Being proficient in a second language can be a major advantage in the job market. Highlighting resume language skills ensures you showcase your abilities effectively. Understanding your language proficiency can help you communicate with colleagues in a global organization. However, you don’t always need to feature these skills prominently or even at all. Your current career objectives and the role determine whether and how to put languages on a resume.
Learn how to make that decision and how to include resume language skills if applicable.
1. Determine if Foreign Language Skills Are Relevant to the Position
Your language skills are just a small part of the overall skillset you’ve gained throughout your personal and professional experience. Your resume isn’t meant to gather all that information in one comprehensive document. Instead, it’s supposed to focus only on those skills you want to apply in your next job. Learn more about what to put on a resume.
Envision how your language skill level aligns with the demands of a professional setting. For example, someone fluent in their native language might describe their proficiency using a language proficiency scale.
As for English fluency, you can omit that as well because it’s already assumed. The only exception is if you are bilingual and want to call that out in your resume introduction (see “Profile” below). You can do so with this phrase: Bilingual: Fluent in English and [Language].
If you’re open to using your language skills or the position explicitly states that foreign language proficiency is required, include them on your resume.
If your foreign language skills fall outside that focus, you can leave them off your resume entirely. Similarly, knowing your current academic status or expected graduation date can help you decide what to emphasize on your resume.
2. Categorize Your Proficiency Level
There’s a big difference between someone who took Spanish 101 in college and someone who is a native speaker. To effectively communicate your skills, you need to quantify resume language skills for the hiring manager.
Envision how comfortable (or uncomfortable) you would be reading, writing, speaking, and listening to each of your foreign languages in a professional setting. Check out our guide on resume skills to highlight your strengths effectively. Then choose from these options:
- Native speaker in: [Language]
- Fluency in: [Language]
- Advanced proficiency in: [Language]
- Proficiency in: [Language]
- Intermediate in: [Language]
- Basic proficiency in: [Language]
You can also use phrases like Conversational: [Language] or Working knowledge of: [Language], but the above are more precise and flexible in listing multiple languages.
Never overstate your language proficiency. When in doubt, choose the more conservative phrase. Only select “Fluency in” if you can honestly speak the language at about the same level as a native speaker (perhaps just with an accent and narrower vocabulary). If you are unsure of your level of proficiency, you can take a self-assessment created by the Interagency Language Roundtable.
You can also refer to the Common Framework for Languages to rate your language skills and provide helpful ways to convey your knowledge. Foreign languages can be a great conversation starter in the interview phase (especially when your resume also includes travel or international work experience). But they can also be a conversation killer if the hiring manager suddenly starts talking to you in a foreign language and you can’t keep up.
Once you’ve jotted down your proficiency in each language, consolidate them by level and order them from most to least advanced. This finished text for a language resume section may be part of a greater skills section at the top or the bottom of the document. It can also be a stand-alone category. Here’s an example:
Languages
- Fluency in: Spanish
- Proficiency in: Italian, Portuguese
- Basic proficiency in: French
or Skills
- Computer Software: Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Adobe Creative Suite
Languages: Spanish (native speaker), Fluent in Portuguese and Italian
3. Choose How To List Languages on a Resume
Let’s say you’re fluent in German but somewhat indifferent about using it in your target job. You can leave your resume as is and not mention your German fluency at all, except for in the languages section.
But if you’d love to speak German in your next job and maybe you’ve even narrowed your search criteria to companies with clients or operations in Germany, it should be highlighted. In this case, look for ways to make your German fluency a more noticeable feature of your overall resume. Consider citing it in these four sections.
Foreign language skills can make a great outro to your resume’s Profile section. For more tips, see our resume summary examples.
Profile
Foreign language skills can make a great outro to your resume’s Profile section. You can do so with this phrase: Bilingual: Fluent in English and [Language]. For more tips, see our resume summary examples.
Here is where you could put Bilingual: Fluent in English and German as the last line of your description, like this:
A senior database developer with over 10 years of experience, specializing in Rest APIs, Microsoft Azure, SQL Server, and database administration. A strong history of building and leading global cross-functional teams to perform multimillion-dollar data center consolidations. Adept at architecting scalable database solutions for enterprise-level organizations. Bilingual: Fluent in English and German.
Conversely, if speaking German is prominently mentioned in the job description, you can lead with:
Bilingual (English/German) senior database developer with over 10 years of experience, specializing in Rest APIs, Microsoft Azure, SQL Server, and database administration. A strong history of building and leading global cross-functional teams to perform multimillion-dollar data center consolidations. Adept at architecting scalable database solutions for enterprise-level organizations.
Education
If you learned the language as your college major or minor, specify that as well as any study abroad programs you completed. Learn more in our guide on how to list your education on a resume.
For example:
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science (minor in German)
- University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA September 2007 – May 2011
- Completed study abroad program in Munich, Germany (Spring 2010)
You may even elaborate on this experience by clearly stating if you lived with a host family where only German was spoken in the home, for example. Another option might be to mention which courses you completed while abroad. Also, clarify that classes were taught exclusively in German and all class materials and texts were in that language.
Training
Have you built or honed your fluency through more recent training or adult education programs? Consider listing those in this resume section.
If you learned the language as your college major or minor, specify that as well as any study abroad programs you completed. Include details that reflect your progress on the language proficiency scale to present your abilities clearly. Learn more in our guide on how to list your education on a resume
For example:
- Westchester Community College, Continuing Education, September 2023 to December 2023
- Advanced conversational skills in Spanish
- Completed 45 hours of in-class training and an additional 15 hours through volunteering at an English as a Second Language (ESL) program.
Experience
Think of the times you’ve applied your fluency in your work experience so far, and consider fleshing out those details under their respective job description. Incorporating examples of your language proficiency into your work history can set you apart. Describe your language skill level in tasks like translating, communicating, or leading teams in your native language or others.
For example:
- By using knowledge of German and European cultures based on time living abroad and fluency in German, set a strategy to expand company operations in German and U.K. markets
- Managed a cross-functional project team located in the U.S. and Germany. Built cohesion amongst members by sharing cultural information and welcoming everyone in both English and German at the start of each meeting
- Provided translation services to customers via phone and email
- Sold premium products to clients in Germany and other major European countries
Remember your objectives
Your resume offers plenty of options and flexibility for including or omitting your foreign language skills. The best strategy for how to write language skills in a resume comes down to your career objectives. If you’re leaning into roles where your language knowledge is required or preferred by the employer, feature it prominently on your resume.
When it is not expressly stated for the role you are applying for, but you know the company’s clients or other office locations, include them. If you are at a beginner level of a language and the job description states another language is strongly preferred or required, you can also include it. But you will likely not be selected for an interview if the foreign language is imperative to success.
Resume Language Skills Examples
Marketing Specialist with Bilingual Skills
Maria Rodriguez
[Email Address] | [Phone Number] | [LinkedIn Profile] | [Portfolio Link]
Profile
Bilingual (English/Spanish) Marketing Specialist with 5+ years of experience in digital marketing, social media management, and content creation. Proven ability to develop campaigns targeting diverse audiences across North and Latin America. Adept at leveraging cultural insights and advanced Spanish fluency to increase customer engagement by 30%.
Skills
- Languages: Native Spanish speaker, Fluent in English, Basic proficiency in Portuguese
- SEO and PPC Campaign Management
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro)
- Social Media Analytics (Google Analytics, Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
Experience
Digital Marketing Manager
XYZ Global Marketing, Miami, FL | Jan 2020 – Present
- Created bilingual advertising campaigns that increased website traffic from Latin American markets by 40%.
- Translated marketing materials (English/Spanish) for cross-border campaigns, ensuring cultural and linguistic accuracy.
- Collaborated with sales teams in Spanish-speaking regions to develop localized strategies.
Marketing Coordinator
ABC Advertising Agency, Los Angeles, CA | Jun 2017 – Dec 2019
- Conducted market research for Spanish-speaking demographics, providing data that informed key strategic decisions.
- Designed bilingual email marketing campaigns, achieving a 25% open rate increase among Spanish-speaking recipients.
- Supported multilingual client meetings, serving as a Spanish interpreter when required.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of California, Los Angeles | Sep 2013 – Jun 2017
- Minored in Spanish Language Studies
International Customer Support Specialist
James Lee
[Email Address] | [Phone Number] | [LinkedIn Profile]
Profile
Customer Support Specialist with fluency in Mandarin and English, providing technical support for a global customer base. Skilled at resolving complex issues, managing multilingual communication, and improving customer satisfaction by leveraging language and cultural knowledge.
Skills
- Languages: Fluent in Mandarin and English, Intermediate in Japanese
- CRM Tools (Salesforce, Zendesk, HubSpot)
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Technical Troubleshooting
Experience
Multilingual Customer Support Representative
TechAssist Solutions, Seattle, WA | Apr 2019 – Present
- Delivered technical support in Mandarin and English to over 200 customers weekly, maintaining a 95% satisfaction rating.
- Trained team members on cultural nuances to improve communication with Mandarin-speaking clients.
- Translated technical documentation from English to Mandarin, ensuring accurate and user-friendly language.
Customer Service Associate
Global Retail Co., Tokyo, Japan | Jan 2017 – Mar 2019
- Assisted Japanese and Mandarin-speaking customers in resolving product-related issues.
- Contributed to a 15% increase in customer retention by offering personalized language support.
- Participated in bilingual product training sessions, enhancing team efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
University of Washington, Seattle, WA | Sep 2012 – Jun 2016
- Studied abroad in Tokyo, Japan (Spring 2015)
- Completed advanced coursework in Mandarin Language and Culture
Healthcare Administrator with Multilingual Skills
Sofia Nguyen
[Email Address] | [Phone Number] | [LinkedIn Profile]
Profile
Multilingual Healthcare Administrator with advanced proficiency in Vietnamese and English, and conversational proficiency in Spanish. Over 6 years of experience coordinating patient care, streamlining healthcare operations, and improving access to services for diverse populations. Passionate about leveraging language skills to foster inclusive and equitable healthcare environments.
Skills
- Languages: Advanced proficiency in Vietnamese, Fluent in English, Conversational in Spanish
- Medical Records Management (EPIC Systems)
- Patient Advocacy and Multicultural Communication
- Process Improvement and Operational Efficiency
Experience
Healthcare Coordinator
Community Health Partners, Houston, TX | Jan 2018 – Present
- Facilitated communication between Vietnamese-speaking patients and healthcare providers, ensuring accurate understanding of medical conditions and treatments.
- Translated medical documents and patient education materials into Vietnamese, increasing accessibility for 25% of clinic patients.
- Organized bilingual workshops on preventive healthcare, reaching over 500 participants in underserved communities.
Patient Services Representative
ABC General Hospital, Houston, TX | Aug 2015 – Dec 2017
- Provided administrative and language support for Spanish- and Vietnamese-speaking patients during admissions and discharges.
- Coordinated with medical interpreters to assist non-English-speaking patients, improving patient satisfaction scores by 20%.
- Maintained accurate and confidential patient records, adhering to HIPAA compliance standards.
Education
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
University of Texas Health Science Center | Aug 2016 – May 2018
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Texas A&M University | Sep 2011 – May 2015
Certifications
- Medical Interpreter Training Certificate (Vietnamese/English) | 2021
Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Language Skills
How can I provide examples of how I utilized my language skills in a professional setting?-
This information should be clearly stated on your resume as part of the section it is attached to. For example, if you are creating resume bullet points for an internship in which you translated documents, this should be a main point and as descriptive as possible:
- Translated medical records for over 50 patients from original source and language, (French to English) in writing and provided cultural context (Haitian) to nursing staff.
If you used your language skills as an everyday part of your job outside of an actual task, such as communicating with coworkers or customers, consider adding a bullet point to your resume and then explaining this in more detail in your cover letter.
Are language skills more marketable in certain industries or roles?+
In today’s globalized economy, highlighting resume language skills effectively is vital. Your language proficiency is particularly valued in industries like education, healthcare, and hospitality. We are in a globalized economy, so language skills are helpful across industries and roles. Even if you only want to work in the U.S. with regional clients, additional language skills are an added benefit to bring to an employer. If you’re a teacher and wish to teach Spanish, it will be a requirement, but if you wish to teach math but happen to be bilingual in Mandarin, this can be an asset to the school. Educators, health care providers and their support staff, sales associates, social service workers, technology support, media, hospitality, and business are a few cases entailing foreign language skills not necessarily part of the general job description.
Is it ok to list certifications or formal assessments to show language proficiency?+
Absolutely. Include the name of the program or assessment that validated your proficiency. See detailed guidance on how to list certifications on a resume. If you obtained knowledge from LinkedIn Learning, be sure to add your certificate or badge to your LinkedIn profile.
Where can I find information to improve my language skills?+
Many community colleges offer courses at a reasonable price and partner with local libraries or chambers of commerce to provide practice conversation sessions with native speakers. If you are already familiar with a language, you can level up your proficiency before applying for a job. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) offers an assessment for those looking to obtain a professional level of language proficiency. The best way to expand your language skills is to practice them as frequently as possible with native speakers in real-life conversations. Services like Lingbe and Speaky can provide this opportunity, but there may also be groups in your area that meet in person for language practice.
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