More and more job advertisements include requirements for foreign language proficiency, so be sure to include language proficiency levels in your CV. This will allow recruiters to effectively assess your candidacy, it is worth defining your skills precisely, as they can be verified in the recruitment process or after starting work. Read our article and learn the secrets of creating an effective CV – we will tell you how to describe language levels well!
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Levels of language proficiency in a CV – where to put them?
- Language proficiency levels in a CV – which ones should be given?
- How to describe language levels in a CV?
- Language proficiency levels in a CV – what scale to use?
- English Degrees – Language Certificates
- CV languages – how to enter certificates in a CV?
- How to determine the language level in a CV in a simple way?
- What is your level of English after your high school diploma?
- Knowledge of foreign languages in English – CV
Levels of language proficiency in a CV – where to put them?
Knowledge of foreign languages plays a big role in the labor market, this is because many companies have a European, global reach or serve foreign customers. A very good or fluent knowledge of the language will be your advantage over other candidates, what’s more, it can have a positive impact on your salary and chances for career advancement.
Properly described assets in your CV will help you attract the recruiter’s attention, so it is worth knowing where to put your language skills in your document.
Languages in the CV can be entered in the skills section, but they will look much better in a separate section entitled “language skills” or “foreign language skills“, which will perfectly emphasize them.
Language proficiency levels in a CV – which ones should be given?
It is worth noting that if you know a foreign language at a basic level, it is better to refrain from providing this information in your CV, because in most positions knowing only basic phrases is worthless. Can you say hello in Spanish and talk about the weather? Maybe you can write in Cyrillic? Such skills will help you communicate with tourists and locals during trips abroad, but they will not be useful at work – they are simply not enough to find yourself in an international professional environment. Therefore, include language proficiency levels in your CV that you know at a minimum communicative level.
How to describe language levels in a CV?
Depending on your preferences, you can use several ways to specify the language levels in the Curriculum Vitae.
The most creative is the graphic scale.
How does it work?
With the help of markings such as dots, squares, etc. You present your knowledge of a given language, for example 4/5.
In your previous place of employment, did you use a foreign language on a daily basis or in certain situations?
Include this information in the work experience section of the job description, for example: “International customer service by phone in English” or “Receiving and processing back office requests in German”.
Thanks to this simple procedure, you will indicate to recruiters that you can effectively use your knowledge of English or another foreign language in a professional environment.
This is a huge advantage that distinguishes your candidacy from the competition.
Language proficiency levels in a CV – what scale to use?
Do you want to precisely define your level of language skills in your CV?
One of the best choices will be to use The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The CEFR is a unified international standard that allows you to describe language levels based on three pillars: comprehension (text and speech), writing and reading.
English – levels of proficiency
Language proficiency scale The CEFR distinguishes three main levels:
- beginners: A1, A2;
- Intermediate: B1, B2;
- Advanced: C1, C2.
CEFR Scale Explained – CV English Levels
Surely you want to accurately indicate your knowledge of a foreign language in your CV – how to do it on the CEFR scale? We explain with a focus on writing skills, but remember that in order to fully assess your language level on your CV, you should also take into account: reading, grammar, speaking, and reading and speech comprehension.
Learn about the levels of language proficiency according to the CEFR classification
- A1 (Beginning, Beginner, Level 1): you can write a simple postcard, for example with Christmas greetings. You fill in personal forms, providing your data: name, surname, nationality and address.
- A2 (Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Level 2): you create short notes and very basic lists, for example, thank you lists.
- B1 (Lower intermediate, Intermediate, Level 3): you write simple, coherent texts on topics of interest to you and you can describe your impressions and experiences.
- B2 (Upper-intermediate, Pre-advanced, Level 4): clear and detailed text on a wide range of topics is no problem for you, as well as a letter, report, and essay presenting your point of view.
- C1 (Advanced, Level 5): you know how to express yourself in a large text with the right structure, justifying your point of view in a clear way. You write complex letters, reports, and essays in which you highlight what you think is most relevant. You match the style to the recipient.
- C2 (Proficient, Nearly native-speaker, Level 6): you write fluently, presenting things in a clear, logical, and effective structure. Your reports and articles allow the reader to remember the most relevant information. You can write reviews and summaries of professional content and literary works.
English Degrees – Language Certificates
A language certificate is a confirmation of language skills at the indicated level and is issued on the basis of a passed test, but remember that such language exams are usually paid.
As long as you just enter your knowledge of languages in your CV, it will be sufficient, but language certificates look much better, as they will give employers confidence that your competences are objectively confirmed.
The exams include four modules: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Confirm your knowledge of English or another language with a TELC certificate
TELC – The European Language Certificates – are international, standardized language certificates recognized in the European Union, which can be obtained in ten European languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Turkish, Arabic and Polish. The TELC exams are based on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), which determines the levels of language proficiency.
Exams are held in more than three thousand centers in twenty countries, and their dates are set independently by the examination centers. The obtained TELC certificate is valid indefinitely.
English Levels – Cambridge Exams
Cambridge exams (also based on the CEFR) are recognised worldwide. You can choose them if you are planning to study abroad or develop your career in an international company. Importantly, they are valid indefinitely, so you will always be able to boast a certificate specifying the levels of language proficiency in your CV.
Check how Cambridge English Qualifications exams determine English language proficiency levels:
- A2 Key: designed for people who are just starting to learn a language and want to communicate in basic situations.
- B1 Preliminary: is suitable for those who want to develop their skills to an intermediate level (communicative English).
- B2 First: confirms efficient communication in an English-speaking environment.
- C1 Advanced: allows you to start your studies in English.
- C2 Proficiency: the highest level of proficiency (fluent English), allowing for active communication in the scientific and business environment.
Business English Level
The Cambridge English Qualifications for business exams cover topics related to business and work. The BEC (Business English Certificate) certificate is a very strong entry in the CV, because it certifies that the candidate is excellent at communicating in the international professional community.
Confirm your language level with a certificate of your choice
The above exams are not all the available options, and you can choose from many other certificates that will confirm your knowledge of a foreign language, the popular ones are:
- LCCI: is an exam in business and specialist English, confirming efficient communication in an English-speaking environment during professional situations.
- TOEIC: a certificate that certifies communication skills in the office, at business meetings, during business trips or during negotiations. This is a popular test, often chosen by employees at all levels, but a big disadvantage is its validity of 2 years.
CV languages – how to enter certificates in a CV?
Once you have a certificate confirming your degree of foreign language proficiency, you should enter it in your CV in the right way. Such an asset is worth boasting about and duly distinguishing, because it will help you present yourself to recruiters as a professional candidate.
When you enter language skills confirmed by a certificate in your CV, include its name, level of proficiency, type (e.g. business) and year of obtainment.
How do I write language proficiency levels in my CV? Example:
“Knowledge of foreign languages
English at C1 level.
Confirmed by the Cambridge C1 Advanced certificate obtained in 2024″.
How to determine the language level in a CV in a simple way?
If the CEFR scale presented above (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) suits you – use it! It’s universal and well-known to recruiters, but if you prefer a different way, no problem! Use a very simple description to determine the level of language proficiency in your CV.
Language levels to include in your CV:
- Communicative;
- Intermediate;
- Advanced;
- Proficient.
Also take a look at our other articles:
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Employment contract – types and features of the employment relationship
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Fixed-term employment contract
A photo for a CV – how to take it, which one to choose and where to put it?
What is your level of English after your high school diploma?
In fact, the question of answering the question “What level of English after high school?” is not clear-cut. The Matura exam differs from the available certified language tests, but it can be roughly determined that knowledge of the B1 language is required to pass the Matura exam in English at the basic level.
Students who passed the Matura exam in English at the advanced level performed tasks at the B2 level, and some of them, such as listening comprehension, required skills from the C1 level.
Knowledge of foreign languages in English – CV
The question of how to write your knowledge of English in your CV does not have to be a problem for you.
Here’s how:
Example 1:
Language skills
German – fluent
Language skills
German – fluent
Example 2:
Languages: Italian (advanced)
Languages: Italian (advanced)
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Nika Walęcka
Copywriter, author of articles with practical advice that will help you look for satisfying employment. It provides a lot of information that is useful in preparing applications, conducting job interviews and building a professional image.
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