{"id":1992,"date":"2023-01-06T07:00:01","date_gmt":"2023-01-06T07:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/blog\/?p=1992"},"modified":"2025-12-02T17:52:24","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T17:52:24","slug":"how-to-include-language-skills-on-your-resume","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/blog\/how-to-include-language-skills-on-your-resume\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Include Language Skills on Your Resume"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you speak a second language, you may wonder how to highlight language skills on your resume. Being able to communicate in more than one language can be the key to opening new doors in your career, so you should showcase your language skills as much as possible.<\/p>\n

It’s also important to describe your language proficiency accurately without overstating or understating your language skills on your resume.<\/p>\n

Learn\u00a0how to list language skills on your resume so you can put your best foot forward as you work toward your goals.<\/p>\n

Certify Your Language Skills Today<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Why You Should Include Language Skills on Your Resume<\/h2>\n

If you are proficient in more than one language, you\u00a0have a skill that can advance your career. The\u00a0three most frequently requested languages in job postings<\/a>, according to Preply,\u00a0are French, Spanish, and Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin).<\/p>\n

Consider this: As of May 15, 2022, Indeed has posted over 900 jobs in the U.S. with the keywords \u201cmultilingual speaker\u201d.\u00a0In 2021, Indeed also posted an article on the\u00a013 Best Careers for Multilingual Professionals<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Learning another language is a skill that requires dedication and commitment. In addition, those who are bilingual and multilingual\u00a0are known to be better multitaskers\u00a0and problem solvers\u00a0\u2014\u00a0qualities you want to make known while job hunting.<\/p>\n

Achieving a level of expertise in another language is impressive and should definitely be highlighted,\u00a0even if you’re not looking for a job where a second language is required.<\/p>\n

When to Include Language Skills on Your Resume<\/h2>\n

Knowing\u00a0how to add language skills on a resume starts with understanding when you should include them. Consider how your language skills are relevant to the position for which you’re applying. When applying for jobs, you want your resume to be as accurate and honest as possible while highlighting skills that make you a valuable candidate.<\/p>\n

If the job listing requires specific language skills, be sure to include information on your language proficiency in your resume. It is also a good idea to mention your language skills in the summary section of your resume to ensure recruiters scanning resumes can see them and can tell you’re confident about your language proficiency.<\/p>\n

You may also want to add the languages in which you’re proficient to the skills section of your resume, even if the job listing does not specifically ask for it. Research the company’s locations and determine whether it conducts business internationally. The company may find it valuable for you to have language skills in one of the languages in which they conduct business, especially if the job is public-facing.<\/p>\n

Tips for Including Language Skills on Your Resume<\/h2>\n

Here are some of the main tips to keep in mind when you want to include language skills on your resume.<\/p>\n

Determine Your Language Proficiency<\/h3>\n

Language proficiency can be subjective without the right context or criteria. In other words, your idea of being proficient in a second language may differ from someone else’s, including the recruiter who will be looking over your resume or interviewing you. Being able to carry a conversation in Italian with a waiter in Rome is far different than being able to negotiate trade deals or act as a translator in Italian.<\/p>\n

To know\u00a0how to describe language skills on a resume, you must honestly judge your language skills across four communicative mediums \u2014 speaking, reading, listening, and writing. Some employers may be more interested in your ability to write or read in a second language. Others may look for candidates who can speak and listen proficiently in a second language. You need a way to let your potential employers know how well you can communicate in the language and medium they require.<\/p>\n

The best way to determine your second language proficiency in an objective way that potential employers can understand is by taking language proficiency tests. Language Testing International\u00ae is the exclusive licensee of ACTFL language proficiency tests, which employers and institutions worldwide recognize and trust when determining a candidate’s language proficiency. LTI delivers tests that can be\u00a0scored in the following proficiency scales<\/u><\/a>:<\/p>\n