Applying for a work permit in a foreign country is an exciting step, but it comes with specific requirements—one of the most important being a professional resume. Your resume plays a critical role in securing a job offer, which is often necessary for obtaining a work permit. In this blog, I will guide you through the essential steps to create a strong resume for work permit applications.
Whether you’re applying for a work permit in Europe, North America, or another region, following these steps will help you stand out to employers and increase your chances of success.
1. Start with Personal Information
The personal information section is straightforward, but be sure you include details that are clear to employers who may not be familiar with your home country. This also helps in building trust with your potential employer.
- Full Name: Use your legal name, exactly as it appears on your passport or national ID.
- Contact Information: Include your mobile phone number with your country’s code, for example, +88 for Bangladesh.
- Email Address: Make sure it’s professional (e.g., firstname.lastname@gmail.com).
- Current Address: Include your full address, especially if you’re currently living in your home country.
- Nationality: This helps employers know that you’ll need a work permit. Example: “Bangladeshi.”
- Work Permit Status: If you already hold a valid work permit for the country you’re applying to, mention it clearly. Example: “Currently holding a valid work permit for canada.”
Example:
Name: Tanvir Ahmed
Phone: +88 01712 345678
Email: tanvir.ahmed@gmail.com
Address: 0011/A, Green Road, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Nationality: Bangladeshi
Work Permit Status: Applying for a work permit to work in Malta
2. Write a Strong Objective or Summary
A resume objective or summary tells the employer in a few sentences what you bring to the table. Focus on your skills, experience, and the fact that you are ready to move abroad for work.
Example:
I am an experienced civil engineer with over 7 years of expertise in construction project management. I am seeking a position in Germany to apply my skills in a growing construction firm and am ready to apply for a work permit as part of the hiring process.
3. List Your Work Experience
The work experience section is one of the most important parts of your resume. Highlight the jobs you’ve had, especially those that relate to the job you’re applying for abroad. Focus on what you achieved in your past roles, not just your responsibilities.
For each job, mention:
- Job Title
- Company Name
- Location (City, Country)
- Dates of Employment (Month/Year to Month/Year)
- Responsibilities and Achievements
Example:
Job Title: Sales Manager
Company: ABC Enterprises
Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dates: January 2018 – Present
– Managed a team of 15 sales agents, increasing overall sales by 25% over two years.
– Developed and executed sales strategies for international markets, resulting in securing 5 new contracts in Southeast Asia.
– Trained and mentored junior staff members, improving team performance by 10%.
Why this is effective: It shows the scale of the person’s responsibility and quantifies achievements, making the application stronger.
4. Highlight Your Education
Education is critical, especially for work permits, as many countries require proof of formal education to qualify for certain jobs. List your degrees in reverse chronological order and include any additional courses or certifications that can help in your application.
Example:
Degree: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
Institution: University of Dhaka
Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Year of Graduation: 2016
Relevant Coursework:
– Software Engineering
– Data Structures and Algorithms
– Machine Learning
** If you’ve taken additional professional courses, such as online certifications or workshops, add them here too. This can boost your chances if the work permit requires specific skills.
5. Emphasize Skills Relevant to the Job
Make sure your skills match the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a construction job in Canada, list your technical skills in construction management, project planning, etc.
Example:
Technical Skills:
– AutoCAD for architectural designs
– Project management with MS Project
– Proficient in safety protocols for construction sites
Languages:
– Fluent in English, Bengali, and Hindi
– Basic proficiency in German (A2 level)
Soft Skills:
– Leadership and team management
– Problem-solving and critical thinking
** Tailor your skills to the specific needs of the job and country you’re applying to. For instance, language skills can be crucial if you’re moving to a country where English is not the primary language.
6. Add Information About Licenses and Certifications
If your job requires certifications or licenses, such as healthcare, construction, or engineering, this section is critical. Mention any licenses that prove you’re qualified for the role.
Example:
License: Certified Professional Engineer (PE) – Bangladesh Engineering Board
Certifications:
– PMP Certified (Project Management Professional)
– OSHA Certified in Construction Safety
*** These certifications can give employers confidence that you meet international standards for the role.
7. Include Any International Experience
If you’ve worked or studied abroad, or collaborated with international teams, this can greatly improve your chances of getting a work permit. Employers like to see candidates who are adaptable to different cultures and work environments.
Example:
– Worked as part of a global marketing team for XYZ Corporation, collaborating with colleagues in the UK, USA, and Australia.
– Attended a six-month engineering exchange program in the Netherlands, working on renewable energy projects.
8. References
Including references is optional, but it’s useful to have at least two professional contacts ready in case the employer requests them. Always ask your referees for permission before listing them.
Example:
References available upon request.
Additional Tips for Writing a Resume for a Work Permit
- Tailor Your Resume to the Country’s Needs: Research the job market and requirements in the country you’re applying to. Many countries have skill shortages in specific industries like healthcare, IT, construction, and engineering. Focus on how you meet those needs.
- Keep Your Resume to One or Two Pages: Make sure your resume is concise and to the point. Employers reviewing work permit applications often prefer a clear, easy-to-read resume.
- Be Honest About Your Work Permit Status: Some candidates avoid mentioning they need a work permit, but it’s better to be upfront. If the employer is willing to sponsor a work permit, this can work in your favor.
- Check for Grammar and Spelling Mistakes: Many hiring managers can be put off by resumes with spelling or grammatical errors. Double-check your resume before sending it out.
- Use Keywords: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Using keywords from the job description (e.g., “project management,” “safety certification”) can help your resume get noticed.
Writing a resume for a work permit is about more than just listing your qualifications. You need to highlight your international experience, demonstrate that you’re adaptable, and tailor your resume to meet the needs of the country where you want to work. By following these steps and using the examples provided, you can create a strong resume that increases your chances of securing a job offer and work permit abroad.
A well-structured resume can be the key to unlocking your future career in a new country. So, invest time in creating one that’s polished, professional, and tailored to the job you want.