Tips on How to Write a Resume to Have an International Job

Writing an effective resume is a task that requires careful thought andcontemplation. The purpose of every resume is to ensure that the prospectiveemployer grants an audience to the job seeker. Keeping this in mind, the resumeshould be carefully tailored to market the candidate as the right person forthe job. Resumes can be broadly classified as functional or chronological.Depending upon our skills and work experience we have to choose the appropriateform of presentation. The kind of resume that would be drafted would depend onwhether one is seeking employment within the U.S. or outside the country.

How to Write a Resume for an International Job

Seeking employment in a foreign country can be an interesting experience.While drafting a resume for an international job, one must keep in mind theconventions, the terms of business and the cultural differences. After allrelocating and adjusting to a different culture begins at the juncture ofapplying for an international job. The following list can serve as a guidepostfor drafting an international resume.

Resume or CV?: A resume is known as a CV in Australia, France, Germany,Britain, Switzerland and the UAE. Japanese refer to the resume as Rirekisho. InCanada, the term ‘resume’ is commonly used. This basic difference interminology should be kept in mind while drafting a resume.

Language: Most countries allow the resume/CV to be drafted in English. Somecountries like Germany and France allow the person to choose between Englishand the native language. Once a person chooses the language, he has to ensurethat he drafts the resume and the cover letter in the same language. In Japan,a person is expected to draft his rirekisho in Japanese. In case, the person isnot familiar with the language, he can request someone to prepare it and thisshould be acknowledged in the same.

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Typed or Handwritten?: The Japanese prefer the rirekisho to be handwritten.Most countries prefer a typed resume. Some European countries expect ahandwritten cover letter. The purpose of a handwritten resume or a cover letteris to help the recruiter/employer assess the personality and traits of a personwith the help of graphology.

Personal Details: In addition to the usual details like: name, phone-numberand e-mail; most international resumes, unlike American resumes requireinformation regarding the date of birth, the age and the civil status.

Reverse-Chronological or Functional?: Reverse-chronological order ispreferred in case of people having prior work experience. A functional resumewould be desirable when the skills and education of a person assume importance.A functional resume is also preferred in case a person does not have thedesired continuity in his area of work or if a person is interested inswitching careers. Most international jobs expect a person to state his workexperience in reverse chronological order. For a job in the UAE, the resume hasto be prepared in reverse-chronological order and the job seeker is required toconvey prior experience of up to 15 years in the related field. In Germany,apprenticeship is very important while in Japan, the academic backgroundassumes a great deal of importance. In case the job is in France, a person candraft his CV in the functional or the reverse-chronological order.

Length of the Resume: The length varies depending on the country in which aperson is seeking employment. In Germany, the CV is expected to be precise,hence a single page CV is desirable. In Switzerland, a CV drafted in German canbe 3 pages long; while a CV drafted in English is at the most a couple of pageslong.

Signature: A German CV requires a signature at the bottom left-hand sidecorner with the place and date.

Generally, most countries do not discriminate on the basis of sex, age andreligion but there are a few exceptions to the rule. One should be careful whenaddressing the issue of periods of unemployment. However, it is best to behonest or leave out details that require uncomfortable disclosures. This isespecially true in case of Japan where employers expect absolute honesty. Onthe whole hunting for an international job can be a stimulating experienceprovided one goes about it the right way.

Resume writing tips and advice to help you learn how to make a resume thatsecures you a job interview

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