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Generally speaking, there are major differences between U.S. resumes and resume formats from other countries.
These differences do not apply to all countries and do not attempt to account for individual differences or for changes over time.
| U.S. Resume |
International Resume |
| Concise, attractive marketing tool - summarizes jobs, skills, accomplishments, and academic background relevant to employment objective |
Chronologically details academic and formal work experience |
| One to two pages maximum |
Sometimes two or more pages |
| Does not include age, marital status, race, or religion |
Sometimes includes age, marital status, race, and/or religion |
| May or may not include completion of military service depending upon whether it is relevant or makes the person a stronger candidate |
Sometimes includes completion of military service |
Resume Tips for International Students
- Introduce employers to foreign companies and schools by providing a frame of reference.
- For example: A $10 million marketing firm
- One of the top five universities in China
- Second largest technology manufacturer in Europe
- MIT of Turkey
- Nigerian version of McDonalds
The Career Center also has an expanded resume writing guideline available, as well as 19 different resume writing books that can be checked out. Also plan to meet with a counselor for a resume critique in order to achieve the best possible display of skills and background.
Interviewing for International Students
- Emphasize strong English skills on the resume. For example: Translated written and spoken English on a daily basis for two years.
- Ensure that writing skills are up to American standards by courses that include writing.
- Make sure the resume is free from grammatical and spelling errors as well as awkward use of language.
- Have resume reviewed by a career counselor. Ask for explanations about necessary changes in order to ensure that the same mistakes will not happen again.
- Maintain up-to-date copies of the resume in the format and language of native countries to serve as back-up for employment in home countries or to pass on to contacts.
- Create a resume by following The Quick Resume Checklist (to The Quick Resume Checklist).