Language Skills on a CV

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Updated on March 20, 2024

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In today’s ever-developing, international environment, languages skills on a CV are an eye-catcher.

Knowing multiple languages is a highly sought-after skill in today’s job market, and highlighting this on your CV can make you stand out from the competition.

Languages are not useful for merely one type of job. You may have to speak a different language in any number of roles.

Even if it isn’t a regular part of a job, you may occasionally encounter a client or colleague who can’t speak the language others in the work environment speak.

This guide explains how you can showcase your language abilities effectively, understand comprehension levels, and adhere to best practices when building your CV.

Should I put languages on my CV?

Provided you have them, yes! If you are lucky enough to have learnt or be bilingual in a foreign language, you should always list languages on your CV.

Languages skills are a transferable skill. Therefore, it’s always acceptable to list them on a CV.

Learning languages is also a way of opening your mind and learning about other cultures. The benefits of learning a language are more than just that of being able to communicate with another society.

Through communicating with an unfamiliar community, you subconsciously learn a multitude of things:

• Appreciate other cultural backgrounds
• Learn more about geography, history, politics, literature and much more which helps you to understand more about the world
• Have more information and understanding which enables you to analyse and reflect openly
• Become more independent, flexible and self-reliant
• Improve communication skills
• Cooperate well with others
• Pick up other languages more easily

Where to put language skills on a CV

Languages, just like any other skill, are typically listed in the skills section on a CV. This is especially appropriate if you are applying for a job which doesn’t require the use of a foreign language, but it complements the job role.

However, there are also some other places you can consider including language skills on a CV:

• If applying for a job that requires foreign language skills, create a separate section for languages to distinguish between your languages and other skills. Make sure you specify your levels in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• Alternatively, you can mention your language skills in your resume summary or objective if they are a key part of the requirements for the role.

If you’re still in doubt about where to include your language skills, a professional CV template can help you to figure out the best placement.

How to include foreign languages on your CV

Once you have decided whether it is better to list your languages under the skills section, or create a separate section, you need to know how to list languages clearly and concisely.

Presenting your language on a good CV layout can be done in a variety of ways. All you need to do is choose a method and make sure you keep this assessment method consistent.

It can be difficult to self-assess yourself and know which levels or grades to use. There is more than one way of evaluating your language skills.

Identifying whether you are fluent in a language

It can be difficult to summarize fluency of a language, or even identify fluency at all. While some may have high expectations of fluency (perfect accent etc.), you don’t have to be a perfect speaker to be classed as a fluent speaker.

In general, the definition of fluency is fluid and coherent language without obstacles in understanding or communicating. You may also find that fluency can range across the four types of language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

For example, you may have fluency in reading, yet find speaking more difficult.

You can use the following guide to grade your language skills on your CV:

• Beginner
• Elementary
• Pre-intermediate
• Intermediate
• Upper-intermediate
• Advanced

Professional platforms such as LinkedIn use other grading systems:

• Elementary proficiency
• Limited working proficiency
• Professional working proficiency
• Full professional proficiency
• Native or bilingual proficiency

It is not recommendable to include anything below an intermediate level when you write your CV, as beginner language is often not useful in many work sectors. However, depending on the job, you may feel it beneficial to include all your languages and their levels.

Language comprehension levels: the grading systems

When adding your language skills to your CV, it’s essential to be specific about your proficiency levels to give potential employers an accurate understanding of your capabilities.

There are various grading systems for languages. Below, we explain some popular language grading systems to help you describe your proficiency.

1. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): The CEFR is a widely accepted language proficiency standard across Europe. It consists of six levels, ranging from A1 (basic user) to C2 (proficient user).
2. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL): The ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines are divided into four main levels: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Superior. Each level is further subdivided into Low, Mid, and High.
3. The Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) Scale: The ILR Scale is used primarily by the US government. It comprises five levels, starting from 0 (No Proficiency) to 5 (Native or Bilingual Proficiency).

You should always choose the most appropriate grading system based on your location and the job you’re applying for. If this is in the UK, go with CEFR.

Another option for listing languages is listing the amount of time you have spent studying the language. For example, if you have no qualifications in German, but have been studying it for ten years, it’s worth mentioning!

Examples of how to include language skills on your CV

Here are some examples of how to include language skills on your CV:

Example 1: In the resume summary or objective

Bilingual graphic designer with 4+ years of experience working in an international environment in both English and French.

Example 2: In the skills section
Language Skills

• English—Native
• Russian—C2 Proficiency
• Greek—B2 Level

Example 3 : In a separate language section
Languages

• English: Native speaker
• French: Proficient (C1 – CEFR)

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Do’s & don’ts for including language skills on your CV

As a final step to ensure that your language skills make a positive impact on your CV, follow these essential do’s and don’ts.

CV language skills dos:

• Tailor your language skills to the job: If a job posting specifically mentions a language requirement or preference, ensure your language proficiency in that language is visible and prominent on your CV.
• Be specific and honest about your proficiency: Use a recognized grading system to accurately convey your language comprehension level. Avoid exaggerating your abilities, as this could lead to difficulties in the workplace.
• Consider placement: For language-focused roles, place your language skills in a prominent position on your CV, such as in the professional summary or skills section. For other roles, you can include your language skills in a separate section or under additional skills.
• Include relevant certifications: If you have completed any language courses or hold certifications, make sure to mention them on your CV. This provides tangible evidence of your language skills and can boost your credibility.

CV language skills don’ts:

1. List languages without specifying proficiency levels: Simply listing the languages you know without indicating your level of comprehension can be confusing for potential employers. Always use a grading system to clarify your proficiency.
2. Add languages with minimal proficiency: If you have only a basic understanding of a language, and it’s not relevant to the job, consider leaving it off your CV to avoid cluttering your application.
3. Use jargon or acronyms without explanation: When referring to a grading system, provide a brief explanation or include a hyperlink to help recruiters understand your proficiency level.
4. Overemphasize irrelevant language skills: While knowing multiple languages can be an asset, focus on showcasing the skills that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for.
5. Lie on your CV about your language skills: For example, imagine that you indicate that your Spanish is fantastic, only to find out that your interviewer is Spanish and has caught you in a lie. If this happens, you definitely won’t be going any further in the application process.

More than anything, recruiters appreciate honesty. Forming a relationship on trust and honesty is key to building a good relationship with prospective employers.

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