Tips for writing an impressive international resume

In an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of international experience in a resume cannot be overstated. And with the rise of the global job market, candidates with cross-cultural skills are seen as valuable additions to any business. They bring a unique blend of adaptability and global awareness, essential for developing cooperation and understanding in diverse workplaces.

But how do you add this international experience to your resume in a way that will impress future employers? What should (and shouldn’t you) include? Do employers even care? The good news is that yes, they do, and leveraging your international experiences is a great way to stand out from the crowd.

With that in mind, here are 8 ways you can enhance your international experience resume.

8 steps to incorporate your international experience into your resume

So how do you prepare your resume? These tips will help you get noticed both locally and around the world:

1. Write a strong summary: Start your resume with a summary that highlights your international experiences. Outline your accomplishments, skills learned while overseas, and your adaptability in diverse settings. This offers potential employers a glimpse into your global perspective right from the start.
2. List international education and relevant coursework: Detail any international courses or degrees you've done. Highlighting studies from renowned global institutions or specialised courses that focus on international relations, global business, or cultural studies can emphasise your global academic skillset.
3. Highlight language skills and cultural competencies: In a globalised world, speaking multiple languages is a prized asset. List the languages you speak, specifying proficiency levels (fluent, intermediate, beginner). Additionally, mention any cultural immersion programmes or workshops you've attended that enhanced your understanding of global etiquettes and customs.
4. Incorporate international work experience: Detail the roles you held abroad, specifying the duration, key responsibilities, and the company's global significance. Talk about challenges you overcame, emphasising how these roles helped you develop as a professional.
5. Talk about accomplishments in each role: Real world achievements resonate more with employers. What have you achieved? How did you achieve it? What was the impact of it? Employers want to see what you have accomplished and whether this will help their business succeed further.
6. Include international publications, presentations, or research projects: If you've written articles for journals, presented at a conference, or been a part of global research projects, highlight them. Such experiences highlight your continued professional development.
7. Highlight global awards or recognitions: If you've received an award on an international platform, be it academic or professional, make sure to include it!
8. Use industry-standard terminology and avoid slang: While writing an international experience resume, it must be universally compatible. Stay away from local terminology, idioms, or acronyms that might not be understood globally. Stick to terms that are known across borders, ensuring clarity for recruiters from any part of the world.

Discover study abroad opportunities at the University of Huddersfield

The University of Huddersfield is renowned for preparing international students through its specialised pathway programmes. These programmes not only provide English language training but also hone academic skills, ensuring you are globally competitive and ready for an international career. If you’re interested, the entry requirements and tuition fees are a great place to get started to learn more about what you need.

What sets the University of Huddersfield apart is its commitment to student employability. Recognised with the best university employability strategy award (National Graduate Recruitment Awards, 2021), Huddersfield ensures students attain more than just a degree - they're equipped for the global workforce.

The University of Huddersfield is in the top 20 in the UK for placement years in industry, too (HESA Student Record, 2021/22). This means you’ll have plenty of chances to take everything you’ve learned and apply it in real world, meaningful contexts. Check out Omar’s blog post, where he talks about his placement year experience.

With opportunities for work experience, volunteering, placement years, and as the only UK university offering the unique Global Professional Award, Huddersfield's students get a head start on building an impressive international resume that sets them apart from the rest.

Every Huddersfield graduate benefits from career advice for life. The Careers and Employability Service offers ongoing support, ensuring that every student, past or present, has the resources they need for a successful career. You can access advice and support around career planning and direction, help with CVs, applications and interviews and search hundreds of graduate level roles.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Does international experience look good on a resume?

Yes, international experience enhances your resume, demonstrating adaptability and global awareness.

How do I make a good international resume?

To create an effective international resume, highlight cross-cultural skills, the languages you speak, and relevant international achievements.

Why do you need international work experience?

While it’s not essential, international work experience is a great asset to have. It shows your adaptability, ability to make quick decisions and resilience. These are skills that employers look for when recruiting.