International Resumes and Coverletters

1. International Resumes and Coverletters Erica “EB” Baumer, MS & Ben Sousa Letters & Science Career Services 1305 Linden Drive, Suite 205 608-262-3921 www.lssaa.wisc.edu/careers

2. A Typical Resume Brief - usually one page for recent graduates Selective – picking only the details you want the employer to consider

3. An International CV Comprehensive – at least two pages, even for recent graduates Inclusive – detailing clearly everything you have done

4. Employers abroad… • do not often use the term “resume” (sometimes in Latin America) • will expect a CV of at least two pages from recent graduates • want to know more about you than just your skills

5. Personal Information • Employers abroad will consider personal factors (e.g. age, marital status, interests) when evaluating whether or not to hire you. • NO ADA • Who you are, status and your family matters. In the general, the culture of the USA this is not true. Adjust.

6. Like a resume… Your international CV should include: • Your contact information • Higher education experiences • Work experiences • Skills and proficiencies in languages, computers, and other technical areas • “References available upon request”

7. Unlike a resume… Your International CV should: • Be complete rather than brief • List experiences in chronological order (not reverse chronological like resumes) • Be printed on A4 size paper (the standard size outside of North America) • List place and date of birth, marital status, citizenship and passport number • Include a photo of you (not vital, but expected)

8. A4 Size Paper • The standard paper outside of North America (like our 8.5” x 11”) • Most office supply stores do not carry it • You can purchase it online: • Empire Imports www.empireimports.com • NexTag www.nextag.com/a4-paper/shop-html

9. Photo • Passport sized photo • Pose in professional manner • Attach to the top left of the first page of your CV

10. Common Sections in a CV • Photo • Contact Information • Personal Data • Education • Experience • Skills • Interests

11. You can do this research • http://online.goinglobal.com/default.aspx • Come to our office to sign up so that you can use it for free. • Argentina, Austria, Austrialia, Beligum, Brazil,Canada,China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong…etc.

12. International Cover Letters… • are no more than one page long • are not as in-depth as North American cover letters • are based on a 4-paragraph standard model • are more of an expression of interest in the position and not a writing sample

13. The 4-paragraph model… Paragraph 1 --as used in Spain • State why you are writing and where you heard about the opening (from a newspaper ad, your school's career center, or somewhere else) • If you know the company, this is the moment to show it, with a few lines

14. The 4-paragraph model… Paragraph 2 • Give your reasons for your interest in the job • Emphasize your qualities that best fit the position • Explain how the company can benefit from hiring you

15. The 4-paragraph model… Paragraph 3 • Express interest in having an interview and state your availability

16. The 4-paragraph model… Paragraph 4 • “I eagerly look forward to hearing from you” “Con la certeza de recibir pronto noticias suyas” • If you wish, you can say that you will call the person in the next couple of weeks as a follow up • Sign and provide your contact information

17. Which language do you use? • When responding to job listings in another country, your materials should be written in the same language as the job listing • Job listing is written in English = English CV and Cover Letter • Job listing is written in Spanish = Spanish CV and Cover Letter

18. Which gets to THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT OF ALL … • Read the job listing as carefully as possible and try to respond in the way the employer wants • See if you can find people who have worked there before • Try any way to gather more information about what that employer is looking for • This is true for any job application anywhere

19. Tips for finding a job abroad • Visit first! Visiting first allows you to decide where you want to live and gauge the local job market. • Ideally you would be able to secure a place to live before moving. This will make the entire experience much less stressful.

20. Tips for finding a job abroad • Additional benefits to visiting first… You can visit places you think you’d like to work and make connections that potentially lead to employment. • If you are hired before moving, you can apply for a work visa while still in the U.S., which is likely to be much quicker and easier.

21. Tips for finding a job abroad • Save money! There’s no guarantee that you will get a job quickly, and it’s almost certain that unexpected costs will come along. • Your goal should be to save enough money that you can live for up to 6 months without steady income.

22. If you want to teach English… • It’s strongly recommended that you first complete a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. • Most employers of foreign-born English teachers will want you to have completed a TEFL course.

23. If you want to teach English… • TEFL courses usually last about 4 weeks and can be found in almost every country: • www.europetefl.com/ • www.teflcourses.com/ • www.teflcertificate.com

24. Questions?