Including Languages on your Résumé

Dear Deb: 

I moved to the U.S. from Greece when I was five when I was adopted by American parents.  I always put on my résumé that I have native fluency in Greek.  My recruiter told me to remove it from my résumé unless an employer is looking for that language skill. She also said people may think my English skills are sub-par.  My English skills are excellent. I graduated from UCLA with a BBA and minor in Communications.  Is the recruiter right?  What should I put on my résumé?

Thank you,

Kassia

Dear Kassia:

There is some wisdom to your recruiter’s advice.  Résumé real estate is valuable so you want to omit anything that does not support your career goal.  However, I believe that many candidates stand out because of some unique and positive aspect of their history, skills, or life experience.   In your case, I believe interviewers will ask you about the Greek language skills out of curiosity. It’s not a language typically taught in U.S. public schools.  That gives you the chance to make yourself memorable by sharing your story.

Rather than writing “native fluency in Greek,”  write, “Bilingual in English and Greek.”  Writing “native fluency” could cause some to assume your Greek is stronger than English.  Also, your excellent educational background and a well-written résumé/cover letter will demonstrate your excellent English skills.

Wishing you all the best!

Deb