How To Include Language Proficiency on Resume

In today’s globalized job market, featuring foreign language proficiency on your resume can be a significant asset. Whether you’re fluent in multiple languages or have conversational skills in one, knowing how to display these abilities effectively can give you a competitive edge. As companies increasingly operate across borders and serve diverse client bases, the demand for multilingual professionals has never been higher. Here’s how to properly include language skills on your resume and leverage them for job success.

Why Listing Language Skills on Your Resume Is Important

Communicating in more than one language is a highly sought-after skill across many industries. Describing language proficiency on your resume not only increases your employability but also enhances your potential for career growth. This is especially true as the world becomes more interconnected and businesses expand into international markets.

The growing demand for bilingual and multilingual candidates

Speaking multiple languages is invaluable in a job market that thrives on global connections. Companies frequently seek bilingual or multilingual employees to bridge communication gaps with international clients, partners, and colleagues. Candidates who can communicate in different languages often stand out during the hiring process, as they bring the added value of engaging across cultures.

This growing demand is reflected in a wide range of industries, from health care and education to customer service and international business. For instance, many multinational corporations actively seek individuals with language proficiency to fill key roles, giving them a competitive edge in negotiations, presentations, and client interactions.

Demonstrating cultural awareness and adaptability

Language skills go beyond mere translation; they reflect an individual’s adaptability and cultural awareness. Speaking another language demonstrates a level of cultural sensitivity and an ability to engage in diverse environments. This is particularly important in roles that require working with international clients or teams.

In today’s multicultural workplaces, being adaptable and culturally aware is essential. Your language skills not only highlight your ability to communicate effectively but also suggest that you are capable of understanding different perspectives and navigating cultural nuances. This makes you a valuable asset in any team, especially in global settings.

Adding value across various industries

Language proficiency can enhance your qualifications in a wide range of industries. In health care, for example, speaking the language of patients can be a lifesaving asset, ensuring clear communication and better care. In education, multilingual teachers and administrators can help bridge the gap for students who speak other languages.

Customer service roles often require employees who can interact with clients from different language backgrounds, while international business professionals must negotiate, present, and build relationships in various languages.

Other industries, such as tourism, law, and government, also highly value language skills. These examples underscore the fact that no matter your field, being proficient in another language is a major plus.

Where To Include Language Skills on Your Resume

When including language skills on your resume, their placement can depend on how relevant they are to the position you’re applying for. Displaying them appropriately allows your potential employer to easily see their value.

Creating a dedicated language skills section

If language proficiency is a key asset for the job, consider creating a dedicated section on your resume specifically for your language skills. This section can include a list of the languages you speak, along with your proficiency levels. Formatting this section clearly is important so that hiring managers can quickly assess your capabilities.

For example, you might format the section as follows:

• Spanish: Native
• French: Fluent
• German: Conversational

This structure makes it easy for employers to understand your level of proficiency at a glance.

Including language skills in the skills section

If the job doesn’t specifically require language skills but you still want to showcase them, integrating your language abilities into a general skills section is a good option. With this approach, you can present your language proficiency alongside other key competencies, such as technical or interpersonal skills. This is especially useful if your language skills are a supplementary asset rather than a primary qualification for the role.

For example, you could list:

See this detailed article for more information on listing skills in your resume.

Mentioning language skills in the resume summary or objective

For roles where language proficiency is particularly relevant, incorporating it into your resume summary or objective can give it prominence. A well-crafted resume summary can convey your language skills as a core part of your qualifications.

For example:

This immediately signals to the hiring manager that your language skills are integral to your qualifications for the role.

How To List Languages on Resume

When listing your language skills, it’s crucial to be clear about your level of proficiency. Using recognized language proficiency scales can help you accurately represent your abilities.

Use common language proficiency scales

Several standardized scales are commonly used to describe language proficiency. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR), and American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) are three widely recognized systems.

For example, under the CEFR scale, language proficiency levels range from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient). The ILR scale is used by the U.S. government and ranges from Level 0 (no proficiency) to Level 5 (native or bilingual proficiency). Including your language skills with such recognized terminology adds credibility and clarity to your resume.

Use self-assessed proficiency levels

If you don’t have official certifications, you can still assess your language skills and describe them accordingly. Phrases such as “native,” “fluent,” “conversational,” or “business-level proficiency” are commonly used. However, be honest and precise with your self-assessment to avoid any potential misunderstandings during the interview process.

For instance:

Language certifications and testing scores

If you have taken language proficiency tests, such as Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE), Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (DELF), and International English Language Testing System (IELTS), be sure to include your certifications or scores on your resume. These can validate your proficiency claims and provide employers with a standardized assessment of your abilities.

For example:

Including these details can reassure employers that you have an externally verified level of proficiency.

Resume Language Skills Examples

The way you list your language skills can depend on your career stage and goals. Here are examples for various types of professionals.

Example for a multilingual professional

If you speak multiple languages, it’s important to organize them clearly, specifying proficiency for each language.

For example:

Example for a recent graduate with language skills

A recent graduate might list their language skills alongside academic achievements, such as:

Additional resource: recent college graduate resume examples and templates.

Example for a career changer leveraging language skills

For someone transitioning to a new career, language skills can be a strong asset. For instance:

Example for an entry-level job seeker

Entry-level candidates with limited experience can emphasize their language skills as a standout qualification:

Additional resource: entry-level resume examples and templates.

How To Tailor Language Skills To Specific Job Applications

When applying for specific roles, it’s important to tailor your resume to the job description, especially when it comes to language skills.

Analyze the job description for language requirements

If the job description specifies language skills as a requirement, be sure to emphasize these on your resume. For example, a job posting might state a preference for candidates who speak Spanish, so you would list that prominently if applicable.

Highlight language skills relevant to the role

Ensure your resume focuses on the languages most relevant to the job. If a role requires French and German proficiency, prioritize these over other languages you may speak.

Use keywords to optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems

To improve your chances of passing an ATS, use relevant keywords from the job posting. Including phrases like “fluent in Spanish” or “proficient in Mandarin” can help your resume pass through the initial screening process.

Tips for Showcasing Language Skills Effectively

When listing your language skills, it’s important to be truthful and provide context for how you’ve used these skills in previous roles.

• Be honest about your language proficiency: Overstating your language abilities can lead to complications during the hiring process or on the job. Be honest about your actual proficiency levels to avoid any potential setbacks.

• Seek continuous improvement and keeping skills updated: Keep your language skills current by engaging in ongoing learning. Whether through formal courses or regular practice, staying sharp guarantees that your language abilities remain a valuable asset. Language courses can be included in either the Education, Training, or Certification sections of the resume.

• Provide context for language use: Whenever possible, give examples of how you’ve used your language skills in a professional setting. For example, you might mention that you used your Spanish skills to negotiate contracts or interact with international clients.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Listing Language Skills

To avoid common pitfalls, be sure to focus on relevant languages, specify proficiency levels, and avoid overloading your resume with excessive language skills.

Failing to indicate proficiency level

Always indicate your proficiency level for each language to give employers a clear understanding of your capabilities.

Listing irrelevant languages

Avoid listing languages that are irrelevant to the job or industry, as this can detract from your more relevant qualifications.

Overloading the resume with language skills

Focus on the languages most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Listing every language you’ve ever studied can make your resume look cluttered and unfocused.

Andrew Stoner

Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach

Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.