Are you looking to take your career beyond Kenya’s borders? As our president makes strides in securing job opportunities for Kenyans in countries like Germany, the US, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, many of us are wondering: What does it take to land those international job offers? The answer lies in tailoring your resume to meet the expectations of employers in these global markets.

But how exactly do you do that?

In this guide, we’ll explore how to create a resume that catches the attention of recruiters across borders, especially for those key opportunities our president is negotiating.

Whether you’re a nurse, a teacher, or have semi-skilled or skilled expertise, crafting an international resume requires more than just translating your Kenyan CV. Are you ready to put your best foot forward?

Let’s dive in!

1. Research the Market: What Do Employers Expect?

Before you even begin tweaking your resume, ask yourself: Do you understand what employers in Germany or Saudi Arabia are looking for in a candidate? It’s important to start with research.

For instance, German companies tend to value detailed, well-structured resumes that go beyond just one page, sometimes expecting CVs to be up to five pages long. On the other hand, in countries like the US, a one-page resume is often preferred, especially for roles requiring fewer than 10 years of experience.

Take note of the skills most in demand in your target country. Nursing jobs in Germany, for example, may require specialized certifications that are not necessarily common here in Kenya.

If you’re applying for a teaching role in the US, highlighting your adaptability to different educational systems can give you an edge.

What’s the takeaway here? Research each market meticulously.

2. Highlight Cross-Cultural Skills

We all know how important it is to showcase technical skills, but have you considered how valuable cross-cultural competencies are?

Working abroad means interacting with people from different backgrounds, which is why international employers love candidates who can thrive in a multicultural setting.

How do you prove that you’re culturally adaptable?

Highlight any international experience you have, whether it’s attending international conferences, working with diverse teams, or even volunteering with foreign NGOs here at home. Employers want to see that you’ll transition smoothly into their work culture.

Kenyan workers, especially in semi-skilled roles in places like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, often find themselves in environments where soft skills like patience and cultural understanding are as crucial as technical know-how.

Ask yourself:

Are you showcasing these skills effectively?

3. Tailor the Professional Summary for Each Country

When was the last time you updated your resume’s professional summary? For international jobs, this section should be customized based on the market you're applying to.

In Germany, they prefer clear, concise summaries that focus on your qualifications and experience. In the US, however, recruiters look for a summary that highlights your value proposition, what unique skills do you bring to the table?

Consider this example for a nurse applying to Germany:

"Certified Nurse with over 5 years of experience in critical care and general practice. Proven ability to adapt to fast-paced environments, with advanced knowledge in patient care protocols used across Europe."

Now compare this with a professional summary for a teaching job in the US:

"Passionate Educator with 7 years of experience, specializing in interactive learning and curriculum development. Adept at incorporating diverse educational practices to engage students in multicultural environments."

Notice how the focus shifts depending on the country? Customizing your professional summary is key to grabbing a recruiter’s attention.

4. Detail Your Educational and Professional #Qualifications

Did you know that some countries expect you to provide extensive detail about your education? In Germany, for instance, it’s common to include not only your degree but also the specific courses you took, and the #skills acquired during your education.

Meanwhile, in countries like Saudi Arabia, employers are likely to ask for certifications that prove your expertise in specific areas.

If you’re applying for #jobs in the UAE, particularly semi-skilled roles, your vocational training could be more critical than formal education.

Make sure to list any workshops, #apprenticeships, or short courses that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Have you made sure to include every qualification that sets you apart?

5. Emphasize Global Experience and #Skills

Kenyans have long been valued for their #work ethic, but in international markets, what truly stands out is #experience that transcends borders. Have you worked on international projects, or do you have experience with #companies that operate globally?

These are invaluable details to include in your #resume. #Employers in Germany or the US will often prioritize #candidates who have demonstrated global competencies.

In addition to this, emphasize your language #skills. If you can communicate in English, Swahili, and perhaps even German or Arabic, you’re positioning yourself as a valuable asset to any international team.

Are you maximizing this in your resume’s skills section?

6. Understand Cultural Differences in Resume Formatting

One critical point to remember is that #resume formats differ by country. For example, in Germany, it’s common to include a photograph, date of birth, and marital status.

However, in the US and the UK, such details are discouraged to avoid potential bias in #hiring.

You might also find that while Kenyan resumes emphasize duties and responsibilities, international resumes often focus on accomplishments.

This means that instead of saying, “Handled patient care,” you would say, “Delivered patient care to over 50 individuals daily, improving overall satisfaction rates by 30%.”

Are you framing your experience in terms of accomplishments rather than just duties?

7. Prepare for Translation and Certification Needs

As much as tailoring your #resume is important, have you considered that it might need to be translated? If you’re applying to countries like Germany or Saudi Arabia, you may need to provide an official translation of your resume.

Additionally, certain qualifications from Kenya may need to be verified or certified by international bodies before they are recognized abroad.

If you're serious about landing that nursing #job in Germany or teaching role in the US, it's essential to ensure that your documents are not only well-tailored but also compliant with international standards. Have you prepared for this extra step?

Whether it's nursing in Germany, teaching in the US, or skilled roles in the UAE, now is the time to take action. Tailor your resume to the market, and make your international #job hunt a successful one!

Good luck!

resume help Blogs

How Kenyans Can Tailor Their Resume for International Job Markets