How to Put Bilingual on Resume
If you are among the 20.6% of the U.S. population who are bilingual and can effortlessly switch between languages, you already have a competitive advantage. Properly showcasing your language skills on your resume can open doors to exciting opportunities. You may be wondering how to put bilingual on resume and highlight your skills in a way that stands out and captures the attention of potential employers.
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Why Bilingual Skills Are Valuable on a Resume?
Bilingual skills are a highly valuable asset. Speaking one or more foreign languages offers personal and professional advantages. Being bilingual allows you to connect with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Professionally, language skills can increase job prospects. The increasing diversity in the U.S. means that the demand for bilinguals is stronger than ever, especially in healthcare, customer service, and the insurance industry. To separate yourself and point out your ability to effectively communicate in both languages, listing them on your resume can make a big difference.
Even if the jobs you apply for don’t require speaking a second language, it demonstrates your strong analytical abilities, and the ease of adapting in multicultural settings.
Where to Include Bilingual Skills on a Resume
Having a well-crafted resume is necessary when starting a job search. But, do you know where these skills should be included?
The first option is to list your bilingual abilities in the Skills or Core Competencies section. This is especially recommended if language proficiency is a key requirement for the role. Listing your language abilities here grabs employers’ attention and presents you as a suitable applicant.
The second option is to list your language skills in the Experience section. This is recommended if you have worked in a role where language skills are essential. Here, you can briefly explain how your language skills have added value to your previous roles and projects. For instance, in this section, you may write:
- “Used Spanish to expand the client base in Latin American markets, increasing sales by 30%.”
Or, if you have used a foreign language for translation, you can write
- “Used Italian for translating documents.”
Finally, if you have a language certification, such as IELTS, DELE, DELF, etc., you should list them in the Certification section as proof of your proficiency. These qualifications give your resume legitimacy and provide verifiable evidence of your competence.
Examples of How to Include Bilingual in Resume
In order to better understand, here are some examples of how you can present your language abilities in different sections of your resume:
Skills or Core Competencies Section
- Languages: Spanish (Fluent), French (Intermediate)
- Bilingual: English/Spanish
Including your language skills in the Skills section ensures that they are immediately visible to hiring managers. This is especially important for positions requiring multilingual communication.
Experience Section
Marketing Specialist
ABS Corp / August 2018 - December 2019
- Presented bilingual presentations in English and Italian, improving client engagement by 25%.
- Translated corporate documents and promotional materials in English and Italian to ensure clarity for international stakeholders.
- Provided simultaneous and consecutive interpretation during meetings and seminars.
Listing your language skills in your experience section showcases your ability to use the language knowledge practically.
Certifications Section
- Language Certifications: DELE C1 (Diploma in Advanced Spanish Proficiency)
- Professional Training: Certified English/Spanish Translator
Integrating your language skills in this section demonstrates your proficiency level.
Additional Tips for Listing Bilingualism on Your Resume
Tailor your language skills to job requirements
Analyze the job description and the company’s cultural context. If the role involves extensive international communication, include your language skills in your resume’s introduction or summary.
In other words, list them in the skills section for positions where bilingual skills are a bonus but not the main focus. This way, they add value but do not neglect your main qualifications.
Properly organize your language skills
It is best to list the languages you speak in native-like to intermediate, and beginner level. This way, the languages you have less proficiency in will not overshadow the ones you speak fluently.
Do not overstate your abilities
Be realistic when stating the level of the language you speak. Your language proficiency will be assessed during an interview. Overstating language skills can also lead to unrealistic job expectations that you are unprepared for, compromising your professional reputation.
Be prepared to demonstrate your language proficiency
Employers often test language skills during interviews. If you have listed a language, be prepared to show proficiency. If you have not used the language professionally in a while, it is wise to dedicate some time to preparation and practice.
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Find the Best Bilingual Jobs With Afni
Learning how to put bilingual on resume will help you stand out from the other competitors. If written correctly, such skills can catch employers’ attention and help you get the job you wanted in the first place. By following these tips to showcase your language skills on your resume, you’ll position yourself to land the perfect bilingual job - and Afni is here to help you make it happen.
Author
Samantha Byard is the Recruitment Marketing Manager for Afni and brings a wealth of knowledge and tips for job seekers. She holds a bachelor's degree in public relations and marketing from Mount Saint Vincent University as well as a masters degree in digital marketing and advertising from Liberty University.
