“Additional information” – one of the important blocks of the resume, which describes the level of knowledge of foreign languages, computer, indicates the availability of, for example, a driver’s license. As practice shows, when filling out this block, applicants usually have difficulties with determining the level of language proficiency for a resume.
How to indicate the level of language proficiency in the resume
- Very important when looking for a decent job is knowledge of the English language, its level: in the resume, when describing it is recommended to start from the international assessment system, according to which it is customary to indicate the advanced level as Advanced, the level above average as Upper-Intermediate, intermediate as Intermediate, and below average as Pre-Intermediate.
- If you are fluent in the language, you can specify the Proficient level.
- Do not use phrases like “I translate with a dictionary” or “at the Basic, Beginner or Elementary level” when describing the level of language proficiency. With this level of proficiency, it is better to keep quiet about a foreign language.
More detailed information and a description of the international system for assessing the level of proficiency in foreign languages can be found on any website of language schools. The international assessment system is suitable, in addition to English, for describing the levels of proficiency in other foreign languages in the resume.
Undoubtedly, knowledge of English or another foreign language (for example, German, French, Italian), the level of which is above average, will significantly increase the chances of getting a decent job, because now you can apply for vacancies where knowledge of a foreign language, practical skills they are one of the basic and mandatory requirements that an applicant must meet. This usually applies to work in international companies, or firms whose activities are related to the external economy. Therefore, if you are fluent in a foreign language, if you have technical skills in business correspondence or negotiation skills in this language, or live in the country of a native speaker, then it is advisable to also indicate this in your resume.
When compiling a resume to determine the level of language proficiency, you can also use the Unified European Assessment System, which is called the Common European Framework of Reference, with a detailed description of which can also be found on any website of language schools.
It should be noted that the resume does not belong to the documents of strict standardization, but, despite this, when compiling it, it is still worth starting from generally accepted rules, standards and norms. For example, many leading job search sites offer to determine the level of language proficiency according to the European scale:
- Level A1 – Beginner / Elementary
- level A2 – Elementary
- Level B1 – Pre-Intermediate
- Level B2 – Upper-Intermediate
- Level C1 – Advanced 1
- level C2 – Advanced 2 (Proficiensu)
What else can you include on your resume?
For foreign companies, especially valuable information will be whether the applicant for the vacancy has certificates confirming the passing of international exams: TOEFL, FCE / CAE / CPE, WEIGHT.