Easy and effective tips to draft country-specific resumes

Writing a resume is an art. However, there is no straight-jacket formula for the same. A resume for an international job profile is somewhat similar to one for a domestic job or for any international job. But the resume must be tailored to meet the criteria of the destination country. Different countries have different formats and rules and it is very important to be well versed in these formats to increase the chances of employability in your desired destination.?

Every resume?is required to be tailored as per the job profile, specific country, and cultural environment where you intend to seek employment. It’s quite obvious that one resume will work for different profiles and countries. It’s quite common for companies to prefer a specific format in which they accept a resume and it is advisable for the candidate to go through such a format before applying for that specific job. It depends on the company whether they prefer a single-page resume with a single-page cover letter or a lengthier version of that. However, all companies do not provide instructions, but in case the instructions are provided, the candidate is should not ignore those. It’s a common statement on which interviews or shortlisting works and we’ve heard this a zillion?times– “First impression is the Last Impression”.?

It is one of the major points that one should keep in mind before applying is to do some basic research about the company and the country where it is situated. Many countries prefer that candidates should include their personal details like?date of birth, a photograph, or even their marital status whereas the same may not be preferred?in some other countries.?It is highly recommended that the candidates look into the cultural differences as the meaning of phrases might get differently interpreted in different countries. This is why basic research is a necessity before applying for a job anywhere.?

Basically, there are three things that one has to keep in mind before applying for a job abroad:?

1. The resume shows your personality and is organized in a way to match the employer's "ideal profile."?
2. There should be an emphasis on your cross-cultural skills, especially in terms of the cross-cultural work environment.?
3. Small details go a long way.

?Points one must look into before applying for a job abroad:?

1. Abide by the instructions, in case any is provided and try to stick to instructions.?
2. Please keep your resume up to 2 pages unless instructed otherwise by the recruiter.?
3. Please provide your career objective and the resume should be written to justify the objective.?
4. Please provide your current contact details which include your current phone number, email id, and present location in case the recruiter wants to connect with you directly.?
5. One must mention the language they are proficient in especially International Languages.?
6. Keep your educational qualifications updated. However, in case you are a fresh graduate or applying for internships then you may include the high school details.?
7. Precise bullet points which exhibit your education, work achievements, and responsibilities that you have undertaken.?
8. Please mention the skills that you think you are proficient with socially or at the workplace which might give you an edge over the others.?
9. Mention any volunteer?work you have taken part in or conducted.?
10. In case you love to travel please do mention it as it shows your adaptability to new places and building new relations when traveling.?

Country-wise specific resume:?

United States:?

• A standard resume is only one page.?
• Personal information like age, nationality, and marital status is unprofessional.?
• No listing of hobbies and personal interests.?
• No photos in your CV in order to avoid bias and discrimination.?
• Emphasize on qualifications, achievements, and relevant experience.?

Canada:?

• Resume to be within 2 pages. In case of fresher’s keep it to one page.?
• Contact information to be mentioned at the top. It can include the link to your LinkedIn profile.?
• A short career objective is advisable with words and verbs emphasizing your qualities and value addition to the company.?
• Every work experience matters, irrespective of voluntary and internships.?
• An organized CV with bullet points and heading is preferred.?
• Do not write the contents in the first person.?

United Kingdom:?

• One-page CV is preferred.?
• Secondary education details are mandatory to prove proficiency in subjects. However, in case of foreigners, it is not required.?
• No use of bullet points. CV to be written in full sentences.?
• Do not attach your photo in the CV.?
• Do not mention your date of birth.?
• Provide at least 2 references along with contact details at the end of your CV.?

Germany:?

• The CV should be easy to read and navigate.?
• A professional passport photo is to be attached at the top right corner of the CV.?
• The data should be factual without elaborate sentences.?
• In case of any gaps that should be justified as to what you were doing at that period.?
• Copies of supporting documents to be enclosed with the CV.?
• There should be basic knowledge of the German language.??

Japan:?

• A professional photo to be attached at the top right corner.?
• Resume to be written in Japanese.?
• Detailed personal information such as gender, date of birth, nationality, and address to be mentioned.?
• In case of any acquaintances in the company that should be mentioned right away.?

Singapore:?

• Detailed personal information is to be stated at the beginning with a photo.?
• CV to be neat and factual.?
• Short career objective to be mentioned before the education and work experience.?
• At least 2 references at the bottom of the Resume.?

Australia:?

• Career objective to be mentioned at the beginning.?
• Gaps to be mentioned and to be justified by the candidates.?
• Contents to be simple and avoid revealing much about yourself.?
• Achievements to be mentioned highlighting special abilities and achievements.?
• In absence of any work experience focus on extra-curricular activities and responsibilities undertaken by you.?
• Mention the value that you will add to the company by highlighting the strong points and value you would bring in.?
• Mention your interests and hobbies at the end of the resume.?
• Never mentions your age, race, or religion in your resume. Photos?should be avoided in case you are planning to apply in Australia.?

Following these easy yet effective tips while constructing your resume for global job opportunities may increase the chances of your employability in your desired destination.??

SUO Jobs?is a global employment exchange service that envisions bridging the extending gap between the demand and supply of human resources in the global paradigm. It is a single digital platform for both Indian job aspirants and International recruiters. We match the aspirant’s skills and talents with the recruiter’s requirements and description with the help of our robust legal and technological framework. To know more about SUO Jobs,?log on to www.suojobs.com and reach out to us to find out how can SUO Jobs help you find the best global job opportunities and shape a better future for yourself.