When creating a resume for an entry-level, international position, you may face several roadblocks. Each resume type requires a bit of creativity and some unique requirements. Here we’ll discuss the difference between international and domestic resumes, how to merge international resume tips with entry-level tips and the best ways to create an eye-catching resume.

The Specifics of an International Resume

When writing an international resume, some things are similar to a domestic one. Each resume includes the following sections:

• Contact information
• Qualifications
• Education
• Work experience

The following are areas where an international resume differs from a domestic one. Each country is different, so additional research is necessary for each application.

• Length: Countries like Greece and Germany may require a resume that is up to five pages long. Jobs in the United Kingdom often call for a two-page resume, while jobs in the United States require a short, one-page format.
• Tone: Your resume should reflect the cultural values and language of the country you’re applying in. Some countries focus heavily on accomplishments, while other cultures prefer a more modest approach. Look at resume examples from each country to read and better understand the tone.
• Personal information: In some places, it is illegal to make hiring decisions around gender, age or religion. Other countries rely heavily on personal information like marital status, age, health status, religion or gender.
• Skills: Focus your resume on technical and cross-cultural skills. These may include languages you speak, international studies you’ve completed or collaborations with companies in other countries.

What to Know About an Entry-Level Resume

If you’re applying for an entry-level job, you probably don’t have much experience in the industry. To land the job, you should focus on relevant education and any other experience you have in the field. This may include an internship or volunteer work. Place the resume’s focus on education and transferable skills. Show hiring recruiters why they want to take a chance on you.

Tips to Combine the Two

International and entry-level resumes are similar in that they should both be heavy on skills and experiences. The following tips will help you design a resume that works for both situations.

Don’t Skip the Research

For an international resume, every country has different requirements. The first thing to do when creating a resume is to research the country you want to work in. Read through resume examples in your industry, the country and the position you’re applying for.

For entry-level jobs, research is also vital. To place a focus on your skills, you need to know what the company values and where they place an emphasis. If it’s a company known for its philanthropic efforts and you’ve done volunteer work, you know to place that high on the list of skills and experiences. Every time you apply, tailor your resume to match the company’s values and goals.

Culture Over Personality

For an entry-level job, there are times when you must rely heavily on your personality and uniqueness. Unfortunately, in international jobs, there are times when casual language may offend or be inappropriate. If your job is in your home country and you understand the culture, use your resume to highlight personality traits that fit the company culture.

If your job is an international one and you aren’t entirely comfortable in the culture, focus on transferable personality skills that translate across industries, jobs and countries. These may include:

• Organization and attention to detail
• Growth mindset or forward-thinking
• Problem solver
• Upbeat, happy demeanor
• Passion and pride in your work

These are traits that are valuable in any position, and your resume should reflect how these traits fit in with the job you’re applying for. Go the extra mile and study current employees at the company to see what valuable traits they have, and include similar ones that you have. Remember that casual phrases, idioms and abbreviations may not transfer to every language.

Remember the Basics

In some ways, an international, entry-level resume requires the same diligence that a normal resume requires. Check for keywords in the job description, and make sure they are included in your cover letter or document. Highlight experiences where you learned skills that are listed directly in the description. Submit a resume free of errors that was updated and customized for the job.

Be Clear About Your Status

When applying for an international job, be clear about your language abilities, visa status and nationality. Companies are comfortable hiring those who have secured residency in the country before applying. Some companies may sponsor you, but be clear about your status upfront. Lying about your residency or nationality may give them grounds to fire you and leave a black mark on your employment record.

An entry-level resume also requires this type of clarity and honesty. Don’t try to fake experiences or skills. Be clear about what you can do and what you want to learn.

Ask Questions

If you’re applying in another country and aren’t fluent in their language, ask for clarification before guessing. Some names and words are unique, and common phrases used in one country don’t always transfer to another language.

Include International Experience

This may be harder at an entry-level job but include any international experience you have. This information can go into the education, work experience or skills section. Even playing sports internationally gives you travel experience that others may not have.

Other types of international experience can include shipping, development, shipments, purchasing, defense, regulations, mergers, travel, play or compliance.

Don’t Miss Opportunities

While you’re searching for a job, take advantage of any international experiences that come your way. Study about the country you want to work in and immerse yourself in the culture when necessary. If your resume is good enough to get you to the interview stage, impress them with how familiar you are with the things that matter to them.