect on test day.

Practice, practice, practice: Take practice tests and exercises to familiarize yourself with the types of questions and tasks you will encounter during the test.

Focus on your weaknesses: Identify your weak areas and focus more on these during your study time.

Work with a tutor or language coach: Consider finding a tutor or language coach who can help you work on your skills and provide guidance on how to improve.

Stay positive and focused: Keep a positive attitude and stay focused on your goals. Remember that language learning is a process, and with hard work and practice, you can achieve success.

Language proficiency tests can be a valuable addition to your resume and a great way to demonstrate your language skills to potential employers. By taking the time to prepare and practice, you can increase your chances of success and achieve your career goals.

How to Improve Language Skills

One of the most sought-after skills in today’s global marketplace is proficiency in more than one language. Whether it’s for personal or professional reasons, improving your language skills is always a valuable investment of your time and effort. Here are some ways to improve your language skills.

A. Language Learning Techniques

Language learning techniques are methods or strategies that help us learn a language effectively. Some of the most effective techniques include:

• Immersion : Immersing yourself in the language by surrounding yourself with it, whether by watching TV shows, listening to music, or speaking with native speakers, can help you pick up the language faster.
• Practice : Consistent practice is key to improving language skills. Make it a habit to practice your target language daily, whether through speaking, reading, or writing.
• Structured learning : Taking language classes or using language learning apps can give you a structured approach to learning the language, with a clear progression of skills and knowledge.
• Mnemonic devices : Mnemonic devices, such as acronyms or visual aids, can help you remember vocabulary and grammar rules more easily.
• Personalized learning : Everyone learns differently, so find what works best for you, whether it’s flashcards, podcasts, or interactive games.

B. Resources for Improving Language Skills

There are countless resources available for improving your language skills, and the best ones depend on your personal preferences and learning style. Here are some resources to consider:

• Language learning apps : Apps like Duolingo and Babbel offer interactive language learning courses that you can take at your own pace.
• Online language courses : Websites like Coursera and edX offer free online language courses from top universities around the world.
• Language exchange websites : Websites like iTalki and Tandem connect you with native speakers of your target language for language exchange practice.
• Reading materials : Reading books, newspapers, and articles in your target language can improve your reading comprehension skills.
• Language immersion programs : Immersion programs, such as studying abroad or volunteering in a foreign country, provide an immersive language learning experience.

C. Importance of Practice

Improving your language skills requires consistent practice. While learning techniques and resources can help you acquire knowledge and skills, it is practice that helps you retain what you’ve learned and become more fluent. Regular practice also helps you build confidence in speaking, overcome language barriers, and improve your communication skills.

Remember that learning a language takes time and effort. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks and mistakes, as they are a natural part of the language learning process. With the right techniques, resources, and practice, you can improve your language skills and showcase them on your resume as a valuable asset to any employer.

Soft Skills that Accompany Language Skills

In addition to fluency and proficiency in multiple languages, it’s important to understand that possessing soft skills can make you an even stronger candidate for positions that require both verbal and written communication. These soft skills can make a significant difference in a candidate’s ability to effectively communicate in the workplace. Here are four essential soft skills that accompany language skills:

A. Communication

Communication is a critical skill that accompanies language skills. It involves the ability to express oneself clearly and effectively to others, whether it be through written or verbal communication. A good communicator is someone who can adjust their communication approach based on the audience, and who can convey complex ideas in a straightforward way that is easy to understand. Being a good communicator will help you better connect with colleagues, clients, partners, and stakeholders, leading to better outcomes and overall productivity.

B. Cultural Awareness

Cultural awareness is the ability to recognize and appreciate the unique differences in cultures, traditions, and norms across the globe. When paired with language skills, this skill can help individuals better understand and navigate through cultural differences in interpersonal and professional settings. Employers value cultural awareness as it encourages collaboration, facilitates problem-solving, and supports the development of inclusive and diverse teams.

C. Confident Presentation

The ability to confidently present ideas is another soft skill that accompanies language skills. A confident presenter is someone who can articulate their thoughts in a convincing and engaging way. By improving this skill, individuals can become better at leading meetings, presenting proposals or reports, or simply sharing ideas with colleagues. This can make a significant difference in an individual’s ability to influence and persuade others, leading to successful outcomes.

D. Customer Service

Lastly, customer service is a soft skill that has become increasingly important in many fields across the globe. As businesses become more global, customer service teams are expected to communicate in multiple languages, often providing support to customers who have varying cultural backgrounds and expectations. Being able to communicate with confidence and cultural sensitivity is crucial in this role. Effective customer service leads to higher customer satisfaction rates, leading to more positive customer experiences.

Soft skills are essential to effectively leverage language skills in professional settings. Effective communication skills, cultural awareness, confident presentation skills, and customer service skills can improve job prospects and open up opportunities for international positions. Employers value candidates who have a combination of language and soft skills, leading to better job prospects and a more promising career trajectory.

Importance of Language Skills in the Global Job Market

A. globalization and job market.

With the ever-increasing trend towards globalization, a global job market has emerged, and employers are seeking candidates who possess multilingual skills to adapt to this new reality. The ability to speak a foreign language fluently can make a candidate stand out from the rest and provide them with an edge in the competitive job market.

Being multilingual not only increases the number of job opportunities for candidates but also paves the way for international business and collaboration growth. Employers that have a global reach require their employees to understand different languages and cultural norms to ensure smooth, effective communication.

B. Multilingual Workforce Advantages

A multilingual workforce has multiple advantages, and employers are beginning to recognize this key aspect of talent acquisition.

Better Communication: Organizations with multilingual employees are capable of communicating more effectively with their international customers or clients. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction, retention, and loyalty.

Competitive Advantage: Having multilingual employees can provide a competitive edge that translates to long-term financial gains. Multilingual employees are able to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, which can lead to faster and smoother business transactions.

Enhanced Job Flexibility: A multilingual workforce allows employers to allocate employees according to the demands of the business, regardless of geographic location. This provides enhanced job flexibility while requiring less investment in language-related training and translation services.

Cultural Understanding: Employees who have a good understanding of different cultures and languages can avoid miscommunications and misunderstandings while building relationships with colleagues, partners, and clients. This cultural competence improves teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.

Employers seek candidates who have a multilingual background because they bring additional value to the company. Knowing one or more languages in addition to your native language opens doors to opportunities that you may have never considered before.

Being multilingual is a vital asset in the global job market. It provides multiple benefits that employers increasingly value to gain improved communication, competitiveness, job flexibility, and cultural understanding. As a result, having languages as part of your resume showcases your abilities for companies who are tapping into the increasingly international world we live in.

Language Skills in the Future Workforce

A. future job demand and language skills.

As globalization continues to shape today’s job market, language skills are becoming increasingly important for job seekers. Employers are seeking candidates who can communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and suppliers in different languages. Being bilingual or multilingual can give job seekers a competitive edge and increase their chances of being hired.

The demand for language skills in the workforce is expected to increase in the coming years. According to a report by the British Council, the global demand for English language learning alone is set to grow by 30% by 2025. This trend is not limited to the English language, as other languages such as Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic are also in high demand.

B. Technological Impact on Language Skills

Technology is having a significant impact on language skills in the workforce. With the advent of machine translation and other language-related technologies, some have questioned the continued relevance of language skills in the job market.

However, while these technologies are advancing, they are not yet capable of replacing human communication entirely. There are still areas where machine translation falls short, such as the nuances of different cultural contexts and the ability to understand and respond to nonverbal cues.

In fact, technology has the potential to enhance language skills in the workforce by providing new ways to learn and practice languages. For example, language learning apps and online language courses have made it easier than ever to learn a new language, even for those with busy schedules.

Additionally, technology is making it easier for multilingual employees to communicate with each other. Video conferencing, instant messaging, and other tools allow colleagues in different parts of the world to collaborate seamlessly and break down language barriers.

Language skills will continue to be an important asset for job seekers in the future workforce. While technology is transforming many aspects of the job market, human communication skills remain highly valued. As such, candidates who can speak multiple languages and communicate effectively across cultural boundaries have a distinct advantage in a globalized job market.

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Language Skills on Resume: How to Explain Proficiency & Fluency

In This Guide:

What are language skills, when should i include language skills on my resume, where should i include language skills, how to write a good language skills section, language proficiency level, mistakes to avoid when including your language skills, faqs about language skills on resume, in conclusion.

A different language is a different vision of life.

Federico Fellini

Did you know that the languages you speak can affect your personality ? Indeed, they can change the way you express your emotions, your intonation, your facial expressions and gestures. Rather than making you inconsistent, this versatility’s a fortune. How lucky are we to be able to take on different roles – we do this when we change jobs, and when we speak another language. Sometimes, we can do both simultaneously!

Your language skills are effective in all walks of life, and your career is no exception. In our interconnected world, being multilingual is highly valued by recruiters. Wondering how to list your language proficiency on your resume? Our guide covers that and more!

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Key takeaways:

• The core language skills are speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Each of them is uniquely useful, so practice all of them when you can.
• Listing your language skills is always a good idea, especially in jobs where you’ll work with multinational clients. Language proficiency can help you in different settings, as learning them practices valuable skills such as self-discipline, creativity, and cultural awareness.
• Your language skills are best placed in a separate section, but interspersing them in your summary, experience, education, and skills section is also an option.
• A good language section is concise but catchy, so consider using an interesting design to present your fluency.
• Your language level is probably the most important information to recruiters. Remember to be consistent with the framework you use.
• If you’re based in the US, choose between the IRL or ACTFL frameworks. The CERF scale is best if you’re in Europe. The LinkedIn scale is universal.

Your language skills can range from holding a casual conversation to writing your PhD in a certain language. So, what people consider a language ability can vary widely depending on their needs.

Generally, language skills are what allows you to communicate effectively with people from different nationalities and cultures. These abilities are typically divided into four main categories: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Each of these is important for a unique reason:

• Listening : Imagine being able to listen to your favorite Spanish song and understand the meaning, or walk around an Italian city and catch glimpses of strangers’ conversations. Listening is all about accurately catching the words, picking up on the grammar and intonation, and making sense of what you hear. In a work environment, strong listening skills can help you accurately understand client needs during meetings and respond effectively.
• Speaking : Speaking is your ticket to actively engaging with others in a new language. It might be the most useful language skill you can have in a work setting. Don’t sweat about pronunciation so much! Your focus should be on using the proper words to be understood. Mastering conversational nuances can help share your thoughts and connect with people around you. You can use your speaking skills to lead presentations, negotiate deals, and collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• Reading : Good reading skills can provide access to exclusive information. Many valuable resources, such as industry-specific research, technical manuals, and market analysis reports, are published in various languages. Collecting insights that might not be available in your native language gives you a competitive edge.
• Writing : Writing allows you to share your ideas and stories with the world in another language. It involves more than just correct grammar and spelling. It's about crafting your thoughts clearly and logically, making sure your message hits home. In a work setting, writing pays off through your ability to draft clear emails, create detailed reports, and develop persuasive proposals.

Make this your resume

Use Enhancv’s Resume Builder and make a resume that stands out.

It’s always worth mentioning your language proficiencies on your resume, as they can help in diverse situations. Even if the job posting doesn’t specifically call for them, language skills can set you apart in a competitive environment. Language learning’s also valuable because it develops different cognitive skills like memory and problem-solving . It enhances communication abilities , fosters social and cultural awareness, and cultivates practical skills like time management  and digital literacy.

Here are some concrete examples of when your language skills could be beneficial in your application.

If speaking a foreign language is valuable to the company

That’s pretty straightforward — if your language skills are relevant to the job you’re hoping to get, you should include them.

Think about what your day-to-day tasks will be in your role. If you’re a translator  or a language teacher , your job will naturally revolve around languages. But what about other jobs, where language skills might not seem as crucial? If you’re applying for a retail assistant , will multiple languages help you communicate with customers? If you’re working in customer support , how many countries is the company based in? Reflect on how your language abilities can add value, even in roles where they aren’t an obvious requirement.

In developing his customer support resume, Sia knew his ability to speak over three languages would make an impression on recruiters at SAP SE.

Sia built his language section with Enhancv. His example uses one of the most popular frameworks, the ACTFL Proficiency Scale (we’ll talk about it in a bit).

If you have little experience

Language skills are great for adding content to your resume. If you’re putting together your first resume , language skills show your ability to learn quickly and to apply your knowledge to real-world situations. Especially if you’ve chosen the functional format  that gives more weight to your skills rather than your limited experience .

In Avery’s volunteer resume , they highlighted their language skills as they were applying for a role with AIESEC, which has entities based all around the world.

This language section example uses the LinkedIn language framework (we’ll talk about this one in a bit, too).

If the open position is competitive

In a competitive environment, listing your language skills can make you a more well-rounded candidate. Imagine the following scenario:

Both Tom and Emma are applying for the position of Senior Marketing Manager at Etsy. They’ve got the same amount of experience , and their skill set is fairly similar, too. However, Emma mentioned that she’s fluent in French & German on her resume, while Tom didn’t. Emma’s value proposition for the company increases exponentially, as there will be a lot of practical uses for her language skills. Even though Tom’s language proficiency might be on par with Emma's, he never bothered to show that – thus, his chances to get a callback get slimmer.

Emma's language fluency makes her stand out for the Senior Marketing Manager  role at Etsy, proving how crucial it is to highlight all relevant skills on a resume .

If you're applying for a job in a different country

Reassure the hiring manager that there’d be no language barrier when communicating with your coworkers. Think of ways to express culture familiarity and language use in professional settings. If you speak French, for example, you can list things like:

• Conducted market research and wrote detailed reports in French for a French-speaking region.
• Coordinated with French suppliers, ensuring seamless project execution.
• Spent six months in France on a work exchange, immersing in French business practices and culture.

If you’re going to work in a language that’s not your mother tongue, make sure you can provide evidence of your abilities. This will give you credibility. What courses and certificates can you list to show you’ve worked at learning the language?

If you have to demonstrate quick-learning skills

If you’re applying for a job involving lots of continuous learning , your language-learning experience can come to your advantage. Here are some concrete examples:

• Adaptability and flexibility:  "Learning a new language required me to quickly adapt to different methods and environments, showcasing my flexibility."
• Problem-solving skills:  "Overcoming language learning challenges enhanced my problem-solving abilities."
• Self-discipline and time management:  "Balancing language study with other tasks strengthened my self-discipline and time management."

Don’t include your language skills on your resume if…

There’s one situation, though, where it makes perfect sense to leave the language section out – if you’re a monoglot. Unlike its more popular cousin, the polyglot, this is someone who only speaks one language. Simply put, the recruiter will assume you’re proficient in the language your resume is written in. So, if you’re living and working in the US , and your resume’s written in English, there’s no need to specifically underline that skill. It’s a given.

Our advice is to include a dedicated language section. You don’t want your language skills to get lost; you want to make them as visible as possible. If language proficiency is essential to the job you’re after, create a specific section where you list all the languages you know, along with your fluency levels. Our resume builder  allows you to be as concise as you want and customize the language section to fit your needs.

You might see some advice on incorporating your language skills throughout your resume. This might be effective for positions where languages aren’t a priority or a top-wanted skill, but be aware that they could easily get lost among your other abilities and accomplishments. Still, it can save space on your resume without underrating the skill. Here’s how you could approach this:

• In your experience section, e.g., “Conducted training sessions in both English and Spanish to support a diverse team of new hires”.
• In your education section – when you have a degree in Linguistics, Languages, or Literature.

If you’ve opted for a separate language section, make it concise but catchy. You just need the language and the level of fluency. The trick is to creatively visualize your proficiency. The Enhancv resume builder has five different styles you can use to present your language skills.

When crafting this section, follow these tips:

• List languages by proficiency:  Start with the ones you’re most proficient in. In most cases, skip languages you only know at beginner/elementary level. These can add color to your resume, but they’re not really helpful in a work setting.
• Mention context of use:  Detail contexts where you've utilized the language, like "Used in international conferences" or "Daily communication with overseas clients."
• Avoid overstatement: Be honest about your proficiency. Overstating your skills  can lead to uncomfortable situations in professional settings.
• Use standard proficiency levels:  Use widely recognized proficiency levels like "Native," "Intermediate," "Professional Working Proficiency," and "Limited Working Proficiency."

Use Enhancv’s Resume Builder

Marking the level of fluency in a language is similar to quantifying your achievements  in different resume headings. The recruiter needs a tangible way of judging your ability. Let’s review the most popular frameworks:

LinkedIn Framework

LinkedIn’s scale is based on, and is very similar to, the IRL (Interagency Language Round-table) scale , developed by the U.S. Foreign Service Institute. It measures language proficiency in terms of work settings, so its levels are, as follows:

• Native or bilingual proficiency
• Full professional proficiency
• Professional working proficiency
• Limited working proficiency
• Elementary proficiency

Take a look at this sample language proficiency section:

The IRL scale is mainly used when applying for US government jobs. Its levels (from 0 – 5, where 5 is Native) correspond to the levels on LinkedIn.

ACTFL Proficiency Framework

This scale  assesses the ability to use language to accomplish communication objectives in real-world situations, with specific criteria for accuracy, context and content, and text type. Here are the levels it works with:

• Distinguished
• Intermediate

These scales are widely recognized by recruiters in the US, so choose the one you feel more comfortable with. But what if you’re based outside the States? Then, we recommend this one:

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

CEFR is an internationally recognized standard  for describing language ability. It outlines what learners can do in speaking, reading, listening, and writing at each level. It’s widely recognized across Europe but currently gaining popularity in other countries as well. Here’s an overview of its levels:

• C2 (Proficiency)
• C1 (Advanced)
• B2 (Upper Intermediate)
• B1 (Intermediate)
• A2 (Elementary)
• A1 (Beginner)

Again, just remember that if you’re coming from Europe but are applying for a job in the US, you should use the LinkedIn/IRL or the ACTFL framework.

And here’s a quick recap of what each level represents. Note that the CERF doesn’t measure native proficiency, as it’s mainly designed for learners of foreign languages.

• Native or bilingual proficiency/Distinguished: This means you’ve grown up speaking the language, using it throughout your life, and refining your abilities through formal education.
• Full professional proficiency/Superior/C2: You can read, write, and speak a language smoothly and without hesitation.
• Professional working proficiency/Advanced/C1: You can speak, write, and read a language comfortably for your role, though you might struggle with colloquialisms and occasionally need repetition.
• Limited working proficiency/Intermediate/B1-B2: Intermediate language skill means you can hold conversations and read adequately in the language, but you speak with some difficulty and have a limited vocabulary.
• Elementary proficiency/Novice/A1-A2: You can understand basic words or phrases but can’t hold a conversation. We recommend you don’t list this one on your resume.

What’s essential in listing your language skills is being fair about your fluency level. You don’t want to list an intermediate language level if you can only ask for coffee or say a few phrases.

And if you list your skills as advanced or above, be prepared to answer a few questions or hold a conversation in that specific language. You never know – perhaps the recruiter will be fluent and in the mood for a little bit of practice!

Forgetting to update LinkedIn

If you’re discussing your language skills on your resume, be sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date, too.

One advantage of updating your language skills on LinkedIn is you can have colleagues provide recommendations and references of your ability in this skill.

Forgetting to include your mother tongue

Add your native language, alongside the foreign languages you know. Otherwise, you’ll confuse recruiters, especially if you’re applying for a job abroad.

Don't mix and match different language frameworks

Consistency is important. Don’t list one of your language levels as “Professional working proficiency”, and the other as “Intermediate.”

Use the most relevant language framework

If you’re based in the US, choose the LinkedIn, IRL, or ACTFL scale. In Europe, go with the CERF levels.

How to demonstrate language skills?

You can show your fluency on your resume with examples of how you’ve used the languages you’re proficient in. This could be a portfolio of work samples in different languages, or any certificates, awards, and diplomas. For cover letters , real-life examples are your best bet.

What language level is considered fluent?

Depending on the framework you use, a person with an advanced level of proficiency or someone with a professional working proficiency or above will be considered fluent.

Is proficient better than fluent?

Fluency refers to the flow of your speech, the ability to speak comfortably and consistently. In other words, being fluent means being able to carry out a conversation without much hesitation. Proficiency, on the other hand, is the ability to comprehend and accurately produce content, so it refers mainly to reading and writing. It is highly valued in jobs that require a precise use of language, such as an academic setting. So, to answer the question, one is not necessarily better than the other, because they refer to different things. We recommend using “proficient” on your resume, as it’s the word recognized by the most popular frameworks.

How to check language proficiency?

You can look up local language centers – most test your language skills for free if you’re interested in enrolling in a course. Some even have language proficiency checkers online!

Can you have two native languages on a resume?

Yes, of course! Being bilingual will definitely impress recruiters. You can list all the languages you speak natively.

How to list programming languages?

Speaking of languages, you might wonder about programming ones. Programming skills refer to the ability to write, test, and maintain code that enables software applications to function. Some of the most popular programming languages include Python, Java, and C++, each used for various purposes. Knowledge of one programming language can often help you learn others quickly. As with other skills, list your programming languages in a dedicated "Skills" section on your resume. If you can, give context to past projects or work experience (like a GitHub portfolio) to demonstrate practical application and expertise.

What is the most important language skill?

The answer to this question is individual to your situation. What do you need the language for? To read documents or to have conversations? Are you going to communicate orally with clients? Do you know the etiquette and turns of phrase to talk to your coworkers in their native language? Understanding your specific needs and context will help determine whether reading, writing, speaking, or listening is the most crucial language skill for you to focus on for the specific job you’re applying for.

Your multilanguage magic can open doors with every word you know! We hope the tips in our guide will help you in proudly list your language skills on your resume. It’s inspiring to think about the myriad of cool things you can do with another language in your arsenal.

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How to List Languages on Your Resume

If you’re part of the more than 50% of the world’s population who speaks more than one language, you’ve probably wondered how to list languages on your resume. Your language skills could well be the missing link for your next boss.

This guide will go over:

• Whether or not you should include languages on your resume
• Understanding and writing about language fluency on a resume
• Examples showing various ways to include language skills on a resume

Should You List Languages on Your Resume?

The short answer depends on two things: 

1. Your level of proficiency

2. How the language relates to the position

Make room for languages on your resume when it is a requirement for the position or feature it in a secondary area when it supports your professional skills. Employers like to know if you have a working capacity in other languages and it can be an added bonus in your application even if it’s not a requirement.

If your language proficiency ranges from professionally conversational to native (essentially, intermediate to advanced), it has a place on your resume. Whether you’re applying to be a barista or a senior marketing manager, a second language can help you communicate with customers, clients, and foreign offices.

Tailor your resume to the position, highlighting your language skills more or less depending on how much language lends to the role and is mentioned in the job posting.

Demand for bilingual employees spreads across the job market, from service positions to C-Level directors. That demand is growing quickly. In fact, 9 of 10 employers responding to a recent survey said they rely on English-speaking employees who also speak another language. That same survey (by Ipsos Public Affairs for the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages or ACTFL) found that employers expect their need for multilingual employers to continue to grow. 

How to assess your skill: language levels resume 

You took Spanish in high school or maybe even in college. Does that qualify you to list Spanish as a second language on your resume? It depends.

While you can prove soft skills like communication and organization over time, you can’t exactly skirt around being fluent in French. Before you find a home for languages on your resume, honestly assess your up-to-date comfort level with each language you’ve studied.

Language proficiency generally follows a 0-5 system:

0 – No proficiency. You’ve never studied the language

1 – Elementary. You can hold your own in very basic exchanges, such as greetings, asking for directions, etc. This level is typical for visiting another country and feeling confident getting around.

2 – Limited Working. Personal conversations come a bit more naturally, but your vocabulary is not necessarily extended to professional or complex topics.

3 – Working Professional. You can confidently chat with clients on the phone or make presentations in that language. It may still be clear that the language is not your native tongue, and you need assistance with certain phrases or vocabulary.

4 – Full Professional. At this level, you can weave between professional and personal topics with ease. You no longer need assistance translating complex ideas or terms and managers can trust you to hold your own in independent exchanges with clients.

5 – Native. The language is such a large part of your daily life that you barely have an accent and can assist others with translation. This level is typical of those raised on the language or have spoken it regularly for a large portion of their lives.

Although levels 1 and 2 are a step in the right direction, they rarely have practical application in an office setting—at least enough to mention on your resume. If the question were to come up in an interview specifically, it’s fine to show your dedication to learning and improving your language skills.

Overall, only list languages on your resume if your proficiency falls between levels 3 and 5.

How do you describe language skills? Rather than rely on a list of your various linguistic qualifications, use language that a hiring manager would understand. Phrases such as "working professional" and "full professional" are much more useful than an IELTS or TOEFL qualification that they many may not understand. Alongside a widely understood language framework, this will offer the fairest assessment of your level. Equally, although you may have studied a language five years ago at university, be honest about your current level.

How to list languages on your resume

So how do you list languages in your CV? There are several ways to include your language skills. Some of them depend on which of the three formats of resumes you choose. 

1. Language Sidebar. Information on a resume sidebar catches the eye, making the reader feel like it’s in a special spot for a reason. If the position specifically calls for language proficiency—and you meet the mentioned proficiency level—consider listing your languages in the sidebar.

In many of our resume templates , you can list skills and languages above the level of proficiency through the use of icons or bars. Either choose to create a full list of languages—if you speak multiple ones—or meld skills and language list into one sidebar display.

In this case, it may look something like this:

• Spanish ★★★★★
• French ★★★★☆
• German ★★★☆☆

2. Within work experience . As you detail your skills and responsibilities underneath each job title, include a bullet point about your language use throughout the position. As always, stay honest—if a past employer ends up as a reference , language use could come up.

If language is a large part of the job requirements, place it toward the top of your responsibility list. Hiring managers may be looking for keywords as they make their initial pass over your resume, and including these phrases prove you understand the level of language proficiency they’re looking for.

For example:

Product Manager, Super Solutions January 2014-January 2018

• Managed online and in-person correspondence with clients in France, acting as office point-person for French translation and negotiations.

3. Education. If studying a second or third language was a large part of your formal education —especially if it was a major or minor—note your language training in your education section as well. This could also expand your resume if you recently graduated and are looking to include unique information that speaks to your passions. In this case, you may consider including language honor’s societies, clubs or trips abroad where you stretched your language muscles in a practical setting.

In resume templates with a large focus on educational information, you may even detail your language studies and applications below the school name if you believe the hiring manager will benefit from learning more about this experience.

University of Southern Florida

Bachelor's in Finance

• Minor in Spanish and International Relations
• President of Spanish Society
• Studied abroad with student organization in Argentina

4. Within special skills or personal details. As mentioned above, you can also weave language training and experience into the special skills or personal details list toward the bottom of your resume. This is best when speaking the language is not the focus on the position but could still give you an edge over other candidates. In a special skills area, give a detailed view of your language skills through activities or post positions.

"Native Spanish speaker with four years volunteering at local ESL community organization"

A final word: Clearly mark proficiency. No matter where it lands, include a note or icon denoting your proficiency in your current understanding of the language. Though you may have been a champ at speaking Italian in college, there’s no way for an employer to know how much you’ve kept up your language skills since. This also proves that you understand the necessary level of proficiency for the job.

Wording might include:

“Professional working proficiency of German with a decade of on-the-job experience collaborating with German-speaking clients and vendors.”

Be prepared to speak the language in an interview. If you are applying for an international role where languages are important, be prepared for an interviewer to test your proficiency. There may well be written tests which form part of the interview process. Don't lie about your proficiency - you will be found out at some point.

Language skills CV: what businesses want

It’s great that you know a second language. It will definitely increase your career options. You may also consider adding language skills or beefing up level 1 or 2 knowledge you have of several languages. Your time is valuable so choose wisely. Which languages are in high demand by businesses?

A resume.io survey of multiple language learning and business sites found these languages were common to all lists of best languages to learn for business:

Other commonly mentioned languages are:

From 2010-2015 the number of jobs requiring Mandarin speakers tripled, according to New American Economy . In the same period, Spanish and Arabic as desired language skills rose 1.5 times in job listings.

Use your languages to talk about your appreciation for diversity and other cultures. Learning a language often involves experiencing other cultures and seeing the world from a different perspective. These are valuable transferable skills for any workplace, so be sure to expand upon the wider benefits that language learning has brought to your life. Interpreting words from a speaker's perspective is a skill that many sadly lack.

Languages on your resume as a career tool

How valuable are language skills on your resume?

As our world connects more and more every day, communicating with one another is becoming a higher priority. If you’re already ahead of the game with fluency in a second or third language and it's relevant to the position, this is a competitive advantage and you should consider including languages on your resume in the most effective way possible.

Consider this: Since February 2020, when the global pandemic began, FlexJob listings for remote jobs requiring bilingual workers have jumped 30%, according to TechRepublic . 

Should I list my conversational Spanish if it has no relation to the job? If your basic level of language proficiency has no relation whatsoever to the job that you will be performing, there is no more value in listing it than any other of your hobbies . If you decide to add a little more personality to your resume, then this is fine, but you should know that it will serve no real purpose other than telling the hiring manager a little more about you.

Key Takeaways

While the job description might not include a requirement for a foreign language, you never know which opportunities may come along down the line. Language skills can open doors - for you and for your employer.

Being able to call attention to your language skills on your resume may just get you the opportunity you’ve been looking for.

How to List Resume Language Skills? (Levels & Examples)

Discover how to list resume language skills and the best ways to describe your proficiency level with our range of examples and tried-and-tested tips.

The best way to list language skills on your resume depends on the job and your proficiency level. Tailor your resume to highlight how your skills meet the employer’s needs and can contribute to your future role. If the position heavily depends on using other languages, put them in a dedicated section with clear classifications, certifications, and experiences to describe your level. Simply bullet-pointing them in your skills section or a separate “Languages” section is enough if the job doesn’t mention anything about languages. 

Did you know that roughly half of the world’s population speaks two languages? Your language skills could easily set you apart from half the people in a room, giving you an impressive edge and showing your unique strengths when applying for a job. 

But how exactly should you showcase your languages on your resume? Your language abilities could be too extensive to be bullet-pointed in a skills list. But, giving them their own “Languages” section might be overkill if the position doesn’t explicitly require them. 

Language proficiency is also subjective. Being “conversational” can range from chatting about the weather to reluctantly engaging in political discussions. Recruiters don’t have time to decipher vague descriptions — you need to be clear about your skills from the get-go. 

And I’m going to show you how. This article will tell you: 

• All the language levels for a resume. 
• The best ways to describe language proficiency. 
• How to list languages on a resume. 

What Are Resume Language Skills?

Language skills on your resume include speaking, reading, and writing in different languages. It’s not just about knowing your ciao from your adiós ; it’s about how well you can communicate in another language, whether it’s having a basic chat about your pets, getting into a deep discussion, or leading negotiations with foreign clients. 

Why Do Language Skills Matter?

Speaking more than one language shows you can connect with customers and colleagues from different backgrounds — a big deal in today’s global job market. Communicating with international partners or clients in their language gives you insight into cultural customs so you can interact in a way that’s respectful and appropriate. 

Learning a new language also alludes to other soft skills . Let’s face it, filling your brain with tens of thousands of new words isn’t easy. It shows employers you’re dedicated, hardworking, patient, and not afraid of a challenge. 

When should you include language skills on your resume?

Your language level is worth mentioning if it goes beyond simple meet and greets. Even if you’re not fluent, being conversational or having a basic understanding is still impressive. 

But how much focus you place on these skills mostly hinges on the industry and position you want. Industries like international business, tourism, and customer service prioritize language skills. Multinational companies, translation services, teaching, and hospitality also often look out for multilingual candidates.

Location matters too. If you’re applying for a job in a multicultural city or a place with a large population of non-English speakers, language skills can set you apart.

So, when should you skip the language skills?

For local jobs without international interactions, avoid a dedicated section. However, mentioning them under skills can show versatility and a desire to learn.

Check out our AI Skill Explorer to explore more skills you can include on your resume. 

How to Describe Language Levels for a Resume?

Let’s start with the number one rule — accurately describing your proficiency level. Just saying “basic” or “conversational” won’t cut it. My English-speaking mom thinks I’ve mastered Spanish by simply ordering a drink at the bar — my Spanish friends would beg to differ. 

My point is: language levels can be subjective. Stick to official guidelines and frameworks, so employers can better grasp your proficiency. 

Here are the most common language frameworks: 

• ILR (Interagency Language Roundtable) : The ILR is the U.S. Federal Government’s scale for measuring language ability. It has six base levels, from no proficiency to native or bilingual. Authorized organizations use it for official language testing worldwide.
• CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) : The CEFR is an international standard for assessing language skills. It uses a six-point scale, from A1 to C2, helping teachers, learners, and employers compare language qualifications. 
• ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) : ACTFL is a membership organization with globally recognized proficiency assessments used by schools, government agencies, and businesses.

Including your language level or certification according to a specific framework helps employers accurately gauge your skills. However, not all recruiters will be familiar with the different levels or classifications. 

To clear up any confusion, I recommend opting for the popular ILR classifications like “limited working proficiency” or “professional working proficiency,” which are recognized by LinkedIn and give insight into your professional capacity. 

Here’s a breakdown of the ILR classifications, how they correspond with other frameworks, and what your level tells recruiters about your abilities: 

No proficiency 

If your language skills are limited to knowing the colors of the rainbow, you fall under “no proficiency.” You shouldn’t list this on your resume, since it’s not practically useful. Don’t pull a Joey Tribbiani and exaggerate your abilities — hiring managers will see through it in no time.

Not sure if you’re at “no proficiency” or can claim “elementary”? Here’s how to tell you’re at the former level:

• Lack of understanding of full sentences. 
• Limited or no knowledge of the language. 
• Ability to only identify a few words or phrases.
• Unable to communicate in the language. 

Elementary proficiency

“Elementary proficiency” is the lowest level of language skill. It means you can manage basic conversations and understand simple sentences. You’re at beginner level and can ask for directions, introduce yourself, and handle straightforward interactions, but anything more complex might be tough. 

Introducing yourself or discussing your likes and dislikes only gets you so far in a professional setting. Skip adding this level to your resume unless the job specifically asks for basic language skills. 

Here are the telltale signs that you have an elementary proficiency: 

• Ability to ask and answer simple questions. 
• Communication of familiar sentences and phrases. 
• Knowledge of everyday language and vocabulary. 
• Understanding of everyday tasks like asking for directions or telling the time.

Limited working proficiency

“Limited working proficiency” means you can handle basic work-related conversations in the language, but might need help with more in-depth discussions. You can get your point across and understand others in routine situations, but you might struggle with technical topics. 

Include this on your resume if your job needs basic foreign language skills or involves interactions with non-native English speakers. It’s also handy if your role requires basic communication with foreign clients or customers, such as in certain hospitality or aviation roles.

• Communication in familiar topics. 
• Ability to handle routine and work-related interactions. 
• Knowledge of basic grammar and sentence structures. 
• Understanding of casual conversations, but may struggle in group discussions.

Professional working proficiency

“Professional working proficiency” means you’re skilled enough in the language to handle business interactions. You can participate in meetings, take on negotiations, and send emails to clients and colleagues from other countries. 

Adding this to your resume shows you can contribute effectively in professional settings, bridging language gaps and making communication smoother in diverse environments. You still make mistakes, but many employers see it as enough to manage responsibilities and interactions in another language.

• Confidence in a working environment. 
• Ability to handle work-related duties and interactions. 
• Strong understanding of grammar with extensive vocabulary.
• Capacity to have everyday conversations, but may struggle with highly technical topics. 

Full Professional Proficiency

At the “Full Professional Proficiency” level, you’re fluent and accurate in using the language across all professional contexts. You can read and understand various types of written materials relevant to your field.

Recruiters see this level as a strong asset, showing you can engage in advanced discussions on a personal level, as well as technical topics like business and finance. Your extensive vocabulary and conversational ease mean you can interact with international customers and clients. 

• Ability to express yourself with little difficulty in the workplace. 
• Strong understanding of advanced text and technical documents. 
• Confidence with a range of everyday tasks and duties in another language. 
• Proficient at contributing accurately and fluently in professional conversations.

Native or bilingual proficiency

“Native or bilingual proficiency” means you’re completely fluent. You’ve nailed the grammar, can express complex ideas, and have a vast vocabulary. Whether you grew up with the language or used it extensively, you can communicate without any hiccups.

Claiming native or bilingual proficiency tells recruiters you’re ready for any professional or personal interactions. Highlight this on your resume if your job relies heavily on the language, like in translation, travel, or teaching.

• Strong understanding of complex grammar and vocabulary. 
• Excellent pronunciation with no or slight hints of an accent. 
• Proficient at speaking confidently at a normal pace without mistakes. 
• Ability to communicate with clients, customers, and colleagues with ease. 

How to List Language Skills on Your Resume?

There’s no universal rule for how to list your language skills on a resume. It all depends on how relevant they are to the job, how many languages you speak, and how well you express them.

Employers care about two things: how well you know the languages and how that benefits their company. This needs to be clear and easy to find because recruiters don’t have time to hunt for the details.

When you list your language skills, tailor it to what the employer wants. Highlight your abilities to show them exactly how skilled you are and the ways this can contribute to your future position. 

Customize your resume to the job description 

Highlighting your proficiency in French won’t impress recruiters looking for someone to mingle with their Spanish clients. Sure, you could mention it briefly in your skills section to flex your language prowess — but any more than that is just taking up unnecessary space. 

Luckily, you don’t have to guess what the employer is looking for — the job description should do all the work for you. Closely examine how language skills are emphasized in the job ad, with specific tasks or responsibilities that require language proficiency. 

For example, if the job mentions meetings with international clients, emphasize your speaking skills and successes in negotiations, important discussions, or networking events. 

Take a look at this job description for a customer service representative: 

Most job descriptions spell out any necessary languages in the job requirements. If they want someone with bilingual or native proficiency, it’s clearly important for the position. So, include a dedicated language section to highlight your high language levels with any certifications and success stories. 

This job ad also reveals that you’ll be doing a lot of verbal interaction over the phone, so your resume should emphasize your speaking and listening abilities throughout your work experience . They also mention product knowledge, so touch on your understanding of technical vocabulary. 

Align your language skills with their specified proficiency levels. If they use terms like “intermediate” or “fluent,” at least match your proficiency level to their requirements to show you are a clear fit for the job.

Here’s an example of a French substitute teacher job description: 

The job ad refers to the CEFR framework, so ensure you use these classifications when describing your language skills. This way, recruiters can quickly identify information and check off those boxes.

Remember, the relevance of language skills varies by profession and industry. Focus on skills that directly contribute to the job, ensuring each language listed adds value and supports your strengths. 

Discover more tips on customizing your resume: How to Tailor Your Resume to a Job to Any Job Description

Describe your language proficiency level 

Simply claiming you’re “conversational in Italian” doesn’t say enough about your abilities. Maybe you can chat about your favorite pasta variations (penne for the win) over a glass of wine, but can you negotiate a high-stakes deal?

To catch a recruiter’s eye and pass those ATS (applicant tracking system) checks, be specific. Listing duties, experiences, and positive outcomes are great, but you need to provide concrete classifications.

Check the job ad to see how they specify language levels like “native,” “fluent,” or “advanced,” or if they use frameworks like CEFR or ACTFL. Stick to one rating system throughout your resume to stay consistent and avoid confusion. 

Are your listening skills much better than your speaking skills? List them separately to give a clear picture of your abilities. But if your proficiency is pretty even across the board, you can average it out to save space.

And whatever you claim on your resume, be ready to back it up in your interview. You don’t want to accidentally tell your interviewer you’re pregnant instead of sharing an embarrassing language-learning moment (been there, done that: “embarazada” does not mean “embarrassed”).

Decide where to put your language skills 

After pinpointing the right framework and key skills from the job ad, your language skills need to get noticed. Think of it like an art gallery: you wouldn’t hide your most prized pieces in the dark corner at the back. 

Recruiters often spend less than ten seconds looking through each resume, so your language skills must stand out to make an impact. So, do you give your linguistic abilities a dedicated section, or should you simply mention them with your other bullet-pointed skills? 

Include a dedicated “Language Skills” section

When the job ad requires someone who speaks another language or if it’s essential for the role (like in international marketing or translation), you should give languages their own section. This gives you more room to describe your reading, writing, and speaking abilities with relevant classifications and certifications from the right frameworks. 

You can also include examples of how your language skills made a positive impact in past positions and the ways you contributed to the company. 

Check out this example from a jobseeker with experience in international marketing: 

Language Skills

English • Native proficiency

Spanish • Professional working proficiency (C1: CEFR) • Conducted business meetings and negotiations with Spanish-speaking clients. • Translated marketing materials and technical documents.

French • Limited working proficiency (B1: CEFR) • Assisted in customer service for French-speaking clients. • Participated in bilingual meetings and took minutes.

Add to your list of skills 

If language skills aren’t the focus of the job, it’s fine to mix them into your skills or education sections with simple bullet points. Even if not directly relevant to the position, showing your language abilities alludes to other valuable soft skills like determination, patience, and focus.

Here’s how to blend your languages in your skills section: 

Skills • Data Analysis with Python • Advanced Excel Proficiency • Web Development (HTML, JavaScript) • SQL Database Management • Fluent in Spanish (C1 Level) • Basic Conversational French (A2 Level)

When listing your skills, start with your strongest abilities and those most relevant to the job. Remember, recruiters are skimming their way through a stack of resumes — nobody is going to start reading from the bottom of the list. If the job isn’t reliant on languages, group them together at the bottom of your list. 

Find out more on the best ways to structure your resume: How to Format a Resume & What Standard Resume Format to Use

Show how you applied your language skills 

You may have mastered a foreign language, but if all you have to show for it are Duolingo gems, you won’t get far in the workplace. Recruiters don’t just want a list of language levels, classifications, and tasks. Sure, it’s a good foundation and checks a box, but it doesn’t show how your skills lead to success.

Your work experience section is where you can really shine. Detail your responsibilities while pairing them with specific achievements and positive outcomes to give recruiters a better idea of your capabilities.

For example, if your language abilities helped smooth over communication with international clients, you could say something like, “Used fluent Spanish skills to negotiate contracts with Latin American suppliers, resulting in a 20% cost reduction.”

In one concise sentence, you’ve told employers what you can do and your potential in your new role. Here’s a work experience example from someone working in translation: 

Junior Arabic Translator | Language Solutions Ltd. June 2019 – December 2021 • Assisted senior translators in converting technical documents, including engineering and medical texts, from Arabic to English. • Assisted in the translation of a multilingual e-learning platform, increasing Arabic-speaking user engagement by 25%. • Translated over 500 pages of technical manuals and guides, resulting in a 30% reduction in customer service inquiries related to documentation. • Provided interpretation services during client meetings, enabling seamless communication and reducing misunderstandings. • Developed glossaries and style guides to standardize translation processes and improve consistency across projects.

Quantify your impact whenever possible when detailing any positive outcomes. Percentages, amounts saved, or increased efficiency can show potential employers how your language skills directly contribute to business success.

Learn more with our complete guide: How to Describe Your Work Experience on a Resume .

Prove your skills with certifications and courses 

Proving your language skills with certifications can boost your credibility. Industries with a heavy focus on languages may also see it as a requirement, so it’s best to get ahead by including your credentials on your resume. 

Here are some popular language certifications that employers look out for: 

• Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE)
• Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española (SIELE)
• Diploma in French Language Studies (DELF)
• Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK)
• Goethe-Institut Certificates

If you’ve taken the time and effort to earn a certificate, make it easy for recruiters to find. Include them in your “Language Skills” section, or if you have a bunch of credentials create a “Certifications” section.

Have you taken any language courses or workshops? Even without a certificate, they can add value to your resume — mention them under your education or professional development sections. Experiences like studying abroad or extensive travel can also show your commitment to learning a language. 

And let’s not forget the golden rule: keep it relevant. That study-abroad trip to China? It’s only taking up important space if you’re applying for an Italian translator job.

Discover the best ways to list certifications: How to Make Any Certifications on a Resume Look Better

How to Improve Your Language Skills

In my early 20s, I took a leap and moved to a country where I could only speak about five words of the language. Relocating to a non-English speaking country without knowing the basics wasn’t the brightest idea, but it did turn me into a seasoned language learner. 

Improving your language skills might not be at the top of your resume checklist right now. But what about the next time you apply for a job? The change from B2 to C1 proficiency can be the difference between landing a mediocre role to getting your dream job. 

So, why not get a head start? These are the best ways to boost your language level and impress future employers. 

Online courses and language classes

One of the best and most convenient ways to learn a new language is to sign up for language classes. And I get it, the thought of going into a room of strangers and conversing in a different language is daunting. But everyone is in the same boat — it’s the ultimate ice-breaker. 

Many classes try to immerse you by throwing out English from the get-go, an essential part of learning any language. You also get the opportunity to chat with your classmates and role-play real-life situations while practicing your speaking and listening skills. 

If you’d rather learn from the comfort of your own home, there are also many online courses for various levels and languages. Here are some of my top picks:

English as a Second Language (ESL)

• Teach English Now! Foundational Principles (Coursera)
• Teaching EFL/ESL Reading: A Task Based Approach (Coursera) 
• TEFL Essentials: Teaching English as a Foreign Language (Udemy)
• AP® Spanish Language and Culture (edX)
• Foundations of Spanish for Global Communication (Future Learn)
• Learn Spanish: Basic Spanish Vocabulary Specialization (Coursera)
• Yoyo Chinese  
• Chinese for Beginners (Coursera)
• Chinese language for beginners: Mandarin Chinese HSK1-HSK3 (Udemy)

Set a regular study schedule and stick to it to get the most out of courses and classes. Consistency is key when learning a new language. Treat it like any other class or commitment to keep yourself motivated and on track.

Free resources and apps

If you don’t have the budget or time for classes, free online resources, and apps are the next best thing. Instead of scrolling through cat videos on your morning commute, why not use that time to learn new words and grammar structures?

But there’s an obvious catch — without a teacher, you miss out on the face-to-face interaction which is super handy for the learning process. So, I’d suggest using apps to brush up on the basics or as extra practice outside of classes.

Here are the top language apps and platforms: 

• Clozemaster  
• HelloChinese  
• Language Transfer 

Many language-learning apps are packed with features like quizzes, challenges, and rewards to keep you hooked. But to really benefit, you’ve got to practice regularly. Set aside a few minutes daily to complete lessons or exercises. 

It’s also handy to mix app-based learning with other free resources. Check out websites like BBC Languages, LanguagePod101, or YouTube channels dedicated to language learning. These platforms often offer videos, podcasts, and articles to boost your understanding and immersion in the language.

Media and entertainment

Think about how many hours you spend watching TV, reading books, or listening to music each week. Now imagine if you did all that in another language.

Start by watching foreign-language movies and TV shows. Platforms like Netflix have a ton of options with subtitles and dubbing, which can help you pick up on everyday conversational phrases and improve your comprehension. “Casa de Papel” and “Las Chicas de Cable” are a couple of my favorites for learning Spanish.

Listening to music, radio stations, and podcasts is another great way to immerse yourself and improve your listening skills. My go-to is the Coffee Break Languages podcast — I stick to the Coffee Break Spanish , but they have ten different languages available. 

Reading books, magazines, and blogs can boost your understanding of vocabulary and grammar. Reading a familiar book in a foreign language makes learning new words and phrases easier and more memorable (Harry Potter is a popular choice). I read Edgar Allan Poe’s short stories in Spanish — let’s just say I have plenty of interesting vocabulary under my belt. 

Immersive experiences

Let me preface by saying this option isn’t for everyone — but if you have the opportunity, hop on a plane and dive into the language headfirst. There’s no better way to learn a language than when you have no other choice. 

Living in another country pushes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to go beyond the basics. Everyday activities like shopping, dining out, or going to the bank require you to speak the language and mingle with locals.

Consider staying with a host family, booking a family Airbnb, or opting for a homestay while abroad. Living with native speakers means you’re constantly exposed to the language in everyday contexts. You’ll naturally pick up colloquial phrases, and cultural nuances while improving your conversational skills.

But if traveling isn’t an option, look for local language exchange meetups or cultural events where you can practice speaking with native speakers. These environments are supportive and encourage language practice in a more relaxed setting.

Here’s a roundup of all the tips to make sure your language skills stand out on your resume: 

• Match your language skills to the job description to show you fit their expectations. If the role requires “fluent Spanish,” make sure to highlight that exact proficiency level with skills and experiences 
• If languages are essential for the job, give them their own section labeled “Languages” or “Language Skills.” Otherwise, you can blend them into your skills or education sections with other relevant abilities
• Use clear descriptors like “Fluent in French” or “Conversational in Japanese.” Avoid vague terms like “good at Spanish,” which don’t reveal much about your actual skill level.
• Classify your proficiency using standard frameworks like CEFR (A1–C2) or ILR (0–5) to give recruiters a clear picture. For example, “German (CEFR C1)” provides a precise level of your capability.
• If your reading, writing, and speaking skills vary, list them separately to give a precise measure of your abilities, like “Spanish: Fluent in speaking, intermediate in writing.” 
• Be honest about your level. Exaggerating your proficiency can backfire during interviews or on the job. If you’re conversational, say so — don’t claim fluency unless you truly are.
• Show how you’ve used your language skills in your work experience with positive outcomes. For example, you could say, “Negotiated contracts in Spanish to secure cost reductions” or “Translated technical documents from English to German to attract a wider audience.” 
• Mention if you’re currently improving your skills with courses and classes. “Currently learning Mandarin at an intermediate level” shows dedication and a commitment to self-improvement, which employers appreciate.
• List any certifications or courses related to your language skills to add credibility, like “DELE B2 Spanish Certification.” Certificates validate your skills and give them more weight.

Where to put languages on a resume?

List languages in a dedicated “Languages” section if they’re crucial for the role, or if you have a range of relevant language skills. Otherwise, you can blend them into your skills or education sections using bullet points. 

Make sure recruiters and ATS software can easily spot your skills by keeping them concise with the right classifications and frameworks. If languages are a key part of the job, also mention them in your summary or cover letter to highlight their importance.

How to put “bilingual” on a resume?

Mention your bilingual ability in a “Languages” section, stating the languages you’re fluent in, like “Bilingual in English and Spanish.” You can also weave this into your resume summary or work experience to show how being bilingual has benefited past roles and added value to your work. For example, you could say, “Delivered bilingual customer service, improving satisfaction rates by 20%.”

What are examples of language skills?

Examples of language skills include proficiency in languages like Spanish, French, or Mandarin, and specific skills like translation, interpretation, and technical writing. Mention conversational, professional working, or native/bilingual proficiency levels to clarify your abilities. 

You can also include specific tasks, such as “Translated technical documents from German to English” or “Interpreted for non-English speaking patients in a medical setting.”

How to classify language proficiency?

Use standard frameworks like CEFR (A1–C2) or ILR (0–5) to classify proficiency. For example, “Spanish (CEFR C1)” or “French (ILR 3).” Be consistent and use the same frameworks throughout your resume to give employers a clear and accurate measure of your language skills. 

Conversational vs. fluent: what’s the difference? 

Conversational proficiency means you can handle everyday conversations, but might struggle with complex topics. Fluent proficiency means you’re comfortable in nearly all situations, including professional and technical discussions, and can speak almost as well as a native speaker. For example, conversational Spanish might involve casual chats, while fluent Spanish means you can negotiate business deals or discuss technical subjects. 

How to say you read, write, and speak Spanish on your resume?

In your “Languages” section, list it as: “Spanish: Advanced proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking.” Alternatively, integrate it into your work experience: “Conducted meetings in Spanish, wrote reports, and corresponded with Spanish-speaking clients, enhancing cross-cultural communication.” This clearly shows your comprehensive skill set and how you’ve applied it professionally.

Lauren Bedford

Lauren Bedford is a seasoned writer with a track record of helping thousands of readers find practical solutions over the past five years. She's tackled a range of topics, always striving to simplify complex jargon. At Rezi, Lauren aims to craft genuine and actionable content that guides readers in creating standout resumes to land their dream jobs.

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Resume Language Skills: How to Describe and List Language Proficiency Levels on Resume

In a globalized world, where organizations often operate in multiple countries, language skills have become an invaluable asset for job seekers. Including your language proficiency levels on your resume can help set you apart from other candidates, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively in diverse environments.

In this article, we will discuss how to describe and list language proficiency levels on your resume, when to include them, and some mistakes to avoid.

• How to Describe Language Proficiency Levels on a Resume

When describing your language proficiency levels on a resume, it's important to use standardized terminology to convey your abilities accurately. The most common scale used is the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale, which categorizes language skills into five levels:

Elementary Proficiency (ILR Level 1)

At this level, you can understand and use basic phrases and expressions related to common, everyday situations. You can introduce yourself and others, ask and answer simple questions, and engage in brief conversations on familiar topics. However, your vocabulary is limited, and you may struggle with more complex grammar and sentence structures.

Limited Working Proficiency (ILR Level 2)

With limited working proficiency, you can understand and communicate in routine social and work situations. You can discuss your background, education, and work experience, as well as describe and compare objects, people, and places. While you may still make grammatical errors and have difficulty understanding complex or idiomatic language, you can generally handle tasks related to travel, shopping, and daily life.

Professional Working Proficiency (ILR Level 3)

At this level, you can understand and communicate effectively in most professional and social situations. You can participate in extended conversations, discuss abstract or complex topics, and provide detailed explanations. While you may still have a foreign accent or make occasional errors, you can generally comprehend spoken and written language in various contexts and interact with native speakers without significant difficulty.

Full Professional Proficiency (ILR Level 4)

With full professional proficiency, you can understand and use the language fluently and accurately in virtually all professional and social contexts, including specialized and technical subjects. You can comprehend idiomatic expressions, slang, and cultural references, as well as produce written and spoken language that is well-organized, coherent, and stylistically appropriate. At this level, your language skills are equivalent to those of a highly-educated native speaker.

Native or Bilingual Proficiency (ILR Level 5)

This level indicates that you have native-like fluency and can understand, speak, read, and write the language with complete ease. You have a deep understanding of cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, and regional dialects, and you can communicate effectively in both formal and informal situations. Bilingual proficiency means that you have native-like fluency in two languages.

• Should You List Language Skills on a Resume?

Including language skills on your resume can be advantageous in several situations, as they can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in diverse environments. Here are some scenarios when it's a good idea to list language skills on your resume:

• When the job posting specifically mentions a required language

In this case, highlighting your language proficiency can directly contribute to meeting the job requirements, significantly increasing your overall chances of being considered for the vacant position. 2. When applying to a company that operates in multiple countries Companies with a global presence often value employees who can communicate with clients or colleagues from different backgrounds. By showcasing your language skills, you demonstrate your ability to adapt and contribute to an international work environment. 3. When your language skills complement your other skills For example, if you're a customer support specialist who is fluent in a language spoken by a significant portion of the company's clients, your language skills may improve customer satisfaction and retention.

When Not to Include Language Skills on a Resume

While language skills can be an asset, there are a couple of instances when including them on your resume may not actually be beneficial or necessary:

• When your language proficiency is at a very basic level

If your language skills are limited to basic greetings and phrases, they may not be valuable enough to include on your resume. Employers are typically more interested in candidates with a functional level of proficiency that can be utilized in a professional setting. 2. When the job posting does not mention any language requirements In this case, listing your language skills may not add significant value to your resume. Focus on emphasizing your relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments instead.

• Where to List Language Proficiency Levels on Resume

The placement of your language proficiency levels on your resume typically depends on its format and layout. Some of the most common locations include:

Skills Section

Including your language proficiency levels alongside other relevant skills can help create a comprehensive overview of your abilities. This approach is particularly suitable for functional or combination resume formats that emphasize skills over chronological work history.

Additional Information Section

Creating a separate section at the end of your resume to list your language proficiency levels can be an effective way to highlight your language skills without detracting from your core qualifications. This approach works well for chronological resume formats.

Education Section

If you have formal language training or certifications (e.g., a degree in a foreign language or a recognized language examination certificate), you can include your proficiency levels in the Education section of your resume. This approach can help demonstrate your commitment to learning and mastering a language.

• How to List Language Skills on a Resume (with Examples)

When listing language skills on your resume, it's essential to use clear and concise wording. Here are some examples for different proficiency levels: Elementary Proficiency: "Spanish - Elementary Proficiency (ILR Level 1)" Limited Working Proficiency: "French - Limited Working Proficiency (ILR Level 2)" Professional Working Proficiency: "Japanese - Professional Working Proficiency (ILR Level 3)" Full Professional Proficiency: "Chinese - Full Professional Proficiency (ILR Level 4)" Native or Bilingual Proficiency: "English - Native Proficiency (ILR Level 5)"

• Common Mistakes to Avoid While Listing Language Skills on Resume

To ensure that your resume accurately and effectively showcases your language skills, you should avoid these common mistakes:

Overstating Your Language Proficiency

Be honest about your abilities to avoid any potential issues in the future. Exaggerating your language skills may lead to misunderstandings or even jeopardize your credibility if your language abilities are tested during an interview or on the job.

Using Ambiguous Terminology

Stick to standardized terminology, such as the ILR scale or the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), to ensure clarity and avoid confusion. Non-standard terms like "intermediate" or "advanced" can be vague and may not accurately convey your proficiency level.

Listing Irrelevant Languages

Only include languages relevant to the position or industry. Including too many languages or languages that have no bearing on the job can make your resume appear unfocused or cluttered. Instead, prioritize languages that are directly related to the position or demonstrate your ability to work in a diverse, global environment.

• Proficient vs Fluent on Resume

"Proficient" and "fluent" are often used interchangeably on resumes, but they represent different levels of language proficiency. In the context of the ILR scale, "proficient" typically refers to Professional Working Proficiency (ILR Level 3), while "fluent" corresponds to Full Professional Proficiency (ILR Level 4). Ensure you accurately represent your language skills by using the appropriate term for your proficiency level.

• Conversational vs Fluent on Resume

"Conversational" is another term frequently used on resumes to describe language proficiency. It generally indicates a level of language skill that allows for casual communication, falling between Limited Working Proficiency (ILR Level 2) and Professional Working Proficiency (ILR Level 3). If you choose to use "conversational" on your resume, make sure it accurately reflects your language abilities and the requirements of the position.

• How to Determine Your Language Proficiency Level for Resume

If you want to accurately determine your language proficiency level, then you should consider each of the following factors: Formal training and education: Reflect on your language courses and certifications, as they can provide a benchmark for your proficiency level. Professional experience: If you have used a language in a professional setting, evaluate the complexity of the tasks and the level of communication required. Self-assessment: Be honest with yourself when evaluating your reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities in a given language. Use the ILR scale descriptions as a guide to determine your level of proficiency.

• Key Takeaways

Including language proficiency levels on your resume can be a valuable addition when applying for positions that require or prefer multilingual candidates. By using standardized terminology, accurately assessing your proficiency, and strategically placing this information on your resume, you can effectively showcase your language skills and increase your chances of landing the job.

Maggie Horne

Content Manager & Resume Expert

Maggie is the Content Manager at VisualCV, with years of experience creating easy-to-understand resume guides, blogs, and career marketing content. Now, she loves helping people learn how to leverage their skills to start their dream jobs.

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Language Skills & Proficiency Levels on Resume [+ Resume examples]

As the global economy expands, many employers prioritize language skills in resumes. Multilingual managers who lead international businesses are actively seeking bilingual and trilingual employees to help them expand their businesses. 

In this article, we will cover tips on listing your language skills effectively, the framework for describing different language proficiency levels, and some resume examples .

Keep reading to know!

You'll learn about: 

Why Language Skills on Resumes Are Important

How to include language skills on resumes, how to describe language proficiency, tips for writing language skill levels on resumes, how to assess your language skill levels.

As more and more businesses operate internationally and are led by multilingual managers, thousands of employers prioritize language skills when choosing candidates .

Being able to communicate in different languages can be one of the proofs of showcasing your communication skills. Not to mention when businesses want to take advantage of global markets, a multilingual employee can help in translating documents, convey the business message intuitively, and so on. The language skills you put on your resume can help recruiters to measure your ability to communicate with potential employers, markets, clients, and co-workers.

Make sure that you know how to include your language proficiency using the right terms and in the right format so that recruiters can accurately evaluate your skills.

Step #1 Read the job posting and know the language skills needed.

The first thing you need to do is know if adding languages to your resume or adding certain languages, say Spanish, to your resume is going to do you a favor. You want your resume only to include necessary and relevant information so the recruiter is less likely to disregard it.

For example, when you see a job post include the following requirements:

Bilingual Copywriter

• Fluency in writing in Spanish and English.
• minimum 2 years of copywriting experience.
• Creative writing samples in both Spanish and English.

You know you have to highlight your English and Spanish skills on the resume. You can also mention other languages you are familiar with, but there is no need to focus on them.

Step #2 Assess your language proficiency.

Clearly indicating levels of language proficiency is of great importance, as the hiring manager, at this stage, can only rely on what you write on the resume for your language skills to decide if you are suitable. For example, "Spanish (C2)" or "fluent in Spanish" on the resume tells the recruiter much more than a simple "Spanish".

To be able to  describe your language skill levels on your resume clearly, you must first know how good you are at the language. There are many ways to assess your language proficiency, which will be discussed later in this article . 

Step #3 Decide where to put language skills on your resume.

Possessing proficiency in more than one language might lead to better opportunities. Depending on the employer's requirement and expectation of language skills, you might need to highlight your language levels on a resume to stand out from the competition.

However, it could be counterproductive if you put your language skills in the wrong section of your resume or describe your language proficiency level unclearly on the resume. 

Where you could include language skills on a resume:

• A separate language section in the resume

Experience descriptions

Certifications section, a separate language skills section in the resume.

Having a dedicated language section in your resume would help the recruiter quickly pinpoint your relevant language expertise needed for the job. It is best to put language skills on your resume in a separate section when you have at least an upper-intermediate level of fluency for more than two languages relevant to the job. Language skills with lower levels of proficiency should not be included in your resume as they are considered irrelevant for a professional context. 

Check out this example of a language skills section on a resume:

Language Skills

• American English – Native/Bilingual (ILR Level 5)
• Mandarin ­– Native/Bilingual (ILR Level 5)
• Japanese – Professional Proficiency (ILR Level 4+)
• Canadian French – Professional Proficiency (ILR Level 4)
• Colombian Spanish – Professional Working Proficiency (ILR Level 3+)

The benefit of mentioning language skills through your experience descriptions is that it provides context and quantifiable results to your language proficiency levels shown on the resume.

For instance, you can provide examples of how your language skills have helped you perform better in your previous roles and achieved positive results.

Check out this example of how to list language skills on a resume work experience descriptions:

Work Experience

Administrative Assistant ATC Company | 2018-2020

• Efficiently executed bilingual customer service in Spanish and English by resolving an average of 6 cases per hour.
• Converted advertising copies from Mandarin to Japanese with consistent accuracy to the style and branding.

Certificates are strong, accredited qualifications of your language levels on your resume. Consider including your language certification if the skill is crucial to the job, or if you lack the working experience related to the language. Certifying your skills also greatly increases your CV’s visibility and removes any initial doubts.

Take a look at this example of certifications section that includes language levels on a resume:

Certifications

• Japanese: JLPT N1
• Spanish: DELE C1
• Mandarin: HSK 5

So, what are the different levels of language proficiency and how do you list a language level on a resume? To avoid misinterpretation of your language fluency levels shown on your resume, follow a standardized proficiency scale.

The language proficiency frameworks standardize the level scoring of every individual to minimize confusion with ambiguous terms like “fluent” or “proficient”. The levels may be assigned separately for different language skills such as listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Here are the three commonly applied language proficiency frameworks in CV or resume:

1. Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) / LinkedIn language proficiency levels

ILR is the standard language grading scale developed for the U.S. government. It has 11 possible grade levels from 0 to 5 with “+” designations in between. LinkedIn has its own language proficiency levels that are built based on ILR.

2. Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

As suggested in its name, CEFR is a set of European guidelines for describing language ability that is recognized internationally. The levels A1 to C2 are categorized into 3 types of users: basic user (A1, A2), independent user (B1, B2), and proficient user (C1, C2).

3. American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)

ACTFL is also developed from ILR and is widely used in academia. It has five main levels: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Superior, and Distinguished. The first three levels are subdivided into low, mid, and high levels.

Examples of listing language skills on resume with the different proficiency level frameworks:

• ILR Framework:       Russian - Level 4+
• CEFT Framework:       German – C1
• ACTFL Framework:       Polish – Advanced High

While there are many options for you to write your language levels in your CV, make sure to follow these tips to avoid common mistakes.

💡 Tip 1. Don’t lie.

Don’t overestimate your language proficiency on your resume if you have low levels of fluency. Having a lot of language skills is only impressive when you have high levels of proficiency and equivalent working abilities. If you lie, you will likely get caught at some point, which will greatly reduce your credibility.

💡 Tip 2. Include the proficiency level.

Always include your language proficiency levels on your resume. It would be a waste of space if you only list out the languages without standardized skill levels, or with graphics that have no meaning to your actual proficiency. Consult the language proficiency frameworks and choose one grading system to represent your language skill levels on your resume.

💡 Tip 3. List your most proficient language first.

When listing multiple languages, begin with your most proficient language and list the rest in descending order of proficiency. The top of a list is what catches human eyes first and sticks better to memory, so put your strongest language skill when listing languages on a resume.

💡 Tip 4. Use a dedicated section.

If you speak multiple languages or if a particular language is critical for a job, you should highlight your language skills on your CV using a dedicated section. Putting your language skills within other sections might save you some space, but they also become invisible. Create a separate section if you want to emphasize the languages you know in your resume.

💡 Tip 5. Don’t use years to show fluency.

As powerful as it seems, using years as a measurement of fluency isn’t going to work. One might learn 2 years of French in high school, but merely spend 3 hours of classes per week to practice French, which is likely less effective than living in a French-speaking country for months. So, do not use years to show your language proficiency on a resume.

💡 Tip 6. Be consistent with the language proficiency frameworks.

If you choose to use the ILR scale, then stick with it for all your language proficiency levels on your resume. Don’t switch from one framework to another because the recruiters won’t spend much time evaluating every resume, not to mention understanding each framework to better know your language skill levels.

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There are two methods you can use to assess your language proficiency levels to put in your CV:

🔎 Take a language exam.

The most direct and easy way of examining your language levels is to pay and take a test. You will get an official score and certificate to prove your language proficiency in your CV, which is recommended especially for languages that are crucial to the job you are seeking.

🔎 Self-assessment using the official guidelines.

Otherwise, you can also do a self-assessment by grading yourself following the official guidelines. This is better than blindly speculating about your skill levels, in which you might end up lying or underestimating your language fluency level. The official guidelines for all three frameworks could be found on their respective websites.

🔑  Key Takeaways

The job market is putting emphasis on language abilities more than ever since lots of businesses are expanding their organization and client base globally. Properly adding language skills in your resume helps you stand out:

• Include only relevant languages.
• Describe your language proficiency clearly.
• Choose a suitable place on your resume to add language skills.

Still, have questions on how to put language skills on your resume? Review the tips and methods of assessing your language proficiency. 

Find these articles interesting? Follow our blog for more resume writing and job search tips!

--- Originally written by Sandy Tuo ---

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Language Skills on the resume

How best to include your linguistic abilities.

Language skills are always impressive and for some jobs they are a requirement.  How to include language skills on your resume  will depend on whether they are relevant to the job, how many you speak, and to what level.

Your language skills are only a small part of your resume, so it’s vital that also you understand  how to write a resume  by each section.

Should I put languages on my resume?

The number one consideration on whether to  include a resume language skills section  is relevancy. Is the language a job requirement? Is the ability to speak the language of value to the company?

If the language is relevant to the position you’re applying for it should definitely be included,  and highlighted. If not, it should be included though it shouldn’t be given too much prominence.

When writing a resume, space is precious , every part should help to sell yourself to the company. If you doubt whether something is relevant, the chances are it isn’t.

English is the most important international language to speak. Most recruiters and employers expect their employees to be able to hold a conversation in English.

However, the fact that your resume is in English will highlight this.  In the US, it can also be highly valuable to speak Spanish.  If you’re  writing a student resume , extra languages look good, and will help you to fill the space.

Where to put language skills on a resume

A well-written resume should be tailored for each job application. The skills should match the job description, and each skill should be given prominence according to how important it is for the position.  Resume language skills are no different .

With this in mind, you need to choose a place for  putting languages on a resume . The most common choice is to feature them in your  skills section . If you only speak one or two languages, and it isn’t directly important to the job, this is the most logical choice.

Unless you are applying for a job in IT, you can also  put your computer skills in the same section  under a general core competencies heading.

Another option,  if you have a language qualification , is to list it under your  education section .

If you’re applying for a job for which language skills are highly important , such as a translator or hospitality worker, you should choose a  resume format  which highlights them.

You should have a specific ‘languages’ section  which gives more detailed information on your ability. It could be a subsection of your skills, or a separate section, whichever fits better.

You can also mention it in your ‘personal details’ section if you have one, and if it’s a must-have skill for the vacancy, you can plug it in your  resume objective .

You should also include a separate ‘languages’ section  if you speak enough languages to warrant doing so.

Using a  resume template  is an easy way to construct a winning resume which you can tailor for each position you apply for.

How to write foreign language skills on your resume

Once you’ve worked out where you’re going to put them, you need to know  how to write language skills  in a resume:  Chinese ,  German ,  French  or  Spanish . What is your level? Are you fluent? Is your level intermediate?

How to write resume foreign language skills:  There are lots of different scales and ways of measuring language ability. Unless the language ability is central to the job, you should just describe your level with one or two words.

Putting language proficiency on your resume:  You can write something like basic, fluent or native or if you have a clearer idea of your level here is a scale of language ability:

Being fluent in a language  is defined in a variety of ways, but essentially  it means you can have a fluid and accurate conversation  in that language.

Proficiency in a language means you understand it well , but may use it more formally or less easily than a fluent speaker.

If you’re at an intermediate level, you can have basic conversations  in a variety of situations but still make your fair share of mistakes. Don’t bother including anything below this level on your resume.

Here is a basic level guide:

• Beginner  (Don’t include)
• Elementary  (Don’t include)
• Pre-intermediate  (Don’t include)
• Intermediate
• Upper-intermediate

Alternatively you can use the scale which LinkedIn uses:

• Elementary proficiency  (Don’t include)
• Limited working proficiency
• Professional working proficiency
• Full professional proficiency
• Native or bilingual proficiency

There are other options.  If you have a qualification in a language you can include this in your ‘education’ or ‘qualifications’ section . You can also include the number of years you’ve studied it.

Do not lie on your resume about your language ability!

Don’t include language skills in a resume if you don’t have them!  If the required language is important for the job you’re applying for, the interview – or at least part of it – is likely to be in that language. It could be incredibly awkward and embarrassing!

Even if you were to get away with it at the interview stage,  you would be expected to be able to speak the language when you start the job . Once they discover that you can’t and that you lied on your resume, you could be sacked.

Secondly, if it is not an important element for the job, it won’t help your resume to stand out so it wouldn’t be of any help to you.  Don’t lie on your resume!

If you have limited experience it can be tempting to lie. Don’t. Knowing  how to write an entry-level resume  will help you to highlight your strengths and get to the interview stage.

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How To List Language Levels On Your Resume (With Examples)

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When you put in the work to learn another language, you’ll naturally want to let employers know about your accomplishment. The tricky part is knowing how to show your level of skill in a language on your resume.

In this article, we’ll talk about how to list language skill levels on your resume as well as what the commonly recognized language skill levels are and how to determine your skill level. We’ll also discuss when and how you should put your language skills on your resume.

Key Takeaways

Including language skills on your resume is a simple and effective way to make yourself stand out from the competition and to land a job offer.

Language skills are not unidimensional – they are composed of four basic subcategories: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

To avoid misrepresenting your language skill levels, give yourself an honest self-assessment and take a few online language skill assessment exams.

Before you add your language skills to your resume, research the needs of the particular organization, department, and role. This will tell you what information you should include, making you more likely to catch a hiring manager ’s eye.

How to List Language Skill Levels On Your Resume

What are language skill levels for resumes, how to determine your language skill level, when should you include language skill levels on your resume, why should you include language skill levels on your resume.

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When you’re listing language skills on your resume, be sure to be as specific as possible. It won’t do you or the hiring manager any good, for example, if you simply write “proficient in a foreign language” or “skilled in understanding foreign languages.” Instead, be clear and concise in your descriptions.

Here are some examples of how you might include foreign language skills (using a bulleted list) on a resume:

“Fluent in Mandarin Chinese: Speaking, writing, and reading.”

“Proficient in speaking Spanish and French.”

“Conversant in German.”

“Basic skill levels in speaking and writing in Hindi.”

“Studied Spanish for four years at Columbia University – fluent in Spanish speech and writing.”

“Bilingual: English and Dutch.”

“Certificate in fluent French from Northwestern University.”

Language skills – like all key skills – can be distributed across a spectrum. Generally speaking, we can break down most skill levels into three basic groups: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. But when it comes to assessing language skill levels, it’s common practice to use four basic categories: basic, conversational, proficient, and fluent.

To give you a clearer idea of which category you might fall into, here’s a breakdown of each of the four basic skill levels:

At the basic level , you’re able to speak and understand a handful of common words and phrases in a foreign language. However, at this level, you would not be able to engage in conversation with an individual who speaks that language as a native tongue.

Here are some examples of some words and phrases that you might be able to speak and understand at a basic level:

“ Thank you !”

“Excuse me…”

“Yes, please!”

“Where is the bathroom?”

At the conversational level , you’ve acquired sufficient verbal skills to hold and maintain simple conversations in a foreign language. But at this level, your speech would be prone to grammatical errors, lengthy pauses, and uncertainty about using more complex words, expressions, or phrases.

Here are some examples of simple conversation-starters that you might use at the conversational level (note that each of the four questions outlined below focuses on everyday topics that would be broadly relevant to many people):

“The weather is beautiful today!”

“Do you know who is winning the soccer game?”

“Can you please give me directions to the hotel?”

“Did you enjoy the movie?”

Proficiency in a foreign language essentially means that you’re generally comfortable using that language in a wide variety of contexts. Still, you haven’t quite mastered it at the level of someone who speaks it as a first language.

Here are some examples of phrases that you might be able to use when you’re proficient in a foreign language (note that each of the phrases below incorporates some more technical details and complex information – temperature, team names, directions, emotions, etc.):

“I’ve been enjoying the sunshine, but I heard on the news that it’s supposed to be colder tomorrow.”

“Manchester United has defeated Arsenal ten points to seven.”

“To get to the hotel, you’ll need to walk four blocks east and then turn left.”

“I thought that the movie was funny, but it also made me feel sad.”

Fluency means that you’ve attained mastery over a foreign language. At this level of skill, you’re able to confidently and competently use this language to discuss virtually any topic in any context. Fluency would enable you, for example, to attend (and participate in) a university-level class that’s taught entirely in a foreign language.

Here are four examples of some phrases and questions that you’d be able to comfortably speak when you’re fluent in a foreign language (note the fact that these are much more complex than all of the previous examples listed above):

“Entropy is the second law of thermodynamics.”

“Aristotle was a Greek moral philosopher who lived during the fourth century BCE.”

“Can you describe to me in detail how the greenhouse effect works?”

“I remain hopeful about the prospects for diplomacy and economic cooperation in the European Union.”

You’ll need to complete three necessary steps to gain a clearer, more objective idea of your true language skill level. Completing these steps will, in turn, make it much more likely that you’ll end up including a fair and honest assessment of your language skill level on your next job application .

Reflect on which skill level category you belong to. The first step to determining your language skill level is simply asking yourself: Which of the four categories outlined above – basic, conversational, proficient, and fluent – do you consider yourself to belong to? (Keep in mind that it always pays off to give yourself an honest assessment.

Assess your skill level using the four subcategories of language. Language skills are not unidimensional. There are four subcategories of language skills that you must carefully consider when assessing your language skills as a whole.

Now, even if you’re at the basic level, you know that each subcategory is vastly different skills. You might have a talent for speaking a foreign language, for example, and simultaneously struggle to write down your thoughts in that same language. Even if you find it easy to understand others , you might find it difficult to put your responses into words.

Take an online language skill assessment quiz. After you’ve conducted a basic self-assessment of your language skills, the final step is leveraging a couple of online assessment tools. These will provide you with an unbiased perspective of where you currently stand on the language skill spectrum.

To receive as accurate an assessment as possible, it’s wise to take more than one online exam. If the first exam gives you a lower score than you were expecting, don’t despair. Move on to another one so that you can compare your final results. In the same way, you should make it a point to get a second opinion if your first test yields far more flattering results than you had anticipated.

Here are seven online language skill assessment quizzes that we recommend checking out. Each one will be able to test your proficiency in a wide variety of languages (though the options will differ for each), including Mandarin Chinese, German, French, Spanish, English, Japanese, Russian, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Swahili, Polish, Hindi, Swedish, etc. Before you begin, make sure you check subscription terms and prices – many online assessments are free, but some will come with a small fee.

Transparent Language

Cactus Language

Test Your Language

Language Line

Sprachcaffe

Language Testing International

You should include language skill levels on your resume when you see that your skills would be beneficial to the company.

Although many employers may not always explicitly state it in a job posting, they will prefer to hire a job candidate who can bring some language skills into the workplace . Most industries do not require each of their job candidates to possess language skills.

Similarly, it’s rare for an employer to include language skills as a mandatory prerequisite for all job applicants. At the same time, there are countless industries in which language skills can give you a distinct edge over the competition.

So as a job candidate, you may have to read between the lines a bit. Be sure to research the company you’re applying to, so you can find out if they have any offices or business abroad. If they do, that’s a good sign that they will value candidates with foreign language skills.

On the other hand, you won’t always need to conduct that much detective work because many job postings will clearly state that they’re looking for candidates with particular language skills.

Here are a few more circumstances in which it can be beneficial to include foreign language skills on your resume:

You’re applying for a new job overseas. Suppose you’re an American citizen applying for a job in Estonia. In that case, it will be crucial for you to break down your current skill levels in conversing, reading, and writing in Estonian and Russian.

Your prospective employer is looking for employees who are willing to grow with the company. If you’re applying to a small company that has grand designs for future international expansion, then your language skills could give you a serious edge.

You’re applying to a company with a multilingual workplace. Language skills can also make you stand out as a job candidate if the company that you’re applying to has fostered a multicultural and multilingual workplace.

You should include language skills on your resume because it shows that you have multicultural communication skills, work hard, and prioritize learning, and it sets you apart as a valuable candidate if international travel is needed.

It demonstrates that you have experience working and socializing in various cultural contexts. This ability to communicate cross-culturally is a quality that’s become extremely important to employers in an increasingly globalized business landscape.

It shows that you work hard at learning new things. Being able to list language skills on your resume proves that you have the talent and discipline to commit yourself to learn a challenging new skill (such as mastering a foreign language).

It sets you apart as a valuable candidate for roles that require you to travel abroad occasionally. Many companies have offices or clients overseas that they need people to visit, and this is much easier when their employees are familiar with some of the languages they’ll encounter.

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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How to List Language Skills on Resume (w/ Proficiency Levels & Examples)

• Martin Poduska , 
• Updated November 10, 2023 7 min read

Mastering a foreign language is one of the best things that can happen to you in life. That is, until you have to list these language skills on your resume.

Because what may seem like a straightforward issue at first can quickly become quite complicated.  

In fact, it’s enough to make one’s head spin. In my case, it looked a bit like this:

“What are the levels of language proficiency? Wow! Why are there so many language proficiency scales? And what the heck is ACTFL, ILR and CEFR? Okay, obviously I can’t describe my language skills in words. I’m going to use a star rating instead! What do you mean that ATS can’t read it? I give up.”

Anyway, if you’re looking for a simple answer, you can find it in the next part of this article. Ultimately, you don’t have to understand every nerdy detail about language proficiency scales to produce a rock solid resume .

But if you’re willing to dig deeper, prepare for a really exhaustive answer that will explain all the abbreviations mentioned above! 🤓

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

How to list language skills on a resume

What are the levels of language proficiency, how to correctly assess your level of language fluency , how to put bilingual on a resume, examples of language skills on resume.

• Create a separate subsection for your language skills under your resume's skills section .
• Order them by relevancy. Start with the language that is most relevant for the job you want. Don't include any languages in which you're not proficient, or any languages that you're only beginning to learn. 
• Follow a single language proficiency scale. List all languages using one of the language proficiency scales described below (CEFR, ILR, or ACTFL). Pick the one that a potential employer is most familiar with and stick to it.
• Use words, not charts. Use words to describe your levels of language proficiency, not charts or icons. This will help your resume get score more points with ATSs (applicant tracking systems that large companies use to scan candidates).
• Include certifications. If you took an exam and obtained a language certificate, include it in the certifications section of your resume. It gives a stronger backing  

By following these simple steps you ensure that:

• the language skills on your resume don’t go unnoticed (they’ve got their own subsection)
• your strongest skill gets the attention it deserves (it sits at the top)
• and you don't confuse the employer by coming up with your own unfamiliar names for the levels of language proficiency.  

Welcome to the most confusing part of this article! Why confusing, you ask?

Because there are multiple language proficiency scales (of course there are). What’s more, each of them uses different letters and numbers to describe the same thing.

Fortunately, you only need to know about three of them: IRL , ACTFL , and CEFR .  

Also, if all of this sounds intimidating, don’t worry too much. Remember, your main priority is to create a resume that clearly communicates your ability to use multiple languages professionally.

As long as you succeed in that, everything’s going to be all right, all right, all right.

Okay, then. Let’s take a look at those different levels of language fluency.

1. ILR (Interagency Language Roundtable)

The Interagency Language Roundtable scale is the standard grading scale for language proficiency developed by the United States’ federal-level service.  

Because of that, it’s most commonly used in the USA , or more specifically, when applying for US government jobs.  

And that’s probably everything that needs to be said about this scale. The rest you should be able to understand from the helpful comparison table above.

The ILR scale grades people’s language skills on a scale of 0–5 (5 being Native). In addition to that, it uses 0+, 1+, 2+, and 4+ to address those situations when a person’s language proficiency exceeds one skill level but doesn’t meet the criteria for the next level yet. 

The ILR scale corresponds to the language levels used on LinkedIn.

2. ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages)

The ACTFL scale was developed from the ILR scale but it’s more granular   with 11 grades of language proficiency instead of 6. According to the ACTFL website , it’s “intended to be used for global assessment in academic and workplace settings.”

Compared to the ILR, it can be a lot easier to understand even for people who couldn’t care less about language proficiency grades.

Which of the following is easier to decipher? “French: 4+ (ILR)” or “French: Advanced High (ACTFL)”.

3. CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

In Europe, we use the CEFR. This language proficiency scale is not derived from either of the American scales mentioned above, which is why it can be harder to convert grades from one into the other (that is officially).  

This scale is universally understood in Europe and almost every European employer will know exactly what you mean by, for example, B2 Spanish.  

4. LinkedIn language skills levels

LinkedIn uses the ILR language proficiency scale but instead of using numbers, they came up with their own wording for the individual ranks.

Because of that, you may want to determine your IRL language skill level before adding it to LinkedIn. 

Which language proficiency scale should you use on your resume?

Always use the one that your future employer is most familiar with. But how do you know which one is it?  

As usually, start with the job advertisement and look for the words they use to describe the required level of language proficiency.

Use the same words to describe your language skills in your resume (provided your skills are on that level).

"¿Buscar...trabajo?"

Create a great resume whether you know the language or not.

If you don't know your exact language skills levels, don't guess .

Either you'll overestimate your abilities (which can lead to many uncomfortable situations in the future) or you'll underestimate yourself (which may sabotage your effort to show yourself in the best possible light on your resume). 

What are your options then? 

• Obtain an official language certificate.  This often takes a lot of work and preparation but it can be worth it. It gives you a way to back your claims about your language skills levels and can make a stronger impression on the employer. On the other hand, sometimes it's simply an overkill. What's more, it can get pretty expensive, especially if you speak multiple languages and want to obtain an official certificate for each.
• Self-assess your language skill level.  In most cases, self-assessment should suffice, as long as you don't try overestimate your abilities and follow official guidelines to grade yourself. 

The official  IRL  website offers self assessment PDFs for speaking , reading , and listening .

The Council of Europe website provides official CEFR self assessment charts in most European languages. 

The ACTFL website lets you download the complete text of the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines . It's from 2012 but these things only get updated ever 10 years.

If you're looking for a less exhaustive version, this downloadable poster should give you all the information you need.

What does it mean to be bilingual? By the most basic definition, a bilingual person is someone who speaks two languages. 

But in order to be considered bilingual, you're usually expected to speak both languages really well  in addition to having error-free grammar and perfect pronunciation.

Most people are able to achieve such level of language proficiency only by being born into linguistically mixed families or receiving formal education abroad. 

Don't be afraid to describe your language skills as near native.

But there are also people who have been studying a second language for decades. Their command of language often surpasses that of many born speakers. What about them?

If that's your case, don't be afraid to describe your language skill as " near native ". You won't be lying and it will help you get through various applicant tracking systems.

But don't just mention it in the language skills subsection of your resume. The competitive advantage of being bilingual is so big that you may want to mention it right at the beginning of your resume — in your resume summary (or resume objective) section. 

Christy's word of advice

The most common internationally-understood format is to list the language and overall proficiency level. For example: German (native), English (fluent). In general, I recommend writing the level in words rather than a specific scale (e.g. B1 is known in Europe, but not in the US). Regarding graphs or icons, ATS can struggle to interpret these, and some graphs can be perceived negatively, so in general it’s better to use a common format.

Christy Morgan, Resident HR Expert

As they say, one example is often worth a thousand explanations!

Because of that, let me give you a couple of examples you can use as an inspiration for the language skills section on your own resume. 

ILR language skills resume example 1

• American English — Level 4+ (ILR) • Chilean Spanish — Level 3+ (ILR) • Russian — Level 3 (ILR) • Ukrainian — Level 5 (ILR)

ILR language skills resume example 2 / LinkedIn language skills

• English — Full Professional Proficiency (ILR 4+) • French — Native (ILR 5)

ACTFL language skills resume example

• American English — Distinguished (ACTFL) • Spanish — Full Professional Proficiency (ACTFL) • Japanese — Advanced High (ACTFL)

CEFR language skills resume example

• English — C2 • German — B2 • Czech — Native

(Contrary to the previous ones, in the last example we didn't specify the language framework in parentheses. CEFR is so prevalent in Europe that you rarely have to do that.)

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Pro at listing language skills on your resume now? Awesome! Boost your resume crafting skills even more and explore our professional resume samples .

Martin Poduska is a resume expert and career advice writer at Kickresume. He leads Kickresume’s team of writers and is the main person responsible for upholding the standards of expertise and quality on the blog. In addition to having written nearly 100 in-depth, painstakingly researched resume advice articles, as chief editor he has also edited and revised every single article on this blog. Tens of thousands of job seekers read Martin’s resume advice every month. Martin holds a degree in English from the University of St Andrews and a degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Amsterdam.

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Be part of the european hr community, create your own talent pool, find your perfect job, improve on your career with our career coach, how to include your language skills on your cv.

• December 8, 2020

So you loved learning new languages : German at university, spent 6 months in Spain, and watch TV shows just in English… but how do you put those language skills into your CV? Is there a right way of describing your skill in the resume? Yes, there is! Generally,   90% of the EU population knows at least one foreign language , that’s why it’s crucial to dive into the correct language proficiency levels, formatting, designing, and many more. At first sight, it might seem an easy job, but our full guide will reveal how many things you should actually consider.

Where to put your language skills?

After creating the perfect resume for the startup world , you may wonder where would your language skills actually fit. You’ve probably spent quite some time acquiring a specific language, so be proud of it! Give it enough spotlight by placing your language skills in the  “Skill” section, where you also include all the other skills you gained , like specific marketing or coding skills. You can also list them after the core resume parts (education and working experience).

One might think: “Should I dedicate a whole section just to the list of languages?!”. Our answer is: definitely! If you phrase your skills in the way they should be phrased, the “simple list” will occupy way more space than you would imagine. When one of your biggest strengths is learning languages fast, displaying them correctly is crucial to give recruiters even more reasons to hire you instead of someone else .

How to list your skills?

The list shouldn’t be random. Don’t use alphabetical order or the most common languages at the beginning. Instead, order your language skills  depending on your proficiency level . Start with the most proficient language, and just then list up other language skills in descending order.

How do you decide, which language proficiency level to use?

To have a proper list of your language skills, you have to focus on two main aspects. First, the  wording in your resume is everything . You need to spend time and energy on finding the perfect alternatives you’d like to use to describe your language level: 

• Advanced : native, fluent, superior, proficient, highly developed, mother tongue, distinguished
• Mid-range : professional, advanced, conversational, competent, upper-intermediate
• Beginner:  elementary, beginner, basic, low-intermediate, novice, limited working proficiency

 If you use this as a base for ranking your skills, one concern may occur. How can your CV exactly explain to the hiring manager, what you meant by “Intermediate English” and “Advanced German”? Can you understand everything, read everything, express yourself fluently, and even explain the structure of the language to non-speakers?

What language framework to use?

That’s why the second aspect you should consider is to define,  what language framework you plan to use.  The easiest way to prove your language level in Europe is to include the  Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)  framework. In line with the guidelines, you’ll get a certification from  A1 (basic users) to C2 (proficient users)   examining listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities. If you are not sure about your level, you can  complete an online test , which will evaluate your knowledge and will give you your respective language proficiency level. For example,  here  you can assess your level of English. Don’t forget, that these frameworks are always territorial . If you apply to the US for example, you need to consider a different language framework, called  ILR . By listing up your language skills in the following structure, you should be good to go!

Should I include language certificates?

Yes! A certificate shows that the hiring manager doesn’t need to have second thoughts about your knowledge. But you don’t have enough space to include it in the ‘general’ skill section, right? Add a “(Language) Certificate” section to the end of your CV, so among others, you can list these certificates as well as enclose them with your CV.

PRO TIPS – what not to do

• Don’t write time frames. Don’t include in your resume the time frame you’ve been using or studying the language. Sometimes living for 6 months somewhere develops your language skills more. Studying a language for 4 years may sound more impressive, but having studied it for 2 hours/week won’t necessarily have as much of an impact.
• Don’t forget all the languages you speak . Don’t forget to mention all the languages you speak! It can easily happen, that you consider your mother tongue so obvious, that you forget to include it. You perhaps got used to sending out your resume in English – which many people do to apply for international startup jobs . If you decide to apply in your home country (with an English resume ), the hiring manager can easily assume that you don’t speak the local language at all and this can result in a fast rejection. Don’t think this is just theory – I once got rejected because of this very specific reason. The job seemed perfect for me and I didn’t understand why I didn’t get hired, or at least to the virtual assessment center . After I asked for feedback, the recruiter told me that they considered me but knowing the local language was very important to interact with customers. All in all, so much time passed by until we could clarify, that the company already hired someone else… bad luck for me!
• Don’t lie. This is always a big no-no but especially lies within the area of language proficiencies that can get discovered very fast. If you don’t use the frameworks wisely and realistically, you might have some very awkward situations. Just imagine, that you have to give an answer to “Why should we hire you?”, or “What are your biggest weaknesses?” when the hiring manager switches to another language or when you have to deal with a highly important client in the future… Not pleasant!
• Don’t mix frameworks. If you apply for Europe, make sure you use the CEFR for describing all of your language skills, don’t involve ILR which is usual for the US market.
• And last: don’t forget to also include your languages on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a really powerful platform and recruiters spend a lot of time looking for candidates also there. If you want to make sure that recruiters can find you , leverage the platform and use all the tricks it has !

Describing language skills on your resume sounds easy, but there are many things to consider –  some will surprise you !

• You should:  place your skills right, list them up in the right order, use the appropriate framework, and include certificates to showcase your language proficiency.
• You should not:  write the time frame, lie about your language level on your cv, forget about your mother tongue and mix frameworks.

You worked hard to learn these languages, so bring out most of them! And when you’re ready, don’t forget to professionalize your CV and cover letter . Want to learn more about how AI is going to solve our language barrier ? read on about the exciting future of AI  today!

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• Functional Resume: Writing...

Functional Resume: Writing Guide, Examples, & Template

11 min read · Updated on August 28, 2024

What is a functional resume, and is it suitable for your job search?

Submitting the best resume possible is essential regardless of the job you're applying to. Selecting the proper format for your unique circumstances is one aspect of ensuring that's the case. Many turn to the common chronological resume format. But what happens if your work history and skills don't fall neatly within that format? Then, a functional resume might be an option.

Below, we answer, “What is a functional resume?” and share tips with a template, as well. 

What is a functional resume?

The functional resume format emphasizes your skills over your work history. The goal of a functional resume is to craft your carer history in such a way that proves how the skills you've acquired align with the job you want. It's these skills that will stand out first and foremost to the hiring team. 

You still include your work history in a functional resume, though you don't go into detail about your accomplishments for each specific position. Instead, you include your accomplishments within each skill category. 

FORESHADOWING: We have a functional resume example at the end of this post you can refer to and see how this works. 

A functional resume tends to be a last-resort format for a couple of reasons:

Applicant tracking systems sometimes have a difficult time reading a functional resume format. 

Since the functional format is not that common, it can be more difficult for recruiters and hiring managers to find the information they're seeking quickly.

Still, if you don't have a traditional work history but have many skills relevant to the job you're applying for, a functional resume could be the best choice for you. 

What is a functional resume vs. a chronological resume?

The chronological resume, also referred to as a reverse chronological resume, is the most commonly used resume format. This format focuses on your work history instead of skills like the functional format. 

In the chronological format, you will include your most recent job first, with the rest of your experience in reverse chronological order. Each position will have a set of bullets that flesh out your achievements in that role. 

A chronological resume is an ATS-friendly format when it's written correctly. It also tends to be the most popular among hiring teams since they're familiar with the format and can easily locate the information that matters to them. 

Related reading: How to Use a Reverse Chronological Resume Format

What is a functional resume vs. a hybrid resume?

A hybrid resume, also called a combination resume, blends aspects of the chronological and functional resume formats. The goal of a hybrid resume is to equally emphasize your skills and work history. 

The hybrid resume has become a popular format choice for candidates since it gives the opportunity to emphasize the skills you have in combination with your work history. It's also a format that tends to be easily read by ATS and human readers. 

Related reading: The Best Resume Format to Get You Hired

When should you use a functional resume?

Now that we've answered “What is a functional resume?” let's discuss when you should and shouldn't use this format option.

A functional resume might work well for you if:

You have been out of the workforce for a while. Suppose you're reentering the workforce after some time. In that case, you might not want that fact to be the first thing prospective employers notice about your resume. Instead, you'd prefer they see your impressive categories of skills. 

You have a large gap in your employment history. Similar to being out of the workforce for a while, a functional resume helps to emphasize your relevant skills first to give a positive spin on your resume, helping to take the emphasis off of your employment gap(s). 

You have held jobs that span a lot of different types and industries . If your employment record is all over the place regarding the industries and types of jobs you've held, it might not be easy for a hiring team to connect your experience to the job you're applying for. A functional resume will allow you to emphasize that you have the skills necessary for the job first, so your diverse employment record isn't called into question (hopefully) as much. 

You have little to no work experience. You might not have much work experience if you're right out of college. You do likely, however,  have a lot of skills you've acquired through school activities, sports, part-time work, or school clubs. A functional resume allows you to be creative in the skills you represent first, helping to grab the attention of hiring teams with what's most relevant.

Your skills have been acquired through means other than traditional work experience. Suppose you have relevant skills acquired through things like hobbies, interests, or volunteer experience over conventional work experience. In that case, a functional resume will allow you to emphasize these skills so they stand out better than they would in a chronological format. 

When should you not use a functional resume?

If any of the following pertain to you, then it's likely in your best interest to choose a hybrid or chronological resume format:

You have a traditional employment career trajectory. If you have plenty of work experience related to the job with a typical career growth path, then a chronological or hybrid resume is the way to go. 

You're changing careers and want to emphasize transferable skills. If you've gained a lot of transferable skills and are making a career shift, a hybrid resume is an excellent way to highlight your transferable skills first, with your work experience coming in second. 

Your most recent employment history is relevant. If your most recent employment is relevant to the job, even if some of the rest of your work history isn't, you'll likely do better with a hybrid or chronological format over a functional one. 

What to include in a functional resume

Here are the sections to include in a functional resume:

Start with your contact information

Regardless of the format you select, you'll start it off with your contact information. This includes your name, cell phone number, email address, and location (city, state, zip code). You can also include your LinkedIn or professional website URL. 

Kick it off with a resume summary

Another common element across all resume formats is starting it off with a resume summary . Your summary should encapsulate what your resume is about. You want to grab the reader's attention enough for them to want to learn more. Include three to five essential skills and one to two accomplishments, with some powerful adjectives to describe you. 

Categorize your skills

The bulk of your resume for a functional format will be your Professional Skills section. Here's where you'll categorize your skills and include key accomplishments from your experience to showcase how you applied those skills successfully in the past. 

Incorporate your work history

Following your Professional Skills section, include your work history. Here, include the name of the employer, your position, and the dates you were employed. Where you would include bullet points of your accomplishments below each position for a chronological and hybrid format, you will leave those off in the functional format. You've already covered key accomplishments within your categories of skills.

Close it off with education

Like other resume formats, your functional resume will end with your Education section . An exception to this is if you are a new hire with little to no work experience and a few skills to highlight. In that case, you'll emphasize your education by listing it first, followed by your Skills section and then your work history. 

Your Education section should include your degree and where you obtained it. You can also include any honors you might've achieved. 

Many also choose to include any relevant certifications in their Education section. Or, you can opt to include a separate Certifications section if you have more than one to highlight.

Include additional sections as appropriate

You may include additional sections on your resume depending on your unique circumstances. Additional sections could include Volunteer Experience, Hobbies and Interests, Certifications, Special Projects, and Technical Skills.

Tips for writing your functional resume

Here are a few additional tips to help you craft a job-winning resume:

Tailor your resume to each job. Refer to the job description and tailor your resume to include keywords and information that aligns with your skills and experience. 

Use power verbs. Begin each work accomplishment bullet point with a power verb . 

Include as much quantifiable information as possible. When describing your accomplishments, include results and use data to quantify those results as much as possible. 

Example of a functional resume 

Here is an example of a functional resume for someone pursuing an HR-related job. You'll see this individual has a brief employment gap and a bit of an unconventional career path, making a functional resume a suitable option.

Kendra Smith

555.555.5555 | [email protected] | Morgantown, WV 26250 

Intuitive professional with multi-dimensional expertise in Human Resources for diverse group of industries, including oil & gas, finance, Internet marketing, and real estate. Timely and efficient with the ability to work with all levels of staff within an organization. Influential in working with leadership teams to support the best interests and wellbeing of employees. Expertise includes recruiting, employee relations, training and development, and performance management. 

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

Staffing & Recruiting

• Partnered with recruiters to rebuild workforce after a 40% reduction due to Hurricane Katrina relocation
• Counseled management while going through a reduction in force for 150+ positions
• Recruited for over 500 positions in multi-faceted environments
• Utilized applicant tracking system (ATS) software, including Taleo, JobVite, and SAP, to monitor resume submissions and data
• Designed a one-stop shop website to assist new hires in assimilating to the community and company

Employee Relations & Performance Management

• Managed employee relations for global and domestic client groups totaling 500-700 employees for multi-million dollar companies
• Designed and implemented new company-wide Service Award Program
• Developed new Performance Management process resulting in more effective employee development, documentation, and communication
• Directed relocation project and successfully transferred 300+ positions from Austin to Houston, TX

Communications & Policy Design

• Prepared and administered 40+ HR-focused policies, including performance management, non-solicitation, harassment, education reimbursement, annual MVR reviews, and discipline for $4.5B start-up company
• Partnered with HR & Legal departments to develop and present materials for pertinent employee communications, including Austin relocation, benefits open enrollment, and policy updates
• Presented HR updates, including goals and projects, for monthly Leadership staff meetings
• Drafted and wrote 200+ employee, HR, and CEO communications

Training & Development

• Developed 30+ training modules focused on HR Foundational skills for supervisors and managers, including union avoidance, effective communication, performance management, employment law, recruiting, and employee development
• Spearheaded culturally sensitive technical and professional career development plans for 100 international and domestic employees
• Trained HR colleagues on I-9 government compliance

WORK EXPERIENCE

HR SME Copywriter:  IESquared, LLC, Houston, TX, 6/2020 - Present 

Public Relations Specialist:  PrimeWay Credit Union, Houston, TX. 4/2017 - 6/2020 

HR Recruiter:  HighMount E & P, Oklahoma City, OK, 11/2012 - 5/2013

HR Operations Manager:  Dominion E & P, Houston, TX, 9/2010 - 10/2012

EDUCATION   

West Virginia University – Morgantown, WV

• Master of Science in Human Resources and Industrial Relations
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Is a functional resume right for you?

Now that you know the answer to “What is a functional resume?” it's time to decide if it's the right option for you. If you have a traditional work history, recent relevant work, or are applying for a job where your work history is necessary to include in detail, then you should forgo the functional resume format. If you fall into any of the other categories above where a functional resume could be of value, then go for it. And, when in doubt, you can always hire a resume writer to help. Good luck!

Are you using the right format for your resume? Find out by submitting it for a free resume review . Our experts will review it and provide specific tips to help improve it and get past an ATS!

Recommended reading:

How to Check If My Resume Is ATS-Friendly for Free

15 Expert Tips to Working with Recruiters

Strategic Job Search Planning: Land Your Dream Job

Related Articles:

How to Write a Short Bio? (With Examples)

7 Best Personal Skills for Your Resume (With Examples)

Great Jobs for Teens: Top Picks for 16-Year-Olds

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How to Structure and Write a Bilingual Resume

Speaking multiple languages is a valuable competency that benefits many roles. Countless employers want to see bilingual proficiency on a resume, so if you have the skills, it pays to show them off. This guide shows you how to write an impressive bilingual resume and stand out from the crowd.

Should you list “bilingual” on resumes?

Bilingual skills are vital to some roles and helpful for thousands of them. It’s important to mention your language proficiency at least once, even if the open position doesn’t mention or require it. This ability can be quickly listed in your resume’s Skills section or in a small Language section in a side column.

However, if a job description lists bilingual skills specifically, either as a “must-have” or “nice-to-have,” it’s crucial to showcase your bilingual skills in a noticeable, obvious way. You need the hiring manager to see your language skills in the first few seconds as they scan your resume – this tells them you’re a likely candidate immediately, and recruiters only spend a few seconds on each resume.

The top benefits of a bilingual resume

When crafting a resume, bilingual skills are important to mention and bring many impactful benefits.

The most obvious benefit is when applying for a bilingual role. This is often in the title of a job post, such as Bilingual Project Manager (French/English ). Commonly, these roles are ones that interact with people frequently, such as a project manager who must liaise between French-speaking clients and an English-speaking team.

Bilingual resumes also help job seekers in specific countries or markets. Many places in the US, such as California, New Mexico, and Texas, have a large number of Spanish-speakers , so if you’re bilingual in English and Spanish, resumes should reflect that.

Canadian resumes are often bilingual, with many applications in both English and French.

Bilingual resumes don’t just help you showcase your role qualifications – they also show respect and courtesy for the hiring manager. In places like Canada or California, the hiring team may speak different languages, and writing your resume in two languages makes it easy for everyone to understand it.

The main differences between a bilingual resume and an English resume

Bilingual resumes and traditional English resumes have a few distinct differences but a lot of similarities, too.

These documents typically have the same headers, examples, and metrics, but a bilingual resume should repeat the information a second time in another language. Here’s an example:

Work Experience / Expérience professionelle Sales representative / Représentant commercial Lucky Break Solutions, Montréal, Quebec, Canada February 2020 – March 2023 / Février 2020 – Mars 2023

It’s nearly identical to an average resume but provides the information in your other known language. This showcases how fluid you are and also shows consideration for anyone in the hiring process who can’t speak one of the two languages.

However, writing the same information twice can significantly lengthen a resume, which makes most bilingual resumes longer than traditional English resumes – typically at least two pages long. 

As a general rule, resumes should only be one page long as recruiters don’t want to spend too much time on each application, but it may be difficult to trim your resume down when you need to add everything twice.

“It’s important to mention your language proficiency at least once, even if the open position doesn’t mention or require it.”

How to structure a bilingual resume

Let’s take a look at how to put “bilingual” on resumes and how to structure bilingual resumes. 

It’s best to use a professional resume template so can comfortably flex your resume and include all necessary sections, so check out our user-friendly resume layouts .

Your job title usually sits right beneath your name and instantly tells the recruiter that your application is relevant. There are two ways to adapt your job title to a bilingual resume.

The first way is simple: translate your job title and put it side-by-side with your English one. Like this:

Account Manager / Gerente de cuentas

Another way is to work “bilingual” into your job title:

Bilingual Account Manager (Spanish/English)

This conveys relevance and may help you get past applicant tracking systems (ATS). An ATS resume is an application that uses terms similar to a job description, showing a company’s ATS platform that your resume suits the role.

Contact details

You can translate your contact details into your other language here, but that’s the only way to work in a mention of your bilingual skills. Your contact details should be straightforward and succinct, so don’t lengthen them with anything irrelevant.

Resume summary or objective

A resume summary or objective is the perfect place to show your bilingual skills. Mention your proficiency in your job title and include any achievements that involve your language abilities. Here’s an example:

“Dedicated customer service professional with 5 years of experience, bilingual in English and Mandarin Chinese. Expertise in solving customer issues for nearly every customer, catering to the town’s local Chinese population.”

You can also translate your summary into another language to really display your abilities. These descriptions are complex, and translating them well takes keen skills.

Keep in mind that summaries and objectives are unique and serve different professional levels. Summaries are for experienced workers, and objectives are best for students and people who are changing careers. Check out our collection of resume samples to see realistic examples of both types of descriptions.

Work experience

This section is a great place to display bilingual skills. You can, of course, repeat all your information in your second language again, but this area is great for displaying what your language skills can do.

List achievements that involve your language skills, such as solving client disputes, clarifying employee confusion, or even translating important documents. Here’s an example:

“Managed complex stakeholder requirements, acting as a liaison between an English technical team and a French client. Translated complex English technical terms for French stakeholders, leading to a 98% client satisfaction rate and a strong partnership.”

Many people are naturally bilingual, so there’s no need to add formal education. However, thousands of professionals learned their language skills at institutions such as universities or community classes. List relevant courses and certificates to show your skills officially.

You can also place language certification here. For example, you may take a test to certify that you speak CEFR French C2. This certificate is a powerful way to display your qualifications.

Similar to education, this is where you list online courses and lessons. They aren’t as formal as higher education, but they’re still valuable and display your commitment to continuous learning.

Here’s a pro tip for success: Include links to your online courses and lessons if they aren’t well known. This gives the recruiter easy access to the course so they know which lessons you’re talking about.

Internships 

This section is similar to a Work Experience section and is mainly used by recent graduates. Students may lack a work history, but if they have previous internships, this shows the same use of professional skills.

It’s particularly helpful if you can list internships from different countries or bilingual companies. This shows you have experience actively working in your second language.

If you want to simply mention your skills and nothing more, the Skills section is the ideal way. Many positions don’t require bilingual abilities, so it’s better not to take up too much space trying to prove it. However, if you have the abilities, it’s important to mention them just in case they’re valuable to the role.

Simply place language skills right next to your other skills in the bullet list – something like “ Fluent Spanish proficiency” works fine.

Making a separate language section is best for professionals who speak upwards of two languages. Create a small side column and list your known languages and proficiency level to give hiring managers a quick reference.

Expert Tip:

Before building a bilingual resume, ensure you’re completely fluent. Writing a multilingual application requires fluent proficiency to ensure you don’t embarrass yourself or sound unprofessional. Take a certification test, such as CEFR, to make sure you’re comfortable in the language.

Do’s and don'ts when making a bilingual resume

Let’s quickly summarize the top tips for building a bilingual resume:

• Research the job description and discover how relevant your bilingual abilities are to the role.
• Repeat all information in both languages if you’re fairly certain the hiring team speaks a different language.
• List your proficiency as well as the language. This shows employers your communication skills and how well you interact with others.
• Mention how you use your language skills in your role. For example, bilingual management skills include being able to coach employees in your second language.
• Include achievements you accomplished with your language skills.
• Try your best to keep your resume to one page. This is less of a concern when building a Canadian resume, where it’s more normal to have a two-page resume.

Show your communication skills with a bilingual resume

Communicating in two different languages is valuable to thousands of employers, so make your skills clear and catch the hiring manager’s eye with a bilingual resume.

Make it large and noticeable for bilingual roles to ensure it isn’t missed – but include a small mention on every resume, just in case. It may not be a requirement, but an employer might find it extremely helpful.

Put these tips to use today by using CVwizard’s resume maker . Easily provide your information in multiple languages, or even create a languages section with customizable proficiency stars to quickly convey your skills.

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