YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ADVANCING YOUR CAREER WITH LANGUAGES...

Your CV

  

Before anything else you need to present yourself right.  Remember that a CV which is great at home might not meet the requirements in another country. 

 

For example in some countries it is customary to put a photo, in others not.  Some countries (e.g. Italy) require you to cite data protection laws.  Others want CVs to follow a strict format.

 

If your CV merits translation (and this often gives you a significant edge) then try to get this done professionally.  Click through to our Marketing Translations page which has a section on CVs.

 

Searching for Opportunities

 

You may be searching for a job in a specific field that happens to be in a foreign country, or you may want a job that is actually based on your languages.  Which category do you fit?

 

Working Overseas

 

If you're looking for a job overseas, there's no better place to start than an international jobsearch site like Monster.  It's a piece of cake to find opportunities and submit your CV to those that fit your needs.

 

You should register with several websites, especially those that specialise in multilingual roles.  You'll find rich opportunities out there with a few clicks of your mouse.

 

When applying for jobs online, make your covering letter stand out.  This should be where you show yourself uniquely qualified to do the job.  Research the role to tailor your application to its needs.

 

It is also worth making contact with local recruitment agencies.  Once you've generated interest and possibly some telephone interviews, you may want to book a trip over to do face-to-face interviews.  This shows great commitment and further helps you stand out.

 

Prepare intensively ahead of such a trip to try and squeeze in as many interviews as possible.  Role play the kinds of questions you are likely to be asked.

 

Learn specialised vocabulary in your work area: again, usually easy to find on the net.  Doing company research will pay you dividends.

 

Jobs Using Languages Directly

 

You may alternatively be interested in a role that makes direct use of your languages.  The classic job functions include:

• Translator
• Language Teacher
• Interpreter
• Multilingual Recruiter

You can often improve your chances in the above roles by acquiring a professional qualification e.g. TEFL for teaching English or one of the many translator accreditations.

 

The above roles often provide superb opportunities to travel as well as to further improve your languages.  A translation career for example can now be launched and managed completely online.  Check www.proz.com for further information.

 

Working for Multinational Companies/NGOs

 

There are many well-known companies operating internationally which particularly value language skills.

 

Within such companies the language skills themselves are not as important as your ability to work effectively with different cultures and markets.  They value people who are internationally mobile.

 

Having language skills helps in communicating with anyone because you understand the subtleties of getting your message across.  It's also far easier to understand a local market (e.g. for a branded consumer product) by knowing the language.

 

Approach such companies directly through their website.  They'll often post vacancies globally or in the country where you're interested in working.

 

Closely follow their guidelines and process.  Show off your knowledge about them and customise your approach.  Never send "standard applications".

 

Be persistent and aim to get in touch with executives directly, not just through a generic email address.  Make follow-up phone calls and send letters or faxes to show your enthusiasm.

 

Many international organisations like the European Union operate internship programmes.   These are a great way to "get your foot in the door" to a future job with them.

 

Insider Tips

 

Do glance through our Language Learner Bios for inspiring examples of people who successfully apply languages in their lives and career.

 

Here are some further quick tips from people who have successfully built an international career:

• Never assume "your way" is the correct way.
• Find a local "guide" to help you navigate local customs.
• Get your CV professionally translated.
• Show commitment by visiting the place you want to work.
• Follow up to get your dream job.  Persistence pays!
• Get up to date with local issues in your target country/language.
• Do company research and learn specialised vocabulary.
• Do a course or internship as a "stepping stone"
• Don't be afraid: just go for it!