Nowadays, it’s easy to get a tsunami of contradictory opinions. Some say your CV should be a whole bible; others say it must fit on one page. Some say you should list every babysitting job since you were 12, others say only include the so-called “serious” jobs. No wonder you’re confused.
But honestly, writing a clear and impactful CV shouldn’t be this hard. Especially if you’ve got some international experience like working & travelling abroad, volunteering, or simply spending time outside your comfort zone. These experiences can really set you apart, but only if you show them the right way.
First of all, make a list of all your experiences abroad. It doesn’t matter if it was just one trip or several. Write them all down. Then, look at each experience and ask yourself:
- What did I really learn from it?
- What challenges did I overcome?
- Which skills did I develop?
Once you have your notes, choose the most relevant parts to include on your CV. Focus on what really matters.
Select the experiences that best match the opportunity you’re applying for. Include only the skills you developed that are transferable to the new position.
Every employer has different expectations. To stand out, tailor your CV to highlight the most relevant experience and skills for each job.
1. Work Experience Abroad:
If you’ve worked abroad, that’s golden on your CV. But you can go further than that, don’t just write your job title. Focus on what you learned.
Mention how you solved problems, handled challenges, and grew professionally in a global setting. Add details about languages you used, tools you learned, and any results you achieved.
Example:
Waiter, Seaside Hotel, Ireland
- Served guests from different countries, improving my English communication skills.
- Handled busy shifts with up to 200 guests per day.
- Trained 2 new team members on restaurant procedures.
2. Au Pair or Volunteering:
Trust me, It’s More Than Just a Gap Year. Never dismiss a pair work or volunteering as “less professional.” These experiences show you’re adaptable, independent, and ready to learn.
Show how you:
- Lived in a new culture.
- Learned to solve problems on your own.
- Showed responsibility, empathy, and cultural awareness.
Example:
Au Pair & English Tutor, China
- Lived independently with a host family.
- Taught English to two children aged 6 and 9.
- Helped organise cultural activities to support language learning.
All of this shows you can think outside the box and work with real people, in real situations, making a real impact. These are the qualities recruiters look for, especially in candidates who can work globally. Make them stand out in your bullet points, like:
– Adaptability and flexibility
-Problem-solving in unpredictable environments
-Open-mindedness and creativity
– Language skills (even if you’re not fluent)
– Self-motivation and resilience
So, start writing a straight-to-the-point and effective CV. When you share the real story of your experience, especially abroad, you prove you’re the kind of person who can handle challenges and bring value to any team.
Roast Jobs is here to help you every step of the way, from start to finish. Start now at roastjobs.com
You might want to read as well 5 Essential steps for successful interview, Guide to Making a Great First Impression, Do´s and Don´ts while working and traveling , Our summer job and much more.
