Language skills are a valuable asset in today’s job market, especially for roles that require communication with diverse teams, international clients, or multilingual customers. Knowing how to properly list your language skills on a resume can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your ability to thrive in a globalized work environment.
Why Include Language Skills on a Resume?
Listing language skills on a resume can:
- Show your ability to communicate with a broader audience.
- Increase your chances of landing jobs in multinational companies.
- Give you an advantage in industries like customer service, translation, international business, tourism, and diplomacy.
- Demonstrate cultural awareness and adaptability.
- Show employers your ability to engage with diverse clients and stakeholders.
- Enhance collaboration in global teams by breaking down language barriers.
- Make you a more competitive candidate in an increasingly global job market.
- Improve career growth opportunities, as bilingual and multilingual professionals are often in high demand.
- Indicate strong cognitive skills, as learning multiple languages improves memory, multitasking, and problem-solving abilities.
- Strengthen your resume for remote or international job opportunities where multilingualism is a key asset.
Where to Place Language Skills on a Resume
Depending on the role and how relevant your language proficiency is, you can list your language skills in different sections of your resume:
- Skills Section – Ideal if language proficiency is an additional asset but not a primary requirement.
- Education Section – Suitable if you studied the language formally in school or took certified courses.
- Work Experience Section – Best if you actively used language skills in previous jobs (e.g., translation, bilingual customer support, international sales).
- Certifications Section – Include if you have official language certifications like TOEFL, DELF, or JLPT.
- Professional Summary – If multilingualism is a major selling point for the job, highlight it in your summary at the top of your resume.
- Projects or Volunteer Experience – If you have used language skills in community work, freelancing, or internships, mention them in a dedicated section.
How to Properly List Language Skills on a Resume
When adding language skills to your resume, use standardized proficiency levels to make it clear to employers. The most common ways to describe language proficiency include:
1. Common Proficiency Levels:
- Native/Bilingual Proficiency – You can speak and write fluently like a native speaker.
- Full Professional Proficiency – You can use the language in a professional setting with ease.
- Limited Working Proficiency – You can hold basic conversations and understand work-related content.
- Elementary Proficiency – You can understand simple words and phrases but have limited speaking ability.
2. CEFR Language Proficiency Scale: (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
- A1 (Beginner) – Basic words and phrases.
- A2 (Elementary) – Can handle simple conversations.
- B1 (Intermediate) – Can communicate about familiar topics.
- B2 (Upper-Intermediate) – Can hold complex conversations.
- C1 (Advanced) – Can communicate effectively in professional settings.
- C2 (Proficient/Fluent) – Near-native fluency in speaking and writing.
3. Including Language Certifications:
If you have official certifications, mention them to validate your skills. Examples include:
- English: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- French: DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française), DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française)
- Spanish: DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera)
- Japanese: JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)
- Mandarin Chinese: HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi)
- German: Goethe-Zertifikat
Examples of Listing Language Skills on a Resume
Example 1: Skills Section
Skills:
- Spanish (Full Professional Proficiency)
- French (Intermediate – B2 CEFR)
- German (Basic – A2 CEFR)
Example 2: Work Experience Section
Bilingual Customer Support Representative | ABC Company | 2020 – Present
- Provided customer service in both English and Spanish to a global client base.
- Assisted in translating product descriptions and troubleshooting guides.
Example 3: Education Section
Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations
University of XYZ, 2019
- Coursework in French (B2 Level)
- Completed Study Abroad Program in Paris
Example 4: Certifications Section
Certifications:
- IELTS: 8.0 (English)
- DELF B2 (French)
- HSK Level 4 (Mandarin Chinese
Tips for Listing Language Skills on Your Resume
- Be Honest – Don’t exaggerate your language proficiency; employers may test your skills in interviews.
- Use Standardized Levels – Avoid vague descriptions like “good” or “average” and use recognized proficiency levels.
- Place Strategically – If language skills are crucial for the job, highlight them in the top sections of your resume.
- Update Regularly – If you improve your skills or earn certifications, update your resume accordingly.
- Showcase Practical Application – Mention how you’ve used language skills in past roles to add credibility.
- Include Multilingual Projects – Highlight any work where you translated documents, assisted bilingual clients, or worked in a multilingual environment.
- Mention Languages in Cover Letters – If language skills are essential, reinforce them in your cover letter with examples of real-world use.
Language skills can be a strong addition to your resume, helping you stand out in competitive job markets. By clearly listing your proficiency level, providing certifications, and placing it strategically, you enhance your resume’s impact. Whether applying for bilingual roles, international positions, or customer-facing jobs, showcasing language skills effectively can boost your career prospects.
