Global jobs – CV and application tips
So what is a global CV, or what makes a good global application, you may be asking? Having a single CV that could be used for everything would be a dream, but to secure that dream global move requires thinking both globally and strategically. Measurement of technical abilities may be similar worldwide, but application information will be received differently, depending on the type of company, its global culture, and their recruitment needs. Resilience and versatility is required for the people they recruit. Throw in a global pandemic, and this increases the way your CV needs to communicate your ability to adapt and meet employer’s needs.
There are numerous sources for developing or perfecting your CV and many will claim to have the ultimate answer, or will charge you money to design your CV for you. In reality, the global graduate needs to take control and confidently, but not arrogantly, demonstrate how make use of their research skills, understanding of themselves and use of what information is available about the employer and the job sector. In addition, they need to be doing their homework on the country they are applying to. This will enable them to tailor their approach to suit the differing needs of each organisation, showing how the skills and experience they have gained at university, within work and through other development activities, fit that exact job role, company values and approaches to working in that country and industry.
As you will see from many sources listed below, there are different sections which are more usual or expected in certain countries. Ensuring you get this right will show respect for the jobs market that you are entering. You may be able to gain feedback through LinkedIn networks, or others already working for the companies that you are looking to apply to. Doing your homework can help in creating a customised CV, which can really pay dividends!
The profile statement This is becoming an expected feature
for many CVs or resumes, with different countries using different titles to describe this. Whether calling it a Career Objective, Personal Profile, or my preferred favourite ‘Career Profile’ it should clearly set out what it is that you are doing, what particular qualities that you are offering and finally what position you are trying to secure and the value you could add. I have seen many graduates concentrate on what they are seeking to gain, rather than what they clearly believe they can offer. Offering something is likely to create a more favourable response, the world over.
GradLink UK provides useful articles on the application process and sections you may wish to include in your CV. The service also offer the chance of using their CV builder to start the process. http://www.gradlinkuk.com/what-is-go-cv.php
The example below from Gradlink China https://www.gradlinkuk.com/career-advice-china relates to finding work in China, but you can also use these sources for example CVs from organisations in other countries.
CV/resume
A CV/resume is an overview of a job seeker’s experience, qualifications, significant achievements and personal information. It is generally advised that your CV does not exceed two pages.
A CV should include:
• Personal information (name, date and place of birth, contact details).
• Academic background (university, course name, degree obtained and dates of attendance, content of key qualifications).
• Previous work experience (job title, description of job function and daily activities, dates of employment).
• Critical skills that you have (eg mastery of software and languages).
• Specify the kinds of positions you are looking for and state your career objective.
Templates and examples:
zhongguojianliwang.com
51job.com
gerenjianli.com
guolairen.com
zhaopin.com
GradLink UK, Going Global, Passport Careers, Grad Connection and a host of other sites provide key essentials for writing CVs for different countries, giving you the potential to fit with the traditions and standards of each particular country. Check with your university careers service to see what licenses they have to explore these global resources and the access you have to this information.
Employers will expect global graduates to possess the ability to research, tailor and adapt their applications to fit with the values and approaches they are seeking. The words you choose can make a real difference.
Example extract for CVs in Nigeria (GradLink)
The majority of the Nigerian recruitment websites seem to prefer a maximum of a 2 page ‘standard’ or ‘chronological’ CV, with headings in the following order:
Personal details – full name as the heading of the CV with address, contact number and email address
Profile/Objective – career objective and summary of Education, training and other qualifications – a list of the suggested headings; and new graduates are asked for must provide their class of degree.
Employment History – a chronological order of the jobs, starting with the most recent with details of company name, job title, dates of employment and major accomplishments.
Additional Information – if there is room this section can include hobbies, computer skills, or memberships.
References – not required but should be entered if specifically requested.
How do I start to write my CV?
Key global recruiters that I have worked with have advised the following:
“When you look at the classified section of the paper, or jobs noticeboard, make sure you read the advertisement carefully. Decide what aspects of your personality, qualifications, skills and experience you can offer to this new job/career.
Write these down in a list and use strong “action words” – for example: “I am organised, efficient, and hard-working, I have managed and coordinated events and people. I studied and achieved personal and professional excellence and completed a degree in …” (Junaid Mansoor- Global Employability)
It is essential that you have a clear message, which fits with each global company that you apply to. With global jobs, it is vital to show the fit with your personal stage of development, potential family circumstance and your experience of being in that country. This will demonstrate to the employer how likely it is you will settle in, perform and add value to their business. It is usually a risk to employ somebody who has not already shown commitment to working globally.
So can I keep the same CV for each position?
Global recruiters, even more than local recruiters, will be able to see how your study specialisms, experience and achievements fit with their vision for their organisation. If you have not matched your CV each time to your chosen company’s values, business or client aims, it will be difficult to demonstrate that you are the right candidate to work in that position, or that global location.
Other tips (Target Jobs on applying for positions)
Extract from one of their sources on China (Target Jobs)
Applying for jobs
If you have contacts in China, try to use them for networking purposes, as some jobs are never advertised but filled via personal referrals. It’s advisable to secure a job before moving to China as it affects the visa you need to be able to enter and stay in the country.
A short CV or résumé is used along with a covering letter for most job applications. If you’re applying to a Chinese or government-owned company and can speak Mandarin it may be helpful to handwrite your application in Chinese characters.
The information included in your application is similar to that in UK CVs. Provide a summary or career objective at the beginning and highlight academic and personal achievements. Include your academic and work background and if your university features highly in recognised rankings such as the Times Higher Education University Rankings, include the position in your application as this is often highly valued in China.
Take all the advice that you can get!
Within most countries agencies will often recruit. Hays are a major global player, so you can seek advice from them about what they are expecting from quality candidates.
https://midlandsinternationalgroup.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Vision.jpghttp://www.hays.cn/en/advice-services/EN-CHN_HAYS_373213 Global recruiters- career guides.
The way forward
All of this will take time, but once you start to be curious in exploring global opportunities thoroughly, you may find key pieces of advice coming from contacts that you make.
• Consider approaching companies directly and asking them if they would like some particular format or elements to be demonstrated within their application
• Develop a key facts document (a checklist of skills, values, key words and personality traits you will demonstrate in your CV or application)
• Think about alumni from your university and if they may help you to glean key bits of information.
• Think about establishing contact with people you have spent time with in that country. You never know when you may need their support- so keep them feeling positive towards you.
• Quality checks of your CV or application prior to sending- Ideally somebody working for that global organisation would provide this support, even if this may seem unlikely.
Think also of others who work in that country. This could include agencies who are seeking to recruit the right talent, or who have local expertise in CV and applications.
• Remember that what is on your CV, will need to be supported by what is online.
Global recruiters are highly likely to make use of these online resources. It is their best chance of developing a clearer picture of who you are, how you act and the connections you have.
Contact a Careers Consultant at your university for their opinion on how you match up to particular company and job specifications.
Potential sources of information
http://www.goinglobal.com
http://www.passportcareer.com/
http://www.globalcareercompany.com/
Good luck!
Written and updated by Chris Steventon (Coventry University)