Are you applying for an internship or job at a company based in an English-speaking country? Check out our tips for translating your resume and cover letter into English.
Find the criteria for creating a resume in the country you want to stay in
One of the first steps when translating your resume into English is to familiarize yourself with the rules for writing resumes in the country you're applying to. Depending on the country in question, the length, structure, and information omitted or emphasized may vary widely.
> English resume length and structure
The standard length of a CV varies by country. For example, in the United States, the standard resume format is one page. However, it is entirely possible to create a three-page resume in Australia.
Overall, the structure of an English resume is approximately the same in all Anglo-Saxon countries. The most important sections to include are:
Personal information: name, address, telephone number, email address. Profile: A section where you introduce yourself and your career aspirations. Professional Experience: A section highlighting your work history from most recent to oldest. Education and qualifications: Your qualifications and education. Skills: Your abilities and soft skills (software, IT, languages, etc.). Other: Your interests and hobbies. References: This section is optional.
> There is no photo on your resume
Although it is common in some countries to include a photo with your resume, this rule does not exist in Anglo-Saxon countries such as Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Also, avoid mentioning personal information such as age, marital status, or place of birth.
> Avoid using “I” in English resumes
To keep your resume and cover letter translations in professional English, we recommend limiting sentences that begin in the first person. A thoroughly self-centered “I” (or “I” in English) is not a persuasive word to a prospective employer, especially if used repeatedly.
Don't mix British and American English
There are many differences between American English (AE) and British English (BE). The word “CV” is written in British English as “Curriculum Vitae” (or “CV”), but in American English it is called “Resume” or “Personal Resume”. Cover letter is translated as “Cover Letter” regardless of the English language you choose.
If you're not careful, you can easily confuse the two. Some differences are very subtle. For example, those derived from Latin words that can be written with the suffix “-ize” or “-ise”. For example, in British English it is written as “categorize”, while in American English it is written as “categorize”.
However, keep in mind that globalization has Americanized certain words, and it is not uncommon for British words to be spelled differently. In either case, choose the English language you need for your job search and maintain consistency by using the same English version for all translations of your application.
Contact a professional translator to have your English resume translated
Considering the complexity and importance of translating resumes and cover letters in English, the safest option is to seek the help of a professional translator. They can translate your resume and often adapt it to the standards of the country you are applying to. This brings significant added value to your application.
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Frequently asked questions about English resume translation:
At Alphatrad, we can translate your resume and cover letter into perfect English, using the right tone and correct terminology for your professional context.
At Alphatrad, no matter what type of translation you require, we guarantee that it will be treated in the strictest confidence.
If you send us your resume and cover letter in Word format, we will translate them to the same format and send them back to you.
