How to Write a Successful English CV

Writing an English CV for multinational companies (MNCs) in Korea requires balancing global standards with a clear understanding of local corporate culture. Here’s a structured set of tips specifically tailored for Korean candidates applying to MNCs in Korea:

1. Use the Global CV Format (Not the Korean Resume Format)

• Length: 1–2 pages max (unless you’re in academia or senior management)

• Style: No photo, age, gender, marital status, or personal details.

• Structure:

(1) Contact Information (Name, Email, Phone, LinkedIn)

(2) Professional Summary (2–3 sentences)

(3) Work Experience

(4) Education

(5) Skills / Certifications / Languages

(6) Optional: Awards, Projects, or Volunteer Experience

☞ Tip: Korean resumes often start with personal info and academic records, but MNCs expect concise, achievement-focused English CVs.

2. Focus on Achievements, Not Duties

When describing your experience, avoid just listing responsibilities. Instead, show results using numbers or outcomes.

[Example]

❌ : "Responsible for managing client accounts.”

✅ : "Managed 20+ key client accounts, increasing renewal rate by 15% through improved communication and digital service support.”

☞ Tip: Use the "STAR method" (Situation → Task → Action → Result) to describe accomplishments clearly.

3. Tailor to the Company and Role

Multinationals value candidates who understand their business culture.

• Use keywords from the job description (e.g., “data-driven,” “stakeholder management,” “cross-functional collaboration”).

• Highlight cross-cultural communication, global project experience, or collaboration with HQ/regional offices if applicable.

4. Show International Mindset and English Proficiency

MNCs often emphasize communication skills and openness.

• Mention any international project experience, "English presentation", or "global teamwork" examples.

• If applicable, list English test scores (TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS) only if they are strong and recent.

• Write naturally — avoid overly academic or textbook-like English.

5. Include a Concise Professional Summary

This short section (2–3 sentences at the top) should describe:

• Your profession or specialty

• Years of experience

• Core expertise and achievements

• What value you bring to the company

  
  

[Example]

> Senior financial analyst with 8+ years of experience in multinational environments, specializing in FP&A and business partnering. Proven track record in improving forecast accuracy and driving cross-functional efficiency in fast-paced global organizations.

6. Emphasize Soft Skills Valued by MNCs

Keywords like:

• “Cross-functional collaboration”

• “Global communication”

• “Analytical thinking”

• “Agility” or “adaptability”

• “Stakeholder management”

  
  

These reflect qualities MNCs seek beyond technical skills.

7. Avoid Common Pitfalls

❌ : Don’t use “Konglish” expressions like *“Do my best”* or *“Hard-working person.”*

✅ : Instead, write: *“Recognized for reliability and proactive approach in fast-paced environments.”

❌ : Don’t list every task since your first job — focus on relevant and recent roles.

❌ : Don’t overuse buzzwords (“dynamic,” “passionate”) without evidence.

8. Add a Global Touch

• If you’ve worked on cross-border projects, list "countries or regional teams" involved.

• Mention collaboration tools or platforms familiar to global companies (e.g., Salesforce, SAP, Power BI, Slack, Jira).

9. For Korean Candidates Switching from Local to Global Firms

• Reframe your local experience in global business terms.

  Example: Instead of “Managed domestic clients,” write “Managed domestic clients of multinational brands, liaising with regional offices in Singapore and Japan.”

• Emphasize transferable skills (communication, stakeholder alignment, digital tools).

  
  

10. Proofread and Simplify

• Grammatical accuracy is key — even small mistakes can hurt credibility.

• If English isn’t your first language, consider having your CV reviewed by a fluent speaker or HR professional from an MNC background

Here’s a sample English CV template tailored for

a Korean professional (mid-career) applying to

multinational companies in Korea

[Full Name]

Seoul, Korea | 📧 email@email.com | 📞 +82-10-XXXX-XXXX |

Professional Summary

Results-driven business professional with 10+ years of experience in consulting and corporate strategy, specializing in digital transformation and performance improvement across multinational environments. Proven ability to bridge local and global operations, lead cross-functional teams, and deliver measurable business outcomes through data-driven decision-making and effective stakeholder management.

Professional Experience

Senior Manager, Strategy & Transformation | PwC Consulting Korea | Seoul, Korea | Jan 2020 – Present

• Led digital transformation initiatives for leading financial institutions, achieving a 20% improvement in operational efficiency through process automation and analytics.

• Managed cross-border projects with teams in Singapore and the U.S., ensuring alignment with global standards and client expectations.

• Advised C-level executives on change management and innovation strategy, contributing to ₩5B+ in new project revenue.

• Mentored junior consultants and established internal training programs on digital tools and project governance.

  
  

Manager, Corporate Planning | Samsung SDS | Seoul, Korea |

Mar 2015 – Dec 2019

• Oversaw annual business planning and budgeting for the IT services division, supporting ₩300B in revenue.

• Developed KPI dashboards using Power BI to improve real-time management visibility and decision-making.

• Coordinated cross-functional teams across Korea, Japan, and the U.S. to streamline business reporting standards.

  
  

Consultant | Deloitte Korea | Seoul, Korea |

Jan 2012 – Feb 2015

• Conducted financial and operational analyses for clients in manufacturing and consumer goods industries.

• Supported M&A due diligence and post-merger integration for global clients entering the Korean market.

Education

B.A. in Business Administration | Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea | Mar 2007 – Feb 2011

Certifications & Skills

• Certifications:** PMP, Data Analytics (Google), Advanced Excel

• Languages:** Korean (Native), English (Fluent – TOEIC 950, Business-level)

• Technical Skills:** Power BI, SAP, Salesforce, MS Office Suite

Awards & Achievements

• PwC Global Innovation Award (2023) – Recognized for leading a digital project adopted across Asia-Pacific

• Samsung SDS Excellence Award (2018) – Outstanding performance in strategic project delivery

Professional Interests

Digital Transformation | Business Analytics | Global Project Management | Cross-Cultural Leadership

✅ Notes on Why This Works

• Tone: Professional but not overly formal — aligns with MNC expectations.

• Structure: Global standard (no photo, DOB, or personal info).

• Language: Clear, concise, and achievement-oriented.

• Local relevance: Includes Korean context (companies, ₩ figures) but expressed in global business terms.

• Balance: Technical + strategic + leadership focus, all important for mid-to-senior roles.