Tips for Creating a Global Resume or CV

By Mary Anne Thompson

Goinglobal.comInterest in pursuing international careers has skyrocketed in recent years, enhanced by chronic personnel shortages that are causing companies to search beyond their borders for talent.

Professionals seek career experiences outside of their home countries for a variety of professional and personal reasons

* the need to recharge their batteries with a new challenge,
* the opportunity to have a position with more responsibility that encourages creativity and initiative,
* the wish to expose their children to another culture and the opportunity to learn a second language, and
* the recognition that many of those who have "climbed to the top" of the corporate ladder have leap-frogged ahead after a global work experience.

Resume/CV guidelines are constantly changing. Best advice: find out what is appropriate vis-a-vis the corporate culture, the country culture, and the culture of the person making the hiring decision. The challenge will be to incorporate several different cultures into one document.

Some general advice:

* The terms "resume" and "CV" (curriculum vitae) generally mean the same thing, i.e., a document describing one's educational and professional experience. A CV is typically a lengthier version of a resume, complete with numerous attachments. Note: The average length for a resume or CV is two pages. Never try to "get around the rules" by shrinking your font size to an unreadable level or printing your resume on the front and back sides of one piece of paper.
* Different countries use different terms to describe what a resume/CV should contain.
* "Cover letters" are called "letters of interest" in some countries and "motivation letters" in others.
* Do not attach photographs to resumes in the United States; the employer will dispose of it. In many other countries, it is standard procedure to attach a photo or have your photo printed on your CV.
* Some countries require original copies of transcripts and references to be attached to your application.
* Education requirements differ from country to country. In almost every case of "cross-border" job hunting, stating the title of your degree will not be an adequate description. The reader might not have a clear understanding of what you studied or for how many years (i.e., in some countries, a university degree can be obtained in three years and in other countries it takes five years to receive a degree).
* If you are a recent graduate, and depending heavily on your educational background to get a job, provide the reader with details about your studies and any related projects/experience. The same advice is true for seasoned professionals who have participated in numerous training or continuous education courses. Note: The general rule is that your university training becomes "a line item" on your resume (i.e., no further details needed) once you have five or more years of professional experience.
* If you have specific training, education, or expertise, use industry-accepted terminology in your description.
* Pay attention to the resume format you use—chronological or reverse-chronological order. Chronological order means listing your "oldest" work experience first. Reverse-chronological order means listing your current or most recent experience first. Most countries have preferences about which format is most acceptable. If you find no specific guidelines, the general preference is that a resume/CV be written in a reverse-chronological format.
* The level of computer technology and accessibility to the Internet varies country to country. Even if a company or individual lists an e-mail address, there is no guarantee that they actually receive your e-mail. Send a hard copy of your resume/CV via "snail mail" just to make sure that it is received.
* The safest way to ensure that your resume is "culturally correct" is to review as many examples as possible. Ask the employer or recruiter for examples of resumes that they thought were particularly good.
* If you are submitting your resume in English, find out if the recipient uses "British" English or "American" English. There are variations between the two versions. A reader who is unfamiliar with the variations may presume that your resume contains typos. Most European companies use "British" English though most United States companies—no matter where they are based in the world—use "American" English.
* Most multinational companies will expect you to speak the languages of their country and English, which is widely accepted today as being the universal language of business. Have your resume/CV drafted in both languages and be prepared for your interview to be conducted in both languages. Most companies want to "see" and "hear" actual proof of your language skills.
* If you can, ask someone who is a native speaker of the language in which your resume/CV is written to review your document. Resumes/CV's written by non-native language speakers tend to include terms, though correct in the exact translation, are not used on an every day basis. One goal of your resume/CV is to show your familiarity with the culture by using culturally-appropriate language. For example, several foreign resumes/CVs submitted to U.S. employers describe university/college education as "tertiary" education. Although "tertiary" is literally correct, it is a term that is almost never used in the United States.
* Be aware that paper sizes are different dimensions in different countries. The United States standard is 8½ x 11 inches whereas the European A-4 standard is 210 x 297 mm. When you are transmitting your resume/CV via e-mail, go to "page setup" on your computer and reformat your document to the recipient's standard. Otherwise, when they print it out on their end, half of your material will be missing! The same is true for sending a fax. If at all possible, purchase stationery that has the same dimensions as the recipient's and mail/fax your resume on that stationery.
* Work permit and visa regulations appear very similar country-to-country. In very general terms, most employers who want to hire "foreigners," "aliens," or "expatriates" must be able to certify to the government that they were unable to find locals with the required skill sets. The fastest way to be hired abroad is either to seek a country where there is a shortage of people with your skills (IT backgrounds are pretty "hot" everywhere) or to be an "intra-company" transfer from another country. Be aware that obtaining a work permit can take many months.

To be successful and enjoy your experience abroad, you must be flexible and open-minded, both eager and willing to learn new ways of doing things. People everywhere appreciate individuals who are interested in getting to know them and learn about their ways of doing things. Enormous cultural faux pas are forgiven of individuals who are making honest attempts to fit in. Be patient and observant. Ask questions; show your interest in learning and broadening your horizons. Be aware that you represent your country to everyone you meet. You may be the first "Australian" that a "German" has ever met. Both of these individuals will walk away from the initial encounter assuming that all Australians or all Germans are just like you.

So, go out and give the world a twirl.