Maximizing Your International Experience in Your Resume/CV
Highlight the importance of including international experience in your resume/CV, covering why it matters, the purpose of a resume/CV, differences between the two, dos and don'ts in resume/CV writing, and ways to internationalize your document effectively to enhance your job prospects.
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Including Your International Experience in Your Resume and CV Adapted from Stanford University Espie Santiago, International Career Counselor
Agenda Why Your International Experience is Important Purpose of a Resume or CV Resume vs. CV Do s and Don ts Internationalizing Your Resume/CV Cover Letters
Why Your International Experience is Important Overseas experience shows: Adaptability Flexibility Independence Self-motivation Analytical skills Problem-solving skills Language ability Cultural understanding and sensitivity Communication Skills
Purpose of a Resume and CV Summarizes your qualifications relevant to your job or academic objective Allows you to market yourself to communicate why you are a desirable candidate Helps you obtain an interview in most cases (sometimes there are no interviews, i.e. fellowships)
Resume vs. CV (curriculum vitae) Resume CV Used for Job, internship, and volunteer applications US: academic, education, scientific, research positions; fellowships, grants Overseas: For job, internship and volunteer applications, and all of the above Geographical audience United States United States; overseas Items to Include - Contact Information (no personal information and no photo) - Objective - Education - Experience - Additional Sections( skills, interest, activities, and whatever is most recent) - US: Contact Information (no personal information and no photo) - Overseas: Contact information sometimes including personal information and photo - US & overseas: Items included in the resume plus research, teaching, publications, grants, fellowships, professional associations, licenses, awards, and whatever is relevant Page length Typically 1 page for students and recent grads 2 pages or more
Dos and Donts DO Know your objective; know what type of job/internships/experience you are seeking Identify specific position to apply for Tailor your resume/CV to the qualifications outlined in the descriptions DON T Use the same version for every job you apply for unless they are identical
Internationalizing Your Resume and CV Contact Information United States Name Address (school and/or permanent) Phone Number Email address Optional (website or LinkedIn Profile) Overseas All of the above, but may also request photo, age, marital status, gender, and nationality
Internationalizing Your Resume and CV Objective Optional, but helpful especially if it is not clear what type of position you are best suited for, and if not submitting a cover letter or personal statement May includeL Position Interest area Skills Type of or name of industry or organization A combination of all of the above
Internationalizing Your Resume and CV Sample Objectives Seeking a position as a Global Specialist at Google Seeking an internship with TOMS Shoes Seeking a position in communications and marketing using Spanish language skills Seeking a position in a non-governmental organization specializing in international health issues
Internationalizing Your Resume and CV Education Institution name Degree with graduation date Relevant coursework GPA Study Abroad experience Can include high school if you are less experienced or if high school reflects international experience or other relevancy
Education Stanford University, Stanford, CA B.A. in International Relations, Minor in Psychology; Expected June 2011 Relevant Coursework: Global Technology and Communication, Technology in Developing Nations, Social Psychology and Group Dynamics, Creative Writing. GPA 3.8 Stanford Overseas Program in Madrid, Spain, Spring 2010 Completed courses in Spanish language, literature and culture Lived with a local host family Lick-Wilmerding High School, San Francisco, CA Participated in a seminar in France to study art and architecture, Summer 2007 Hosted a high school exchange student from Bolivia, 2006-2007
Internationalizing Your Resume and CV Experience can come from many different areas Volunteer Experience Paid Jobs Internships Leadership in Student Organization Class Projects Research What else?
Internationalizing Your Resume and CV Experience listing in reverse chronological order Position title Organization name and location (city, state OR city, country) Dates of involvement Accomplishments and responsibilities using action verbs and results or purpose whenever possible You may have multiple experience sections depending on the types of experiences you d like to highlight
Action Verbs Use action verbs to descript a variety of skills sets: Communication: Aided, Advised, Influenced Creative: Composed, Designed, Innovated Research/Investigation: Calculated, Collected, Conducted Organizing: Coordinated, Planned, Prepared Leadership: Chaired, Directed, Executed
Sample Experience Entries Stanford Green Dorm Representative 9/XX Present Stanford University, Stanford, CA Provided guidance and recommendations to improve and encourage sustainability within the residences as part of a team of students and administrators Designed and created a new webpage to promote green practices Served as a Co-Chair for the first annual Stanford Green Conference drawing an attendance of 400 attendees Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, Berkeley, CA 9/XX-8/XX Devoted one day a week to help eliminate housing poverty Built houses on teams with other volunteers from diverse backgrounds and ages
Additional Sections Counties Traveled and/or/have lived in Interests/Activi ties Language Skills Computer or Technical Skills Conferences and Seminars Presentations Training and Certifications Professional Affilliations Honors/Awards
Internationalizing Your Resume and CV Additional Information Languages: Fluent in Spanish; Conversational skills in French Traveled to the Mexico, Bolivia, France, and Italy. Activities and Interests: Dance, Filmmaking, Soccer
Resume Checklist Brief and easy to read? One page or is experience extensive enough to merit two? Most relevant and impressive qualifications easily visible? Limited amounts of bold, italics, CAPITALS, and underlining Balanced use of blank spaces and margins? Critiqued by at least two or three other individuals?
Cover Letter Purpose and Structure To introduce yourself and personalize your resume To interest an employer and encourage an interview The cover letter demands that you display your command of the language, your grammatical expertise, and your social grace
Cover Letter Guidelines Tailor your cover letter to the specific position you re applying for Your name and address on the cover letter should be the same as the one on your resume Opening Paragraph State who you are and why you re writing Middle paragraph(s) Address why you are a good candidate Discuss why your skills relate to the requirements of the position Show how you meet their requirements
Cover Letter Guidelines Closing paragraph State your enthusiasm to discuss the position or opportunity Thank the reader for their time and interest Anything else to convey interest Complimentary close Keep it simple e.g. Sincerely or Best Regards For email, type your name directly below the close For print, sign above your typed name in black ink
Resources and Questions Refer to the Career Center s webpage http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/career-center
