Language levels on a CV: how to describe foreign languages ​​in the English CV

Speaking a foreign language is a valuable skill worth having – and highlight it in your CV. The more visible and extensive the Languages ​​ section you have in your CV or resume, the more likely you are to get a good job and an equally good salary. How do we know that?

In 2019, the median earnings of people who speak fluent German were PLN 7,000 gross, and those who declared fluency in two languages ​​- German and English – already PLN 8,000 gross. Similar dependencies applied to other foreign languages ​​ on the CV – besides proficiency, the number of foreign languages ​​the candidates know was crucial.

In this article, you will see how languages ​​levels in the English CV and when it is worth having a separate section for them. You will also find out in which other places on your CV it is worth showing off your fluency in foreign languages. As a result, your chances on the job market will increase significantly.

Language levels on a CV – template

When should I add a Languages ​​ section to my CV?

Most job applicants include a foreign language in the Skills CV section, i.e. Skills. However, you can also save them individually. A separate Languages ​​ section in your English CV should be added at least in three cases:

Why?

If you list 2 or more foreign languages ​​ on your CV, your skills section will be a bit chaotic and the languages ​​themselves will disappear in the crowd. Besides, you will distract the recruiter from your soft skills in your CV, which will seem less important. Meanwhile, employers, regardless of the industry, value them more and more.

A separate CV section Languages You will also find it useful when you are writing your first CV – especially if you know not only English but also e.g. Spanish, Chinese, German, Japanese, Korean, or Portuguese. It turns out that these are the most widely used languages ​​in the world and thus can increase your chances on the labor market. Also, knowledge of foreign languages ​​always works to the benefit of the candidate – it proves his perseverance and ability to acquire knowledge.

Separate section Languages ​​ in your CV is also important when it is a key skill for a given position – e.g. when you write an English-language resume of a waiter or waitress (i.e. Waitress CV) or a CV for working in IT (e.g. Programmer CV). In this case, the lack of knowledge of languages ​​can even make you a nomination, so make sure the recruiter can easily find this information on your CV.

How do I describe language levels in my CV in English?

The demand for bilingual workers has increased in recent years. Besides, as I mentioned at the beginning of this article, people who speak at least 2 foreign languages ​​on average earn more than those who only have one such language in their CV.

But don’t be fooled by appearances – the language level also matters. For example, a knowledge of English communication will be more valuable for the employer (because it can be used in practice) than learning the basics of Mandarin, in which you can only introduce yourself.

So how to describe language ​​levels in CV English?

For this, you can use special language tests. Check how the Council of Europe determines the individual language proficiency levels and use the appropriate numbering on a scale from A1 to C2:

Language levels in your CV, you can also present it descriptively. Here is a short dictionary to help you find the right phrases for your English CV:

To avoid confusion, you can use both the A1-C2 scale and the descriptive version in brackets (as in the Languages in the CV at the top of this article).

Are you applying for a job in the European Union? For this purpose, you can use the Europass CV – a CV template created by the EU to standardize the application and thus equalize the chances of different candidates. Such a document contains the so-called A language passport, thanks to which you can independently assess your skills in this field.

Where else can you describe the language levels in CV English?

Of course, the Languages ​​section of the CV it’s not the only place where you can boast of your knowledge of foreign languages. Other sections of the curriculum vitae English can play this role.

The first place where you can do this is when you summarize and work goals on your CV (Personal Statement). It is a good idea to do this if it is an important skill in your profession or if you have a short professional experience and want to earn “extra points”.

Here is an example:

If you know one foreign language and that is just an additional asset in your CV, you can include it in the Skills section of your CV. Then it is enough to list the language among other specialist competencies, stating its name and level of advancement.

You can also show your language level in the Courses and Certifications section) – it will make you come out more reliably. In this case, enter the full name of the certificate or training and the date of obtaining it (a month and year are enough), and optionally – the name of the institution that issued your diploma.

Courses and Certifications

And if you are just learning a language and have only a basic knowledge of it, you can include it in the British CV with Interests section. Hobbies or Interests ). It is worth doing this because employers like candidates who are active and want to develop.

Here is an example: