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How to List Languages on Your Resume

Why It Matters

Listing language skills on your resume can give you a competitive edge, especially in today’s global job market. However, it’s important to be strategic about how you list them to ensure they add value to your application.

How to List Languages

  1. Use Standard Proficiency Levels: Stick to recognized proficiency levels:

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

    Avoid using visual ratings like stars or bars, as these can be misleading and may not be ATS-friendly.

  2. Relevance is Key: Only include languages that are relevant to the job or company. If the job doesn’t require a specific language and you’re not proficient, it’s best to leave it off your resume.

  3. Where to Place It: Create a dedicated "Languages" section on your resume. Place it after the main sections like Work Experience, Education, and Skills. If language proficiency is a key requirement for the job, consider mentioning it in your summary or work experience as well.

  4. Backup Your Claims: If you have certifications or test scores that validate your language proficiency, include them. For example, you can hyperlink to your TOEFL or IELTS scores. BUT only do that, if it's a requirement for the job.

  5. You are showcasing your writing skill by sending your resume!: When writing a resume, you're already showcasing your English skills. Make sure your resume is well-written and free of grammatical errors to demonstrate your language proficiency.

Example:

Languages

  • English: Native
  • Spanish: Full Professional Proficiency
  • French: Limited Working Proficiency

Quick Tips

  • ✅ Label your language skill as one of these:
  • Elementary proficiency
  • Limited working proficiency
  • Professional working proficiency
  • Full professional proficiency
  • Native or bilingual proficiency
  • ✅ List languages you are proficient in or may be related to the job, and indicate your level of proficiency
  • ✅ Backup your language level by providing a hyperlink to certification like TOEFL's grade
  • ❌ Don't list languages that you are not proficient in or that are not relevant to the job you are applying for, unless it's your native language.
  • ❌ Don't use stars to express your skill in language. Use the proper label as mentioned above