How to Adapt Your Resume in English for Jobs Abroad
Hi, I'm Poly. Today we're chatting about your resume.
So you're ready to apply to companies abroad, and your CV is already there in your own language? That's a great place to start!
Here's the thing: a resume for an international employer is more than a translation. It follows its own rules, and recruiters can tell right away when it was built for their market. Knowing those rules gives your experience the spotlight it deserves.
Three English resume tips that make a difference
- Keep it professional. In the United States, for example, a resume usually goes without a photo, age or marital status. Your name, city, a professional contact and your LinkedIn profile are all you need.
- Show your achievements. Instead of "responsible for sales," start each line with an action verb such as Led, Increased, Launched or Reduced. Whenever you can, add a concrete, verifiable result from your own work.
- Mind the format and length. One page if you're early in your career, two at most if you have a long track record. And a handy detail: Americans say resume, while in the UK it's a CV.
From paper to interview
Honestly? Knowing how to write a resume in English gets you halfway there. The other half starts when they call you back.
In the interview, you'll talk about those same achievements out loud, naturally, and answer some fresh questions too. A little nervous? Totally normal. It's your chance to show who you are, and it's something you can prepare really well.
Everyday trick: at the bus stop, quietly tell yourself one achievement in English. By day three, it flows.
A tutor can review your resume with you, help you shape your answer to Tell me about yourself and run mock interviews until you can speak without notes. Practicing with someone, you build the confidence to stand behind every line.
Your next step
Your next application could be the one that lands. Let's get it ready!
Browse Holapoly's English tutors and book your 55-minute trial class at 50% off to prepare both your resume and your interview.
I'm flying off, but first, here's a parrot tip: repeat your achievements out loud until they sound like yours.
Poly