When looking for a job, the CV is our identity badge, the portrayal of our career and provides the first impression we make on the employer. Therefore, it must create a flawless impression, be clear and be concise. In the current highly competitive job market, it is vitally important that we create a CV that differentiates us from the rest of the candidates so we can qualify for the jobs we want.
Currently, in an increasingly globalised world, the vast majority of vacancies require a good grasp of languages or we may well choose to apply for jobs abroad. This means that companies try to evaluate the candidate even before any interview, asking for their CV in the language they want for the job. The ability to offer a CV written in another language sets us apart as a candidate and, at the same time, gives us access to all selection processes.
Now is when we must pay special attention to the writing of the CV. A CV in another language should not be a sloppy translation of our Spanish CV. Firstly, we must know the “rules” for producing CVs not only for the language, but also for the country to which we are sending it. For example, an English CV does not usually come with a photo, however common that may be in Spain. In France, CVs are also accompanied by a covering letter, usually (and preferably), handwritten. We must try to be very direct and objective, making it easy to read with a good differentiation between the various sections and making use of our skills and experience to give it a promotional effect.
Having a CV in English is highly recommended when applying for jobs abroad, given that English is the common working language and our CV must often go through an evaluation phase at the company’s headquarters, which may be in a foreign country. In that case, the Management or HR personnel ultimately responsible for selecting us, will be more likely to know English than any other language, even if the job we are applying for is in Spanish, Chinese or Arabic, for example.
The English CV is, generally, prepared following a well-differentiated structure in which the following sections should be highlighted: personal data (name, postal address, telephone, email and, if necessary, date of birth), education (courses completed in both formal and non-formal training, showing the institution in which we studied and the dates), professional experience (description of the positions held, names of the companies and the start and end dates of the employment, from the most recent to the oldest), languages (giving the level of comprehension and fluency for each of them) and, finally, skills (knowledge of computer tools and other skills). To all this, we add, above it, a small introduction or profile with a short summary of our professional career and the personal and professional qualities that make us the ideal candidate for the job.
In many cases companies also have to translate the CVs of their employees, or a summary of their professional career, for example, for publication on their website or to attach them to a bid on an international invitation to tender.
At Interlinco we have more than 15 years of experience in the translation of CVs for both individuals and companies. Do not hesitate to contact us if you want to translate your CV into any language. Write to us or call us and we will provide you with a quotation with no commitment.