Mentioning language proficiency on your resume: how to show your language skills

Knowing a second language can be a valuable asset in your job search. If you want to apply for roles that require speaking another language, including your proficiency on your resume shows an employer you have the right skills for the job. Other times, highlighting your language proficiency can set you apart from other candidates and give you a competitive advantage.

In this guide, we’ll discuss:

• When to include your language skills on a resume

• Where you can mention your proficiency in another language

• How you can highlight these skills effectively

• Examples you can follow for your own resume

When to include language proficiency on a resume

On your resume, you have limited space to highlight your top skills and qualifications. If they’re not relevant to the position, you can typically leave language skills off your resume. However, these are some instances when it’s a good idea to include them.

Four instances to add your levels of language proficiency on a resume are:

1. It’s a job requirement

If you’re applying for a job that requires candidates to speak another language, such as Spanish, include your proficiency level on your resume. That shows the employer you have the necessary qualifications. If you leave this skill off your resume, the hiring manager may assume you don’t speak the language and disregard your application.

2. It’s valuable to the position 

When the job description doesn’t list another language as a requirement, you can still mention your proficiency if you have reason to believe it’s valuable for the role. For example, if you’re applying for a customer service position with a multinational company, adding your language skills indicates you’re able to communicate with people who speak other languages.

3. You’re applying for a job abroad

You should include your language proficiency on your resume if you’re applying for a job in a country that uses the same language. If you’re applying for a position in France, for instance, you can mention your proficiency in French to show there won’t be a language barrier. It’s difficult to live and work in a country where you don’t speak the language, so your proficiency can give you an edge on other applicants.

4. The position is competitive

Some roles attract many applicants with similar backgrounds and skills. Adding your language proficiency is a great way to make your resume stand out. That’s especially true if the company operates in another country or has customers who speak a language you know.

Where to include language skills on a resume

There are a few places on your resume where you can mention your language skills. These include:

• A professional summary. The professional summary at the top of your resume is a good place to mention your language skills, especially if they’re a requirement for the role.

• A skills section. In this section, you can list each language you know as a separate skill.

• An education section. If you’ve completed language courses, you can mention them in your education section.

• A language section. When an employer specifically asks for candidates with language skills, add a separate language section to your resume. Here, you can list each language you know and provide your proficiency levels.

How to mention language proficiency levels on your resume

To highlight your bilingual or multilingual skills on your resume, follow these steps:

1. Know your level of proficiency

Do you have a basic knowledge of another language, or are you a fluent speaker? Know your level of proficiency so you can mention it on your resume. While there’s no global standard for language proficiency levels, you can use a recognized framework to determine your level. In the United States, these are the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) scale, which ranges from novice to superior. The Interagency Language Roundtable scale assigns skill levels on a scale from zero to five.

2. Include all languages you know

If language skills are essential to the job you want, list all the ones you know on your resume and provide your level of proficiency. When applying for jobs in different countries, also include your native language.

3. Be honest

It’s never a good idea to lie on your resume, especially about your language skills. Assume an employer will verify your level of knowledge with a proficiency test or an interview. If you’re caught lying, it can reflect poorly on your character, and an employer will probably toss your resume. When in doubt, take a proficiency test to evaluate your skills and provide an honest assessment of your abilities.

Examples of language proficiency on a resume

The following are  examples of how to include language skills on your resume:

Language proficiency in a professional summary

Language proficiency in an education section

Language proficiency in its own section

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Key takeaways

1. While it’s not always necessary to list language skills on your resume, enclose them if they’re relevant to the position.

2. You can mention your language proficiency in various places, including your summary or a language section.

3. Use a recognized framework to describe your level of proficiency and be honest about your skills.