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The best way to list language skills on your resume depends on the job and your proficiency level. Tailor your resume to highlight how your skills meet the employer’s needs and can contribute to your future role. If the position heavily depends on using other languages, put them in a dedicated section with clear classifications, certifications, and experiences to describe your level. Simply bullet-pointing them in your skills section or a separate “Languages” section is enough if the job doesn’t mention anything about languages.
Did you know that roughly half of the world’s population speaks two languages? Your language skills could easily set you apart from half the people in a room, giving you an impressive edge and showing your unique strengths when applying for a job.
But how exactly should you showcase your languages on your resume? Your language abilities could be too extensive to be bullet-pointed in a skills list. But, giving them their own “Languages” section might be overkill if the position doesn’t explicitly require them.
Language proficiency is also subjective. Being “conversational” can range from chatting about the weather to reluctantly engaging in political discussions. Recruiters don’t have time to decipher vague descriptions — you need to be clear about your skills from the get-go.
And I’m going to show you how. This article will tell you:
- All the language levels for a resume.
- The best ways to describe language proficiency.
- How to list languages on a resume.
What Are Resume Language Skills?
Language skills on your resume include speaking, reading, and writing in different languages. It’s not just about knowing your ciao from your adiós; it’s about how well you can communicate in another language, whether it’s having a basic chat about your pets, getting into a deep discussion, or leading negotiations with foreign clients.
Why Do Language Skills Matter?
Speaking more than one language shows you can connect with customers and colleagues from different backgrounds — a big deal in today’s global job market. Communicating with international partners or clients in their language gives you insight into cultural customs so you can interact in a way that’s respectful and appropriate.
Learning a new language also alludes to other soft skills. Let’s face it, filling your brain with tens of thousands of new words isn’t easy. It shows employers you’re dedicated, hardworking, patient, and not afraid of a challenge.
When should you include language skills on your resume?
Your language level is worth mentioning if it goes beyond simple meet and greets. Even if you’re not fluent, being conversational or having a basic understanding is still impressive.
But how much focus you place on these skills mostly hinges on the industry and position you want. Industries like international business, tourism, and customer service prioritize language skills. Multinational companies, translation services, teaching, and hospitality also often look out for multilingual candidates.
Location matters too. If you’re applying for a job in a multicultural city or a place with a large population of non-English speakers, language skills can set you apart.
So, when should you skip the language skills?
For local jobs without international interactions, avoid a dedicated section. However, mentioning them under skills can show versatility and a desire to learn.
Check out our AI Skill Explorer to explore more skills you can include on your resume.
How to Describe Language Levels for a Resume?
Let’s start with the number one rule — accurately describing your proficiency level. Just saying “basic” or “conversational” won’t cut it. My English-speaking mom thinks I’ve mastered Spanish by simply ordering a drink at the bar — my Spanish friends would beg to differ.
My point is: language levels can be subjective. Stick to official guidelines and frameworks, so employers can better grasp your proficiency.
Here are the most common language frameworks:
- ILR (Interagency Language Roundtable): The ILR is the U.S. Federal Government’s scale for measuring language ability. It has six base levels, from no proficiency to native or bilingual. Authorized organizations use it for official language testing worldwide.
- CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages): The CEFR is an international standard for assessing language skills. It uses a six-point scale, from A1 to C2, helping teachers, learners, and employers compare language qualifications.
- ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages): ACTFL is a membership organization with globally recognized proficiency assessments used by schools, government agencies, and businesses.
Including your language level or certification according to a specific framework helps employers accurately gauge your skills. However, not all recruiters will be familiar with the different levels or classifications.
To clear up any confusion, I recommend opting for the popular ILR classifications like “limited working proficiency” or “professional working proficiency,” which are recognized by LinkedIn and give insight into your professional capacity.
Here’s a breakdown of the ILR classifications, how they correspond with other frameworks, and what your level tells recruiters about your abilities:
No proficiency
If your language skills are limited to knowing the colors of the rainbow, you fall under “no proficiency.” You shouldn’t list this on your resume, since it’s not practically useful. Don’t pull a Joey Tribbiani and exaggerate your abilities — hiring managers will see through it in no time.
Not sure if you’re at “no proficiency” or can claim “elementary”? Here’s how to tell you’re at the former level:
- Lack of understanding of full sentences.
- Limited or no knowledge of the language.
- Ability to only identify a few words or phrases.
- Unable to communicate in the language.
Elementary proficiency
“Elementary proficiency” is the lowest level of language skill. It means you can manage basic conversations and understand simple sentences. You’re at beginner level and can ask for directions, introduce yourself, and handle straightforward interactions, but anything more complex might be tough.
Introducing yourself or discussing your likes and dislikes only gets you so far in a professional setting. Skip adding this level to your resume unless the job specifically asks for basic language skills.
Here are the telltale signs that you have an elementary proficiency:
- Ability to ask and answer simple questions.
- Communication of familiar sentences and phrases.
- Knowledge of everyday language and vocabulary.
- Understanding of everyday tasks like asking for directions or telling the time.
Limited working proficiency
“Limited working proficiency” means you can handle basic work-related conversations in the language, but might need help with more in-depth discussions. You can get your point across and understand others in routine situations, but you might struggle with technical topics.
Include this on your resume if your job needs basic foreign language skills or involves interactions with non-native English speakers. It’s also handy if your role requires basic communication with foreign clients or customers, such as in certain hospitality or aviation roles.
- Communication in familiar topics.
- Ability to handle routine and work-related interactions.
- Knowledge of basic grammar and sentence structures.
- Understanding of casual conversations, but may struggle in group discussions.
Professional working proficiency
“Professional working proficiency” means you’re skilled enough in the language to handle business interactions. You can participate in meetings, take on negotiations, and send emails to clients and colleagues from other countries.
Adding this to your resume shows you can contribute effectively in professional settings, bridging language gaps and making communication smoother in diverse environments. You still make mistakes, but many employers see it as enough to manage responsibilities and interactions in another language.
- Confidence in a working environment.
- Ability to handle work-related duties and interactions.
- Strong understanding of grammar with extensive vocabulary.
- Capacity to have everyday conversations, but may struggle with highly technical topics.
Full Professional Proficiency
At the “Full Professional Proficiency” level, you’re fluent and accurate in using the language across all professional contexts. You can read and understand various types of written materials relevant to your field.
Recruiters see this level as a strong asset, showing you can engage in advanced discussions on a personal level, as well as technical topics like business and finance. Your extensive vocabulary and conversational ease mean you can interact with international customers and clients.
- Ability to express yourself with little difficulty in the workplace.
- Strong understanding of advanced text and technical documents.
- Confidence with a range of everyday tasks and duties in another language.
- Proficient at contributing accurately and fluently in professional conversations.
Native or bilingual proficiency
“Native or bilingual proficiency” means you’re completely fluent. You’ve nailed the grammar, can express complex ideas, and have a vast vocabulary. Whether you grew up with the language or used it extensively, you can communicate without any hiccups.
Claiming native or bilingual proficiency tells recruiters you’re ready for any professional or personal interactions. Highlight this on your resume if your job relies heavily on the language, like in translation, travel, or teaching.
- Strong understanding of complex grammar and vocabulary.
- Excellent pronunciation with no or slight hints of an accent.
- Proficient at speaking confidently at a normal pace without mistakes.
- Ability to communicate with clients, customers, and colleagues with ease.
How to List Language Skills on Your Resume?
There’s no universal rule for how to list your language skills on a resume. It all depends on how relevant they are to the job, how many languages you speak, and how well you express them.
Employers care about two things: how well you know the languages and how that benefits their company. This needs to be clear and easy to find because recruiters don’t have time to hunt for the details.
When you list your language skills, tailor it to what the employer wants. Highlight your abilities to show them exactly how skilled you are and the ways this can contribute to your future position.
Customize your resume to the job description
Highlighting your proficiency in French won’t impress recruiters looking for someone to mingle with their Spanish clients. Sure, you could mention it briefly in your skills section to flex your language prowess — but any more than that is just taking up unnecessary space.
Luckily, you don’t have to guess what the employer is looking for — the job description should do all the work for you. Closely examine how language skills are emphasized in the job ad, with specific tasks or responsibilities that require language proficiency.
For example, if the job mentions meetings with international clients, emphasize your speaking skills and successes in negotiations, important discussions, or networking events.
Take a look at this job description for a customer service representative:
Most job descriptions spell out any necessary languages in the job requirements. If they want someone with bilingual or native proficiency, it’s clearly important for the position. So, include a dedicated language section to highlight your high language levels with any certifications and success stories.
This job ad also reveals that you’ll be doing a lot of verbal interaction over the phone, so your resume should emphasize your speaking and listening abilities throughout your work experience. They also mention product knowledge, so touch on your understanding of technical vocabulary.
Align your language skills with their specified proficiency levels. If they use terms like “intermediate” or “fluent,” at least match your proficiency level to their requirements to show you are a clear fit for the job.
Here’s an example of a French substitute teacher job description:
The job ad refers to the CEFR framework, so ensure you use these classifications when describing your language skills. This way, recruiters can quickly identify information and check off those boxes.
Remember, the relevance of language skills varies by profession and industry. Focus on skills that directly contribute to the job, ensuring each language listed adds value and supports your strengths.
Discover more tips on customizing your resume: How to Tailor Your Resume to a Job to Any Job Description
Describe your language proficiency level
Simply claiming you’re “conversational in Italian” doesn’t say enough about your abilities. Maybe you can chat about your favorite pasta variations (penne for the win) over a glass of wine, but can you negotiate a high-stakes deal?
To catch a recruiter’s eye and pass those ATS (applicant tracking system) checks, be specific. Listing duties, experiences, and positive outcomes are great, but you need to provide concrete classifications.
Check the job ad to see how they specify language levels like “native,” “fluent,” or “advanced,” or if they use frameworks like CEFR or ACTFL. Stick to one rating system throughout your resume to stay consistent and avoid confusion.
Are your listening skills much better than your speaking skills? List them separately to give a clear picture of your abilities. But if your proficiency is pretty even across the board, you can average it out to save space.
And whatever you claim on your resume, be ready to back it up in your interview. You don’t want to accidentally tell your interviewer you’re pregnant instead of sharing an embarrassing language-learning moment (been there, done that: “embarazada” does not mean “embarrassed”).
Decide where to put your language skills
After pinpointing the right framework and key skills from the job ad, your language skills need to get noticed. Think of it like an art gallery: you wouldn’t hide your most prized pieces in the dark corner at the back.
Recruiters often spend less than ten seconds looking through each resume, so your language skills must stand out to make an impact. So, do you give your linguistic abilities a dedicated section, or should you simply mention them with your other bullet-pointed skills?
Include a dedicated “Language Skills” section
When the job ad requires someone who speaks another language or if it’s essential for the role (like in international marketing or translation), you should give languages their own section. This gives you more room to describe your reading, writing, and speaking abilities with relevant classifications and certifications from the right frameworks.
You can also include examples of how your language skills made a positive impact in past positions and the ways you contributed to the company.
Check out this example from a jobseeker with experience in international marketing:
Language Skills
English
• Native proficiency
Spanish
• Professional working proficiency (C1: CEFR)
• Conducted business meetings and negotiations with Spanish-speaking clients.
• Translated marketing materials and technical documents.
French
• Limited working proficiency (B1: CEFR)
• Assisted in customer service for French-speaking clients.
• Participated in bilingual meetings and took minutes.
Add to your list of skills
If language skills aren’t the focus of the job, it’s fine to mix them into your skills or education sections with simple bullet points. Even if not directly relevant to the position, showing your language abilities alludes to other valuable soft skills like determination, patience, and focus.
Here’s how to blend your languages in your skills section:
Skills
• Data Analysis with Python
• Advanced Excel Proficiency
• Web Development (HTML, JavaScript)
• SQL Database Management
• Fluent in Spanish (C1 Level)
• Basic Conversational French (A2 Level)
When listing your skills, start with your strongest abilities and those most relevant to the job. Remember, recruiters are skimming their way through a stack of resumes — nobody is going to start reading from the bottom of the list. If the job isn’t reliant on languages, group them together at the bottom of your list.
Find out more on the best ways to structure your resume: How to Format a Resume & What Standard Resume Format to Use
Show how you applied your language skills
You may have mastered a foreign language, but if all you have to show for it are Duolingo gems, you won’t get far in the workplace. Recruiters don’t just want a list of language levels, classifications, and tasks. Sure, it’s a good foundation and checks a box, but it doesn’t show how your skills lead to success.
Your work experience section is where you can really shine. Detail your responsibilities while pairing them with specific achievements and positive outcomes to give recruiters a better idea of your capabilities.
For example, if your language abilities helped smooth over communication with international clients, you could say something like, “Used fluent Spanish skills to negotiate contracts with Latin American suppliers, resulting in a 20% cost reduction.”
In one concise sentence, you’ve told employers what you can do and your potential in your new role. Here’s a work experience example from someone working in translation:
Junior Arabic Translator | Language Solutions Ltd.
June 2019 – December 2021
• Assisted senior translators in converting technical documents, including engineering and medical texts, from Arabic to English.
• Assisted in the translation of a multilingual e-learning platform, increasing Arabic-speaking user engagement by 25%.
• Translated over 500 pages of technical manuals and guides, resulting in a 30% reduction in customer service inquiries related to documentation.
• Provided interpretation services during client meetings, enabling seamless communication and reducing misunderstandings.
• Developed glossaries and style guides to standardize translation processes and improve consistency across projects.
Quantify your impact whenever possible when detailing any positive outcomes. Percentages, amounts saved, or increased efficiency can show potential employers how your language skills directly contribute to business success.
Learn more with our complete guide: How to Describe Your Work Experience on a Resume.
Prove your skills with certifications and courses
Proving your language skills with certifications can boost your credibility. Industries with a heavy focus on languages may also see it as a requirement, so it’s best to get ahead by including your credentials on your resume.
Here are some popular language certifications that employers look out for:
- Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE)
- Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española (SIELE)
- Diploma in French Language Studies (DELF)
- Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK)
- Goethe-Institut Certificates
If you’ve taken the time and effort to earn a certificate, make it easy for recruiters to find. Include them in your “Language Skills” section, or if you have a bunch of credentials create a “Certifications” section.
Have you taken any language courses or workshops? Even without a certificate, they can add value to your resume — mention them under your education or professional development sections. Experiences like studying abroad or extensive travel can also show your commitment to learning a language.
And let’s not forget the golden rule: keep it relevant. That study-abroad trip to China? It’s only taking up important space if you’re applying for an Italian translator job.
Discover the best ways to list certifications: How to Make Any Certifications on a Resume Look Better
How to Improve Your Language Skills
In my early 20s, I took a leap and moved to a country where I could only speak about five words of the language. Relocating to a non-English speaking country without knowing the basics wasn’t the brightest idea, but it did turn me into a seasoned language learner.
Improving your language skills might not be at the top of your resume checklist right now. But what about the next time you apply for a job? The change from B2 to C1 proficiency can be the difference between landing a mediocre role to getting your dream job.
So, why not get a head start? These are the best ways to boost your language level and impress future employers.
Online courses and language classes
One of the best and most convenient ways to learn a new language is to sign up for language classes. And I get it, the thought of going into a room of strangers and conversing in a different language is daunting. But everyone is in the same boat — it’s the ultimate ice-breaker.
Many classes try to immerse you by throwing out English from the get-go, an essential part of learning any language. You also get the opportunity to chat with your classmates and role-play real-life situations while practicing your speaking and listening skills.
If you’d rather learn from the comfort of your own home, there are also many online courses for various levels and languages. Here are some of my top picks:
English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Teach English Now! Foundational Principles (Coursera)
- Teaching EFL/ESL Reading: A Task Based Approach (Coursera)
- TEFL Essentials: Teaching English as a Foreign Language (Udemy)
Spanish
- AP® Spanish Language and Culture (edX)
- Foundations of Spanish for Global Communication (Future Learn)
- Learn Spanish: Basic Spanish Vocabulary Specialization (Coursera)
Mandarin
- Yoyo Chinese
- Chinese for Beginners (Coursera)
- Chinese language for beginners: Mandarin Chinese HSK1-HSK3 (Udemy)
Set a regular study schedule and stick to it to get the most out of courses and classes. Consistency is key when learning a new language. Treat it like any other class or commitment to keep yourself motivated and on track.
Free resources and apps
If you don’t have the budget or time for classes, free online resources, and apps are the next best thing. Instead of scrolling through cat videos on your morning commute, why not use that time to learn new words and grammar structures?
But there’s an obvious catch — without a teacher, you miss out on the face-to-face interaction which is super handy for the learning process. So, I’d suggest using apps to brush up on the basics or as extra practice outside of classes.
Here are the top language apps and platforms:
Many language-learning apps are packed with features like quizzes, challenges, and rewards to keep you hooked. But to really benefit, you’ve got to practice regularly. Set aside a few minutes daily to complete lessons or exercises.
It’s also handy to mix app-based learning with other free resources. Check out websites like BBC Languages, LanguagePod101, or YouTube channels dedicated to language learning. These platforms often offer videos, podcasts, and articles to boost your understanding and immersion in the language.
Media and entertainment
Think about how many hours you spend watching TV, reading books, or listening to music each week. Now imagine if you did all that in another language.
Start by watching foreign-language movies and TV shows. Platforms like Netflix have a ton of options with subtitles and dubbing, which can help you pick up on everyday conversational phrases and improve your comprehension. “Casa de Papel” and “Las Chicas de Cable” are a couple of my favorites for learning Spanish.
Listening to music, radio stations, and podcasts is another great way to immerse yourself and improve your listening skills. My go-to is the Coffee Break Languages podcast — I stick to the Coffee Break Spanish, but they have ten different languages available.
Reading books, magazines, and blogs can boost your understanding of vocabulary and grammar. Reading a familiar book in a foreign language makes learning new words and phrases easier and more memorable (Harry Potter is a popular choice). I read Edgar Allan Poe’s short stories in Spanish — let’s just say I have plenty of interesting vocabulary under my belt.
Immersive experiences
Let me preface by saying this option isn’t for everyone — but if you have the opportunity, hop on a plane and dive into the language headfirst. There’s no better way to learn a language than when you have no other choice.
Living in another country pushes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to go beyond the basics. Everyday activities like shopping, dining out, or going to the bank require you to speak the language and mingle with locals.
Consider staying with a host family, booking a family Airbnb, or opting for a homestay while abroad. Living with native speakers means you’re constantly exposed to the language in everyday contexts. You’ll naturally pick up colloquial phrases, and cultural nuances while improving your conversational skills.
But if traveling isn’t an option, look for local language exchange meetups or cultural events where you can practice speaking with native speakers. These environments are supportive and encourage language practice in a more relaxed setting.
Summary
Here’s a roundup of all the tips to make sure your language skills stand out on your resume:
- Match your language skills to the job description to show you fit their expectations. If the role requires “fluent Spanish,” make sure to highlight that exact proficiency level with skills and experiences
- If languages are essential for the job, give them their own section labeled “Languages” or “Language Skills.” Otherwise, you can blend them into your skills or education sections with other relevant abilities
- Use clear descriptors like “Fluent in French” or “Conversational in Japanese.” Avoid vague terms like “good at Spanish,” which don’t reveal much about your actual skill level.
- Classify your proficiency using standard frameworks like CEFR (A1–C2) or ILR (0–5) to give recruiters a clear picture. For example, “German (CEFR C1)” provides a precise level of your capability.
- If your reading, writing, and speaking skills vary, list them separately to give a precise measure of your abilities, like “Spanish: Fluent in speaking, intermediate in writing.”
- Be honest about your level. Exaggerating your proficiency can backfire during interviews or on the job. If you’re conversational, say so — don’t claim fluency unless you truly are.
- Show how you’ve used your language skills in your work experience with positive outcomes. For example, you could say, “Negotiated contracts in Spanish to secure cost reductions” or “Translated technical documents from English to German to attract a wider audience.”
- Mention if you’re currently improving your skills with courses and classes. “Currently learning Mandarin at an intermediate level” shows dedication and a commitment to self-improvement, which employers appreciate.
- List any certifications or courses related to your language skills to add credibility, like “DELE B2 Spanish Certification.” Certificates validate your skills and give them more weight.
FAQ
Where to put languages on a resume?
List languages in a dedicated “Languages” section if they’re crucial for the role, or if you have a range of relevant language skills. Otherwise, you can blend them into your skills or education sections using bullet points.
Make sure recruiters and ATS software can easily spot your skills by keeping them concise with the right classifications and frameworks. If languages are a key part of the job, also mention them in your summary or cover letter to highlight their importance.
How to put “bilingual” on a resume?
Mention your bilingual ability in a “Languages” section, stating the languages you’re fluent in, like “Bilingual in English and Spanish.” You can also weave this into your resume summary or work experience to show how being bilingual has benefited past roles and added value to your work. For example, you could say, “Delivered bilingual customer service, improving satisfaction rates by 20%.”
What are examples of language skills?
Examples of language skills include proficiency in languages like Spanish, French, or Mandarin, and specific skills like translation, interpretation, and technical writing. Mention conversational, professional working, or native/bilingual proficiency levels to clarify your abilities.
You can also include specific tasks, such as “Translated technical documents from German to English” or “Interpreted for non-English speaking patients in a medical setting.”
How to classify language proficiency?
Use standard frameworks like CEFR (A1–C2) or ILR (0–5) to classify proficiency. For example, “Spanish (CEFR C1)” or “French (ILR 3).” Be consistent and use the same frameworks throughout your resume to give employers a clear and accurate measure of your language skills.
Conversational vs. fluent: what’s the difference?
Conversational proficiency means you can handle everyday conversations, but might struggle with complex topics. Fluent proficiency means you’re comfortable in nearly all situations, including professional and technical discussions, and can speak almost as well as a native speaker. For example, conversational Spanish might involve casual chats, while fluent Spanish means you can negotiate business deals or discuss technical subjects.
How to say you read, write, and speak Spanish on your resume?
In your “Languages” section, list it as: “Spanish: Advanced proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking.” Alternatively, integrate it into your work experience: “Conducted meetings in Spanish, wrote reports, and corresponded with Spanish-speaking clients, enhancing cross-cultural communication.” This clearly shows your comprehensive skill set and how you’ve applied it professionally.
