How to include language skills on your LinkedIn profile

In today’s global job market, showcasing language skills on your LinkedIn profile can be a powerful way to attract recruiters and potential employers. Proficiency in multiple languages demonstrates versatility, adaptability, and an ability to engage with diverse teams and clients. Here’s how you can effectively add and highlight language skills on LinkedIn to make the most of this valuable asset.

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Why Language Skills Matter on LinkedIn

As more companies expand internationally, they seek professionals who can bridge language and cultural gaps. According to LinkedIn, profiles that include language skills are more likely to catch the attention of hiring managers—especially for roles in international business, customer service, translation, and marketing. Including verified English proficiency, for instance, can help your profile stand out, particularly if you're applying to companies where English is the primary language of communication.

Steps to Add Language Skills on Your LinkedIn Profile

1. Go to the “Skills” Section LinkedIn provides a specific section for adding skills, including languages. Scroll down to the “Skills” section on your profile, click the "+" button, and type in the language(s) you’re proficient in, followed by your level of proficiency.
2. Choose Your Proficiency Level LinkedIn allows you to specify your proficiency using familiar labels, such as “Elementary Proficiency,” “Limited Working Proficiency,” “Professional Working Proficiency,” “Full Professional Proficiency,” and “Native/Bilingual Proficiency.” Be honest and specific about your proficiency, as recruiters can gauge your level during interviews or ask for further certification.
3. Highlight Language Skills in the “About” Section The “About” section at the top of your LinkedIn profile offers a great space to summarize your skills, experience, and unique qualifications. Mentioning language skills here can help create a cohesive story for recruiters. For instance, you could say, “Experienced in international business development, fluent in English (certified by the International English Test) and Spanish, with a focus on global client relations.”
4. Add Certifications to Back Up Your Skills If you hold any certifications, such as those from TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English, or the International English Test (IET), include them in the “Licenses & Certifications” section. IET, in particular, provides an easily accessible online option, with certificates aligned with CEFR levels, making it recognizable and credible for employers worldwide.
5. Mention Language Skills in Your Experience Section If your role involved using multiple languages, detail this in your job description under each relevant position. For example, you could write, “Led client meetings in English and French to expand our European market,” or “Translated key documents and communications from English to German for internal and external stakeholders.”
6. Use LinkedIn’s “Featured” Section for Visual Proof The “Featured” section allows you to attach documents, images, and certificates to showcase achievements. Uploading a certification, especially if it’s from a respected organization like the International English Test, can give recruiters visual confirmation of your proficiency.

Tips for Showcasing Language Skills Effectively

• Be Honest and Specific: If your skills are certified, indicate the certification and level (e.g., “C1 Advanced in English, verified by IET”).
• Emphasize High-Value Languages: Languages like Mandarin, Spanish, and Arabic are often in high demand, so if you’re proficient in one of these, highlight it.
• Focus on Relevant Skills: If you're applying for roles where language skills are crucial, like international sales or client relations, prioritize these skills at the top of your profile.

Why Certification Matters

Adding certification, such as from the International English Test (IET), adds credibility and specificity to your language skills. The IET, for example, aligns with CEFR levels (A1 to C2), providing recruiters with a clear understanding of your abilities in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Certifications are particularly valuable in today’s competitive market because they demonstrate that your skills are up-to-date and meet international standards.

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Example: How to Present Your Language Skills on LinkedIn

About Section “Experienced marketing professional with a focus on bilingual content strategy. Fluent in English (certified C1 by the International English Test) and conversational in French, with experience in developing cross-cultural campaigns for European and North American markets.”

Skills Section

• English – Full Professional Proficiency (certified C1 by IET)
• French – Limited Working Proficiency

Experience Section “Collaborated with English-speaking stakeholders and localized campaigns in French, helping the company expand its European footprint by 30%.”

Final Thoughts

With the increasing demand for multilingual professionals, adding and emphasizing language skills on your LinkedIn profile can enhance your marketability. By following these steps and including certifications where possible, you’ll be able to position yourself as a competitive candidate in a global workforce. If you’re looking to validate your English skills, a certification like the International English Test offers a reliable and recognized way to showcase your proficiency.

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