The value of education and diversity
In American society we pride ourselves on the diversity of our citizens and residents, while making conscious efforts to appreciate the cultures and backgrounds of each other. In any given company located here, you can find training teams conducting inclusion classes, and openly discussing diverse work environments. Diversity, in other words, has become a part of our culture both in and outside the work space, and it is something that we seldom stop to appreciate.
A sizeable portion of the American workforce has acquired at least part of their education in a foreign country; and if you are in that group, one of the main challenges you will face when composing your resume, is transferring your education and any experience you may have from another country in a way that smartly conveys to a potential American employer, your qualifications and achievements as they relate to your career objective.
When it comes to your scholastic achievements, make sure that you understand the educational system in the United States, and familiarize yourself with the various levels of college degrees. But make sure you understand the difference between trade schools, colleges and universities, as well as the various degrees you can obtain at each of these educational facilities. You don’t have to translate your degree directly, but make sure the terminology you are using is appropriated to educational achievements in the US.
Foreign skills aligned with job duties
Should it become necessary you may have to seek assistance from a translating service, or from a resume writing service that might have a staff member who speaks your language, or is familiar with your country and its culture. This will ensure that the education and employment information you acquired in another country is properly listed on your resume; do not make a mistake however, of exaggerating the position you held, or the degree you received in that other country.
Consider the fact that your potential employer has very limited resources, and verifying the foreign education or employment you list on your resume may be less a priority to that employer, when compared to hiring another applicant for the position. This doesn’t mean you have a free pass to make things up; you should instead gather any documentation you may have that shows your achievements.
If you have any transcripts or degrees from your school, or any awards from your previous employment, take them to a translating service that will recreate and notarize these documents in English; and make a note on your resume or in your cover letter that you can show such documentation upon employer’s request.
Full disclosure can be advantageous
Additionally, if English is your second language make sure to list, under your Qualifications, any additional languages you speak fluently. And always be mindful that a resume free of typos and grammatical errors will indicate to a potential employer that you have taken the time to learn the language, and that you place high emphasis on your communication skills.
As a best practice, if your resume includes education or work experience you acquired in a foreign country, your cover letter should address any concerns that may be brought up as a result of conveying this information. Your employer may have questions about why you left the country where you previously work, or if you intend to go back after some time (if you came to the United States to further your education, indicate the length of time you are staying).
Keep these things in mind and put yourself in a position of a potential employer who is reviewing your resume and anticipate any questions they may have about your professional history. Addressing any concerns about your resume ahead of time will assure that you are taken seriously as a qualified and credible candidate who happen to have had training and job-related experience abroad.