How to Make a Bilingual Customer Service Resume

Bilingual customer service representatives can talk more than one language

Developing a resume can be a daunting task. If you are bilingual, it is important to communicate that trait. Bilingual individuals are highly desirable in today's diverse business world. Although it is important to incorporate the bilingual aspect, you must format the resume in the primary language of the country where you reside. With a little preparation, making a resume that highlights your bilingualism can be simple.

Things You'll Need

• Resume wizard (optional)
• Professional resume writer (optional)
• Writing sample

Instructions

1. Divide the resume into several categories, including Objective, Education, Work Experience, and References. You can create the resume on your own, using a resume wizard, or with the assistance of a professional resume writer.

2. In the Objective portion of the resume, include your desire to use your bilingual skills. If you are applying for a customer service position, you may wish to say something along the lines of "Secure a position in which I can make use of my English and Spanish fluency to provide excellent customer service to all clients." This will be the first insight to the future employer that you have the ability to speak more than one language.

3. Under the Education heading, include all types of education. Be sure to include any specific training or language courses which have helped you develop your bilingual skills. According to Teacher World, the employer likes to see that you have learned new skills, along with the ability to adapt to new environments (reference 1).

4. Explain how you have used your bilingual skills in prior jobs. If you worked at an airline and used your bilingual skills to help guest onboard, talk about that. If you took service calls from Mexico, explain that as well. This allows the future employer to see what sets you apart from other customer service representatives that may be applying for the same job.

5. List references that are familiar with your work ethics, as well as your ability to speak more than one language. Employers often use references to verify the information potential employees have included on resumes.

6. Attach a short writing sample in your second language. This will allow the employer to see your bilingual abilities before the interview.

Tips & Warnings

• According to Bilingual Career, failing to put enough emphasis on your bilingual ability is one of the top four mistakes bilingual people make on their resumes (reference 2). Keep the entire resume in English, other than the writing sample, but be prepared to speak fluently in both languages at an interview.

• It is important to emphasize your bilingual abilities, although you should never try to oversell them. If you are not truly fluent in a second language, you are not bilingual.

References

• Teacher World
• Bilingual Career: Resume Services