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How to Create a Strong Resume for International Job Applications as a Filipino

How to Create a Strong Resume for International Job Applications as a Filipino

23 Oct 2023


Working abroad is an excellent opportunity for many Filipinos to gain international experience, acquire new skills, and expand their professional network along with an opportunity to send money to philippines and support its economy. But with thousands of applicants vying for the same job, you must ensure your resume stands out. To impress potential employers, do the best work on your resume first. It should showcase your skills, experience, and achievements in a way that highlights your suitability for the job. In this blog, we will discuss some tips on creating a strong resume for international job applications as a Filipino.

What is an International Resume?

An international resume is a business document people use to apply for jobs in other countries. When making a foreign resume, a person needs to change it to fit that area's rules and practices. International resumes demonstrate to companies in other nations that you are culturally adaptive and qualified for a position.

Personalize your Resume for the Position You're Applying For

When searching for work in a foreign country, one of the most crucial steps you can take is to personalize your resume for the position you're applying for. This requires you to carefully study the job description and ensure that your resume highlights the abilities and expertise that are most relevant to the position. 

Suppose you are applying for a job in the healthcare field, for instance. In that case, highlight your previous experience working in the healthcare industry and any pertinent certifications or training you have completed. Suppose you are looking for a career in the field of finance. In that case, you must showcase your experience in the field and any relevant qualifications for the position.

Skills

To demonstrate that you can work in the surroundings of another culture and country, an international resume will typically emphasize both cross-cultural competencies and technical talents. One example of cross-cultural competence is the ability to speak a language other than one's native tongue or to have previous experience working with clients or colleagues from different nations. Your business sector requires technical abilities that are unique to it. For a graphic designer, examples of technical skills include specific picture editing, video editing, and illustration tools.

Length

The number of pages required on resumes varies from country to country. The average length of a resume in the United States is one page, but those in the United Kingdom are closer to two pages, and those in countries like Germany and Greece can have up to five pages long resumes. Investigate the standards for the number of pages used in the country whose job market you are targeting with your resume.

Tone

How the resume is written can frequently reflect some of the country's cultural values the applicant seeks. In Eastern countries, resumes tend to be written more reserved when discussing professional accomplishments, in contrast to Western countries, where the emphasis is placed on selling yourself to potential employers. When reviewing examples of resumes from various countries, it is important to note the tone the writer employs when describing their job experience and how they phrase their accomplishments.

Beginning with a Format Suitable for Professionals

The layout of your resume is quite important since it provides prospective employers with their initial image of you. Make sure you choose a neat, professional, user-friendly, and visually appealing format. Avoid utilizing graphics that are too flashy or overly colored because they may draw attention away from the content of your resume. Maintain an unambiguous and well-organized format with appropriate headings and sections.

Put the Spotlight on your Personal Information

At the top of your resume, you should list your name, contact information, and connections to your professional social media profiles. Check that your phone number and email address are current and appropriate for a professional setting. Include links to your website and LinkedIn page if you have them, particularly if the latter highlights your professional accomplishments. Because of this, it will be simple for future employers to contact you and inquire further about your professional history.

Showcase your Abilities and Credentials

In the following part of your resume, emphasize the aspects of your experience and education most pertinent to your desired position. When listing your skills, such as language competence, technical skills, certificates, and other relevant qualifications, use bullet points to organize the information. Be explicit about the skills you possess and give examples of how you have used those skills in previous positions you have held.

Describe the Work Experience you Have

One of the most important aspects of your resume is the section in which you detail your previous work experience. Please list your previous employment experiences in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent position you had. Include the company's name, your job title, and the dates you were employed there. Give a condensed account of your responsibilities and successes in each capacity, emphasizing how you contributed to the organization's overall success. If you want your resume to have more effect, highlight action verbs and quantify your accomplishments with statistics.

Include your Prior Experience and Education

In your resume, it is necessary to highlight the educational background you have obtained as a Filipino. Include the name of the college or other educational institution where you received your degree, the degree or program you earned, and the year you graduated. Mention any academic distinctions, scholarships, or prizes that apply to this position that you have received. To demonstrate your potential, spotlight your academic accomplishments and the extracurricular activities you've participated in if you're a recent college grad with little work experience.

Put more emphasis on your Linguistic Abilities

It is good knowledge that Filipinos have an exceptional command of the English language, which is a key asset in the context of applying for jobs in other countries. Include a description of your language abilities in your resume, mainly if you are fluent in English or other languages pertinent to the position. Mention any language-related certifications or tests you have passed, such as the TOEFL or the IELTS, to demonstrate your proficiency in that language.

Personalize your Resume for every Application you Submit

It is best to avoid sending out applications with a standard résumé. Alternatively, tailor your resume to each job that you apply for. Carefully read the job description and the prerequisites, and adapt your application materials accordingly. To make your resume more targeted and successful, emphasize the qualifications and skills most pertinent to the position and use the keywords listed in the job ad.

Showcase your Understanding of Other Cultures

When searching for jobs outside of the country as a Filipino, you must demonstrate that you are culturally competent and can function effectively in a varied setting. Include in your resume any foreign experiences you have had, such as studying in another country, working with teams comprised of people from different countries, or traveling to various places. Emphasize how adaptable, flexible, and capable you are of working with people from multiple cultural backgrounds.

Include Relevant Volunteer Work or Community Involvement

Your involvement in the community and volunteer work can significantly contribute to your resume, mainly if the work or activity is relevant to the position you seek. Include any community service or volunteer work that exhibits your leadership, teamwork, project management, problem-solving abilities, and any other appropriate talents or qualifications on your resume.

Bottom Line

To develop a robust resume for applying for jobs overseas as a Filipino, you need to pay close attention to the specifics and emphasize displaying your relevant abilities and expertise. You can increase your chances of getting an interview and landing the job of your dreams by customizing your resume to the position for which you are applying, using a professional format and design, highlighting your accomplishments, including relevant keywords, keeping your resume concise, including your contact information, and proofreading your resume carefully.

Pro tip: If you happen to send money online to Philippines from abroad, use ACE Money Transfer. It's a free-of-cost, instant, and secure remittance service provider from the UK, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, and Europe. 

FAQs

1: What makes a strong international resume as a Filipino job seeker?

Answer: A strong international resume highlights your relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications. It should be clear, concise, and tailored to the specific job you're applying for, emphasizing your ability to work in a global context.

2: How should I format my resume for international job applications?

Answer: Follow a clean and organized format with clear sections, including contact information, a summary or objective statement, work experience, education, skills, and any additional sections relevant to the job, such as language proficiency or certifications.

3: What should I include in my resume to make it stand out for international positions?

Answer: Include details about your international experiences, language proficiency, cross-cultural communication skills, and any work or study abroad experiences. Highlight relevant achievements, certifications, and qualifications that demonstrate your suitability for the role.

4: Are there differences in resume content or style for international job applications compared to local applications?

Answer: Yes, international resumes often require a more global perspective. Emphasize cross-cultural skills, international experiences, and adaptability. Tailor your resume to the specific requirements and expectations of the international job market.

5: How can I demonstrate my English language proficiency on my resume?

Answer: To demonstrate English language proficiency, you can include relevant language certifications (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL), highlight academic or professional experiences in English-speaking environments, and mention any multilingual capabilities you possess, such as fluency in English and another language.

References


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