Languages and Computer skills

 

Languages and Computer skills: real assets

 

These two sections are too often neglected, and yet they continue to grow in importance. In almost all professions, there is increasing use of foreign languages and computer skills. It is very much in your interest to pay careful attention to these sections.

 

Languages

 

If, in your situation, it is a key skill, knowledge of one or more foreign languages should be clearly indicated at the beginning of your CV. If it is only an asset, include it after the Experience section. Pay attention to how you assess your skill level! Many candidates put forth that they are fluently bilingual when, in fact, their level of knowledge is just functional. Keep in mind that, more and more, recruiters will test you during the first telephone contact. Avoid embellishing reality, as you will be quickly found out. There’s no use mentioning Spanish when all you know how to say is hello and thank you in this language!

 

Computer skills

 

In our day, everyone is expected to know how to use Microsoft Word and how to navigate the Internet… However for certain positions, you are expected to have complete mastery of Microsoft Office Suite, or advanced knowledge of specific software. In accounting for example, certain specific software must be clearly indicated. An edimaster, who would be responsible for putting text and videos online, must, of course, highlight these skills. In some cases, it may be justified to put them at the very beginning of the CV. If computer skills are of minor importance, you can put this section at the end of the CV.