1. Consider Which Languages Are Relevant to the Job Before listing all the languages you know, think about which ones would be most useful for the job. For example, roles in customer service or international business may require multiple languages, while others may not. Focus on languages that add value to your application.
2. Create a “Languages” Section To make your language skills easy to spot, create a dedicated “Languages” section on your resume. Place this section prominently, such as under your summary or skills. This approach helps recruiters quickly see your language abilities, especially if the job requires them.
3. List Each Language Separately Write each language in its own line or entry to keep your skills clear. Start with the language name and follow with your proficiency level. This structure makes it easy for hiring managers to assess your skills in each language without confusion.
4. Specify Your Proficiency Level Use common proficiency levels to honestly describe your skill level:
   • Native/Bilingual: Fully fluent, like a native speaker.
   • Fluent: Able to read, write, and speak fluently.
   • Conversational: Can hold everyday conversations but may lack technical vocabulary.
   • Basic: Understands basic communication but may have limitations.
5. Using accurate levels ensures that employers understand your real abilities and don’t expect more than you can deliver.
6. List Reading, Writing, and Speaking Skills Separately (If Needed) If your proficiency varies by skill (e.g., fluent in reading, conversational in speaking), consider breaking down each language by reading, writing, and speaking levels. This allows recruiters to see where your strengths are, especially for roles that need specific language skills.
7. Mention Language Certifications If you have any certifications, include them. Certifications like DELE (Spanish), HSK (Mandarin), or TOEFL (English) add credibility by validating your proficiency. List the certification title and level (e.g., DELE C1) to give a clear picture of your skill level.
8. Provide Certification Dates (If Applicable) If your certification includes a date, add it. This helps show how recent your proficiency level is, especially if the certification is from a few years ago. Some certifications require renewal, while others are permanent. This extra detail can be valuable for employers in fields that use specialized language.
9. Organize by Relevance or Proficiency Level If you know multiple languages, consider ordering them by relevance to the job or by proficiency. Put the languages that are most useful for the job or those you’re most proficient in at the top.
10. Example Structure for “Languages” Section
    Languages
    • Spanish – Fluent (Reading, Writing, Speaking)
      Certification: DELE C1, Instituto Cervantes (2020)
    • French – Conversational (Speaking and Reading)
    • Mandarin – Basic (Speaking)
      Certification: HSK Level 2, Hanban (2019)

This format presents each language, your proficiency level, and any certifications clearly for quick reference.

1. Customize the “Languages” Section for Each Application Tailor this section for each job. If a certain language is particularly important, list it at the top to catch the recruiter’s eye. Adjusting this section for each role makes your resume more relevant and boosts your chances of standing out.
2. Proofread for Accuracy and Consistency Finally, proofread this section to ensure it’s error-free and consistent in style. Double-check spelling for language names and certifications, and use a uniform layout to create a polished look.