How to Write a Resume in English That Gets You Hired

In today’s global job market, a strong resume in English can open doors to international opportunities. Whether you’re applying to a multinational company or seeking remote work with global clients, your resume needs to be professional, clear, and tailored to the position. Many candidates lose out on opportunities simply because their resumes don’t meet international standards.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to write a resume in English that gets you hired, including structure, key sections, writing tips, and common mistakes to avoid.

Why Writing a Resume in English Is Different

Resumes in English, especially in the U.S. and U.K., often differ from those in other countries. For example:

• They are short and concise (1–2 pages max).
• They focus on achievements and skills, not just job responsibilities.
• They avoid personal details like age, marital status, or a photo (unless required).

Understanding these differences will help you create a resume that meets international recruiter expectations.

Structure of a Resume in English

A professional resume should include the following sections:

1. Contact Information

At the top, include:

• Full name
• Email address (professional, not casual)
• Phone number (with country code if applying internationally)
• LinkedIn profile or portfolio (optional but recommended)

Example:
John Smith | johnsmith@email.com | +1-234-567-890 | LinkedIn.com/in/johnsmith

2. Professional Summary (or Objective)

A short 2–3 sentence summary highlighting your skills, experience, and career goals. Avoid generic statements—make it tailored to the role.

Example:
“Results-driven digital marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience in SEO and social media management. Skilled in driving organic growth and improving ROI through data-driven strategies. Seeking to contribute to a dynamic marketing team at XYZ Company.”

3. Work Experience

List your work history in reverse chronological order (most recent job first). For each role, include:

• Job title
• Company name and location
• Employment dates
• Key achievements and responsibilities

Use bullet points and action verbs like led, managed, developed, improved, increased.

Example:
Digital Marketing Manager | ABC Corp | London, UK | Jan 2020 – Present

• Increased website traffic by 40% in 12 months through SEO and content strategies.
• Managed a $50,000 annual advertising budget with a 20% ROI improvement.
• Led a team of 5 marketing specialists across social media, PPC, and analytics.

4. Education

Include your degree(s), institution name, and graduation year.

Example:
Bachelor of Business Administration | University of Toronto | 2018

5. Skills

List relevant hard and soft skills in bullet points or a clean layout. Examples:

• Languages: English (Fluent), Spanish (Intermediate)
• Tools: Microsoft Office, Google Analytics, Salesforce
• Soft skills: Leadership, Communication, Problem-Solving

6. Additional Sections (Optional)

• Certifications (e.g., Google Ads, PMP, TOEFL)
• Volunteer Work
• Projects or Portfolios

Tips for Writing a Resume in English That Stands Out

1. Tailor your resume for each job. Use keywords from the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
2. Be achievement-focused. Employers want results, not just tasks. Quantify your impact whenever possible.
3. Use professional English. Avoid slang, abbreviations, or overly complex sentences.
4. Keep it clean and simple. Use a clear font, bullet points, and plenty of white space.
5. Proofread carefully. Grammar and spelling mistakes can cost you interviews. Consider tools like Grammarly.
6. Limit length. Stick to one page for less than 10 years of experience, and two pages maximum for senior roles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding unnecessary personal information (age, photo, religion, marital status).
• Using the wrong tense (always use past tense for previous jobs, present tense for current role).
• Overloading with buzzwords like “hard-working” without showing proof.
• Submitting the same resume to every job without customizing.

Writing a strong resume in English requires clarity, professionalism, and focus on achievements. By following the right structure—contact info, summary, work experience, education, and skills—you can create a resume that grabs attention and increases your chances of landing interviews.

Remember: a resume doesn’t get you the job—it gets you the interview. The stronger your resume, the more doors you’ll open in the global job market.