In a previous blog this month, I talked about the importance of adding foreign travel and languages to your resume. The next step up is global expertise; for example, working with vendors, clients, and staff located in foreign countries or marketing and selling a product internationally.
When you are describing your global expertise, you should be aware of commonly used acronyms, such as APAC for Asia-Pacific; EMEA for Europe, Middle East, and Africa; IMEA for India, Middle East, and Africa; and LATCAR for Latin America and the Caribbean. Make sure you use them correctly and that they are well-defined to your audience. Be as specific as you can, mentioning exact countries where possible.
As always, you want to put your global expertise in context. While it is an achievement to work with peers in another country, it is even more impressive if your work together accomplished something positive for the company. Similarly, the international reach of the company you work for is important, but it is even more impressive if you contributed to that reach.
If all your experience is in foreign countries—if you have not attended school or worked in the United States previously—address as soon as possible any concern about your having the proper credentials to work inside the United States. If all your experience is inside the United States, make it clear if you are open to international assignments. Finally, state upfront if you no longer want to work internationally at all. You do not want to waste your time or the company’s time on offers that you cannot or will not accept.
Study abroad, international internships or volunteering, positions taken mainly to advance a desire to travel—all are valid experiences. Do not downplay them. Stress what you learned from the experience and, above all, what you contributed.
Robin’s Resumes® will relate your global expertise so as to enhance your resume and your value to employers. Contact us today.