
If you are thinking about applying for a job overseas, then congratulations you are already halfway there! Setting ambitious goals for yourself is something to be proud of but making your dreams come alive requires a lot of spadework.
That’s where we come in! We will take you through the entire process of doing a resume for the first time with this set of important cv writing guidelines. For the easier process here is the best resume writing service in Melbourne.
For starters, we will take you over the basics of effective resume writing. Next, we will help you understand how to use resume writing tools to create a winning CV. Finally, we outline common mistakes which you need to avoid. Let’s get started.
Making A Good First Impression
First things first, you must add your personal details such as your name, age, nationality, and marital status right at the top. This is extremely important when applying for an international vacancy because employers need to know your background and visa status.
Next, add in your contact details such as your phone number, official email address, and LinkedIn profile. An up-to-date LinkedIn profile creates a favorable impression on recruiters especially if you are applying to a large multinational corporation.
Resume Best Practices
When applying for a job overseas it is important to familiarize yourself with local hiring practices. Try to use networking sites or your own personal contacts to get an idea of the kind of CVs recruiters are looking for in the country of your choice. But here are a few key points that apply universally:
1. A general rule of thumb when applying to the U.S or U.K is to prepare a one or two-page CV that is short and concise. Put your name and contact information first, followed by a short summary.
2. Then list your work experience in reverse chronological order. Use active voice as much as possible, especially in American CVs. You need to tell recruiters how you achieved your career goals in previous jobs so use action verbs wherever possible.
3. Next, list down relevant skills such as language skills or software skills such as programming. It really depends on the kind of position you are applying for. If it is a creative role, then it may be a good idea to list down your level of expertise with graphic designing software.
4. Job seekers who are applying to a country where English is not spoken in professional settings should focus on their language skills. For example, people who are applying to China or East Asia, in general, are expected to mention their language test scores. Most candidates applying to China will be expected to have cleared the HS1 and HS2 exams.
5. Finally, mention your educational background and academic qualifications. If you are applying for an academic role abroad. then you should give more detailed information about your academic background including your publications and research work.
Use A Resume Builder To Impress International Recruiters
If you are putting together a resume for the first time, then we have a simple yet effective tool for you. Use a resume builder to make the most professional resumes that are sure to impress recruiters regardless of which country you are applying to.
We highly recommend Resume Builder Pro because it is a free, online platform that helps job seekers showcase their strong sides in the best way possible. Here are a few tips for writing a resume using a resume builder:
1. Select A Good Template
First of all, a resume builder has a vast collection of customizable templates. First impressions matter so the template and color scheme of your CV must be office appropriate. A resume builder cuts down on the hassle of designing your own template. Just select one of the templates and start adding in your details.
The resume builder allows you to customize the template so that you can create a CV that is truly unique. You can adjust the color scheme as well as the font. However, we recommend that you use Arial, Times New Roman, or Tahoma.
2. Choose Your Words Wisely
Secondly, a resume builder has a list of pre-written phrases. These phrases are vetted by industry experts and by including them in your CV you will make sure that you tell recruiters exactly what they want to hear. Many companies now digitally scan CVs and recruiters only read those CVs which have the required keywords.
If English is not your first language, then a resume builder can help you sidestep avoidable mistakes such as language errors which can hurt your chances if you are applying abroad. Simply insert your own information into the pre-written phrases and they will be automatically added to your CV.
3. Focus On Skills
As you add in your academic qualifications and past work experience, the resume builder will start curating a custom skillset list just for you. This skillset list will feature skills that recruiters are actively looking for in potential candidates. Click on those that apply and they will be added to your CV in the skills section.
4. Tailor Your CV
When you are preparing your CV to apply abroad, you may be applying to more than one organization. Do in-depth research on the target organizations then use the resume builder to tailor your CV according to the corporate culture of each organization.
Instead of sending a generic CV, it is better to send one that has been tailor-made for the position and organization. With a resume builder, generating multiple versions of the same CV just takes a few minutes so make sure you use this effective tool when you make your own resume.
Avoid These Mistakes At All Cost
Here are some CV writing rules that you need to keep in mind if you want to make sure your resume does not end up in the rejected pile.
· The first thing that you need to remember when applying abroad is that it is extremely important to be aware of the culture of the other country. Always be aware of what is culturally appropriate otherwise you may risk offending potential employers. For example, some countries such as the U.S require short and concise CVs while other countries may require more comprehensive documents.
· Some countries will require more than just your CV. For example, it is common practice to send in a cover letter in the U.K but this may not be required in the U.S. In certain places, you will be required to send a copy of your CV in English as well as a translated version. To make sure the translated version is error-free try getting a local to translate the documents for you or use a reliable translation service.
· Language and tone is another thing that you need to be careful with. It is always a safe bet to use a neutral or formal tone. A simple way to avoid language mistakes is to use a spell checker. If you are applying to the U.S make sure you use American English. For the UK, use British English. If you are unsure about local dialects, go to the language settings on your laptop and select the correct type of English.
Bottom Line
These were some basic rules about preparing a CV for an international recruiter. Always remember to stay culturally sensitive and format your CV accordingly. And make sure to follow the guidelines given above so that you can land the job of your dreams abroad.