{"id":792407,"date":"2022-05-12T13:02:23","date_gmt":"2022-05-12T11:02:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/talenti.pl\/?post_type=materialy&#038;p=792407"},"modified":"2025-09-16T17:32:39","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T15:32:39","slug":"how-do-i-check-and-describe-my-language-skills-in-my-cv","status":"publish","type":"materialy","link":"https:\/\/talenti.pl\/en\/materials\/how-do-i-check-and-describe-my-language-skills-in-my-cv\/","title":{"rendered":"How do I check and describe my language skills in my CV?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Job offers without required foreign language competence are rare nowadays, and the foreign language section has become a permanent feature of properly drafted CVs. Are you sure you know how to describe your language skills? What really stands behind the symbols A1, B2 or C1?<em>?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/talenti.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/51-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"Foreign language skills level. How do I check it and describe it in my CV?\" class=\"wp-image-792354\" srcset=\"https:\/\/talenti.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/51-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/talenti.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/51-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/talenti.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/51-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/talenti.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/51-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/talenti.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/51-2048x1024.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Foreign language skills level. How do I check it and describe it in my CV?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-znajomosc-jezyka-w-cv\"><strong>Language skills in the CV<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We asked the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.eklektika.pl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Eklektika \u2013 Language Means Business<\/a>&nbsp;&#8211; school, experts in language training for companies, for information on current trends and guidelines in this area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-dlaczego-to-takie-wazne\"><strong>Why is it so important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every employer conducts thorough screening before inviting a candidate for an interview. The more they know about a potential employee, the quicker they can determine whether or not that person will fit into the organisation. A carefully designed CV is therefore the first step on the road to success. Vague or even incorrect descriptions of language skills can negate a candidate&#8217;s chance of developing a career at the chosen company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From our observations amongst the students of Eklektika &#8211; Language Means Business and an analysis of job advertisements, it is clear that English has become one of the basic requirements of employers. Knowledge of other languages additionally increases a candidate&#8217;s chances, and this is especially true if the job is to involve customer contact, if the company operates on foreign markets or has partners abroad and subsidiaries in other countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When applying for certain positions, language skills are checked at one of the first stages of the recruitment process and may determine whether you are invited to an interview. Phone calls and online meetings with a recruiter in a foreign language, the language level declared in the CV can be quickly verified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-typowe-bledy-przy-opisywaniu-znajomosci-jezyka-w-cv\"><strong>Common mistakes when describing language skills in a CV<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you feel that your CV is not perfect, there is no reason to panic. Candidates very often repeat the same mistakes. Below, you will find some good practices that will help you avoid a slip-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\">\n<li><strong><strong>COMMUNICATIVE, MEANING WHAT?<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When looking at descriptions of language skills in some CVs, you may come across expressions such as &#8220;communicative in speech&#8221; or &#8220;intermediate&#8221;. The problem is that such expressions are quite subjective, and if your language skills are not otherwise recorded or confirmed, for example by a language certificate, the employer will still not be able to verify the skills before interviewing the candidate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best solution will therefore be to use the recognised scale of language levels drawn up by the Council of Europe. Submitting a language certificate that you hold, or even an additional representation of skills in a graphic way can prove helpful, as well. These points are described in greater detail later in this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\">\n<li><strong>INCONSISTENCY<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Before sending your application to the recruiter, check that the language of the descriptions matches that of the entire document. Let&#8217;s be consistent!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the CV is written in Polish, the description of skills should also be in that language and vice versa. Foreign language certificates can be accompanied by a short commentary to convey as much information as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Being consistent is particularly important when applying for a position abroad and drafting a CV in a foreign language. After all, it is up to us to make our CV as clear as possible to potential recruiters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\">\n<li><strong><strong>THE LANGUAGES SECTION AS DEAD LAST<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowledge of foreign languages is an important skill and needs to be highlighted. Placing the section with information on language levels on the last page in the CV is therefore not advisable. Ideally, it should appear right on the first page. For example, on the left- or right-hand side, just below the contact details and photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>IInformation about practical use of <strong>languages at work<\/strong> can also be included in the description of previously held jobs. For instance, if you took active part in your company&#8217;s international meetings, during which, for instance, you negotiated prices for products or services, you can add the information &#8220;negotiations in English with a business partner&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An alternative solution would be to add graphic elements to the language skills section that visually represent your skills. A well-known example are bars or a row of dots. The better your language skills, the more dots you add to your CV. Such elements immediately catch the recruiter&#8217;s eye and attract their interest, which is exactly what you want. Remember, however, that graphics alone may not be enough and you should always include information about your certification or describe examples of language use in practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stopien-znajomosci-jezyka-obcego\"><strong>Language competence levels<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Language competence levels have been successfully worked out by the Council of Europe. They published a six-level classification that takes into account skills such as speaking, listening, reading and writing. For recruiters these days, this is probably the most practical and clear-cut distribution, so it is worth familiarising yourself with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\">\n<li><strong>LANGUAGE SKILLS ACCORDING TO THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK OF REFERENCE FOR LANGUAGES (CEFR SCALE):R):<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The general classification is divided into six parts. Each level is labelled with the letter A, B or C and the number 1 or 2. A detailed description can be found on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coe.int\/en\/web\/common-european-framework-reference-languages\/level-descriptions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Council of Europe website<\/a>. The descriptions are available in numerous language versions, including <a href=\"https:\/\/rm.coe.int\/CoERMPublicCommonSearchServices\/DisplayDCTMContent?documentId=090000168045bc7d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Polish<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The distribution is as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A1 &#8211; beginner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A2 &#8211; elementary<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>B1 &#8211; intermediate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>B2 &#8211; upper-intermediate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>C1 &#8211; advanced<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>C2 &#8211; proficient<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>However, I would advise against listing language skills at A1 or even A2 level, as this is an insufficient level when applying for a foreign language job. Unless it is, for example, the 5th language we have just started learning, then yes &#8211; it is worth showing off our linguistic interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the way, in the <strong>Languages<\/strong> section in your CV &#8211; if you are applying for a job in Poland &#8211; avoid writing Polish if it is your mother tongue. This is a rather obvious fact that unnecessarily takes up the attention (and time) of the recruiter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\">\n<li><strong><strong>LANGUAGE CERTIFICATES AND LACK THEREOF<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It is worth taking a language exam for one simple reason &#8211; the certificate you obtain confirms your declared level, and it is a clear indication to the recruiter whether your level of language competence is sufficient for the position. Examinations verify all language skills and are conducted by the most prestigious institutions that focus on maintaining high standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is best to include information about your certificates in the language skills section and to attach scans of the documents to your CV or application form. Note, however, that some certificates expire after a certain date, in which case, do not include the information about their acquisition in the CV. A recruiter may consider such a move to be unprofessional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to English, the most recognisable certificates are Cambridge ESOL (valid indefinitely), IELTS (valid for two years) or TOEFL (valid for two years). In another article, we will look into their structure and discuss certificates for other popular foreign languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\">\n<li><strong><strong>WHAT IF I HAVE NO CERTIFICATE?<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, it may be the case that you do not have any certificate and you acquired your language skills, for example by working with people from other countries, during an internship abroad, or in yet another way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So how can we determine our language level? There are a number of both paid and free diagnostic tests on the market that allow us to easily and quickly diagnose our language level. However, for this diagnosis to be complete, it should consist of 2 parts. A written diagnosis (knowledge of grammar, vocabulary), as well as an oral diagnosis, during which a methodologist assesses the language level. At <a href=\"https:\/\/eklektika.pl\/testy-poziomujace\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/eklektika.pl\/testy-poziomujace\/<\/a> you can also take a quick diagnostic test for yourself, free of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is also a good idea to provide a graphic representation of acquired skills with a brief description that explains where they come from. In addition, we should include information about language use at work in summaries of previously held positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A very effective but somewhat unconventional way to present your foreign language skills is to create a short video in a foreign language. Besides demonstrating your language skills in practice, the candidate shows courage and creativity. Through this solution, the recruiter will be able to verify your language skills even before the interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the video itself, it&#8217;s worth focusing on citing the highlights of your CV and talking about your greatest achievements and strengths. If you speak more than one language, this is also a good opportunity to show how fluently you switch from one language to another. Of course, this form of presenting your language(s) makes sense when you are really fluent in them, and when it is one of the most important requirements in the job description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\">\n<li><strong><strong>WHAT LANGUAGE LEVEL IS REQUIRED IN COMPANIES?<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The bare minimum level for communication is B1 (intermediate), although <strong>B2 (upper intermediate)<\/strong> is considered to be a good operational level. The C1 (advanced) level, for really smooth business communication, is also becoming more and more desirable in companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-podsumowanie\">Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking a foreign language at a high level is not yet a guarantee of getting your dream job. But it can be one of your greatest assets in achieving success. A careful description of your skills will help not only you, but also the recruiter in deciding whether to invite you to an interview. So before the foreign language interview itself, don&#8217;t forget to prepare properly, whether with a tutor or by analysing answers from recordings on the Internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>I am keeping my fingers crossed for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Author: Kinga Zygmunczyk<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>photo: canva<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Job offers without required foreign language competence are rare nowadays, and the foreign language section has become a permanent feature of properly drafted CVs. Are you sure you know how to describe your language skills? What really stands behind the symbols A1, B2 or C1?? Language skills in the CV We asked the Eklektika \u2013 &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/talenti.pl\/en\/materials\/how-do-i-check-and-describe-my-language-skills-in-my-cv\/\">Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":792349,"template":"","categories":[],"typ":[42],"class_list":["post-792407","materialy","type-materialy","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","typ-foreign-languages"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/talenti.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/materialy\/792407","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/talenti.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/materialy"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/talenti.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/materialy"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/talenti.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/792349"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/talenti.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=792407"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/talenti.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=792407"},{"taxonomy":"typ","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/talenti.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/typ?post=792407"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}