Savanna Hoffman
International students often face challenges when applying for jobs in a new country, such as unfamiliar qualifications and uncertainty about the correct CV format. A well-written resume or CV is crucial to making a strong first impression on hiring managers and securing employment. This guide will provide steps and tips on how to create a resume or CV as an international student, with a focus on applications for the United States and the United Kingdom.
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What You'll Learn
Include visa status, availability and relevant tech skills
As an international student, your resume or CV is often the first impression you give to potential employers. It is a marketing tool that showcases your unique abilities, experiences, and qualifications for a specific position.
Visa Status
It is important to include your visa status on your resume if you are applying for a job in a country where you are not a citizen or permanent resident. This reassures the employer that you are legally able to work in that country. Include the type of visa you have, its expiry date, and any work restrictions.
Availability
If you are looking for a part-time job alongside your studies, it is helpful to include your available days and hours. This lets employers know that you are aware of your schedule and can commit to working certain times.
Relevant Tech Skills
If the job you are applying for involves computer work, include a list of relevant tech skills. For example, if you have experience with specific CRM software such as Salesforce, list it. This shows employers that you have transferable skills that can be applied in the role. You can also mention any other software or technical skills that are relevant to the position.
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Focus on education, awards and extracurriculars
When writing a resume, especially as an international student, it's important to emphasise your education, awards and extracurricular activities. This is a great way to showcase your abilities and help employers understand your strengths and interests.
Education
Firstly, list your educational background prominently, including the degree earned, institution name, graduation year, and attendance dates. If you are yet to finish your degree, you can include the work you've done and your expected graduation date. Include any academic honours, such as a strong grade point average (GPA), which indicates a willingness to work hard. If your GPA is above 3.5, it is recommended to list it on your resume. Also, mention any scholarships, academic achievements, and relevant coursework. If you've completed projects in classes that are particularly relevant to the job, list and briefly describe them.
Awards & Achievements
Awards and achievements can be included in the education section of your resume. Include any academic awards, honours, and scholarships. If you've received any other notable awards or achievements, such as graduating Magna Cum Laude or achieving the title of student body president, be sure to mention them.
Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities can help showcase your skills and qualifications, especially if you lack professional experience. Include any clubs, organisations, or volunteer work you've participated in. If you held any leadership positions, be sure to mention them, as they demonstrate valuable transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication. If you've completed internships, include them and detail how they have prepared you for the position.
Overall, by focusing on your education, awards, and extracurricular activities, you can effectively showcase your abilities, strengths, and interests to potential employers, even if you have limited work experience.
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Detail work experience and internships
When it comes to detailing work experience and internships, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the amount of detail you include will depend on whether you are creating a CV or a resume. Resumes are typically concise, one-page summaries of your work history, whereas CVs provide more room for elaboration and can be several pages long. If you're an international student applying for jobs in the United States, a resume is generally preferred.
Regardless of the format, it's important to list your work experience and internships in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Include the job title, employer name, and dates worked for each entry. Beneath each position, use bullet points to describe your key responsibilities and achievements. If you have limited work experience, you can also include internships, volunteer work, and academic projects or group assignments to demonstrate your skills and abilities.
When describing your work experience and internships, focus on the skills and accomplishments that are most relevant to the position you're applying for. This is your opportunity to showcase your unique qualifications and set yourself apart from other candidates. If you have overseas experience, provide context and a frame of reference to help prospective employers understand the value of your international background.
In addition to your professional experience, don't forget to highlight your educational background. Include the dates, levels, and institutions of your qualifications. If you have degrees from foreign institutions, provide a frame of reference to help recruiters understand the type of institution and the equivalent qualification in their country. You can also include your GPA, especially if it's above average or converted to the US 4.0 GPA scale.
Remember to tailor your resume or CV to the specific job you're applying for. Highlight the experiences and skills that align with the qualifications listed in the job description. This will show employers that you are a strong candidate who can contribute value to their organization.
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Tailor your resume to the company and role
When applying for jobs, especially as an international student, it is important to tailor your resume to the company and role. This means researching the company's mission, values, and culture to understand what they are looking for in a potential employee. Understanding the company's objectives will help you highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with their goals.
For instance, if you are applying for a role in finance, highlight your proficiency in accounting software and your experience in financial modelling. On the other hand, if you are applying for a marketing role, emphasise your creativity, communication skills, and experience with marketing campaigns.
If you are an international student, it is beneficial to provide context for your overseas experience and education. For example, if you have a degree from a foreign institution, explain that it is "equivalent to a two-year college degree" to help recruiters understand the type of institution you attended. Additionally, if your name is difficult to pronounce, consider including the phonetic spelling to make it easier for prospective employers.
Another way to tailor your resume is to use a suitable template. Different countries have different expectations for resume formats. In the United States, resumes are typically one page and summarise work history, while in other countries, CVs may be longer and provide more detailed information. If you are applying for a role in the United Kingdom, for instance, a photo is usually not required. Understanding these nuances will help you create a resume that is well-suited to the company and role.
Finally, pay attention to the specific qualifications and requirements listed in the job description. Highlight your relevant experiences, academic projects, and extracurricular activities that match what the company is seeking. This will show that you are a strong fit for the role and increase your chances of being selected for an interview.
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Include an objective statement and a cover letter
As an international student, you may not have extensive work experience. Therefore, it is crucial to include an objective statement at the top of your resume to showcase your skills, talents, and professional goals. An objective statement is a concise description of your goals, typically one or two sentences long. It is an excellent opportunity to introduce yourself to hiring managers, explaining why you want the job and why you are a good fit. For instance, you could write: "Driven and ambitious sales professional with a proven history of exceeding goals and achieving high client satisfaction ratings. I am seeking a sales manager position with a fast-growing technology company where I can marry my enthusiasm for relationship-building and my passion for innovation."
Your objective statement should be tailored to the job you are applying for, highlighting how your skills align with the role's requirements. It is also beneficial to mention any unique skills, work ethic, or history of success you possess. If you are not a native English speaker, consider having a native speaker proofread your resume to ensure your objective statement is clear and effective.
In addition to an objective statement, a well-written cover letter can provide essential context for your resume, especially if your work experience is limited. In your cover letter, explain how your goals and experience align with the company's objectives and why you are passionate about working with them. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and sets you apart from other applicants. Make sure to keep your cover letter concise and easy to read, avoiding repetition and excessive detail.
Before submitting your resume and cover letter, ensure there are no mistakes and that the font is consistent. You may want to ask a friend, family member, or teacher to review your documents and provide feedback. Utilizing a grammar checker can also be helpful. Remember, your resume and cover letter are often your first impression on potential employers, so it is essential to make them look professional and showcase your strengths effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
In the United States, a CV and a resume are the same things and are typically only one page long. However, outside of the US, a CV tends to be longer and provides more detail.
Your resume should include your contact information, work experience, education, qualifications, and any extracurricular activities, awards, or leadership roles. You should also include your visa status and your available days and hours if you are looking for a part-time job.
You should list your work experience and qualifications in chronological order, with the most recent first. You can download a template online to ensure your resume looks professional and is easy to read.
You should tailor your resume to the role you are applying for, highlighting any relevant experience and skills. You can also include a cover letter to provide additional context and demonstrate your passion for the role.
