I read and translate with a dictionary at what level. Knowledge of foreign languages ​​in a resume example

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR) is an internationally recognized standard for describing levels of proficiency in a foreign language. The CEFR system is widely accepted throughout Europe and is most commonly used in other countries around the world. The EF SET is currently the only standardized English language test that accurately measures all CEFR proficiency levels, from beginner to proficient. Other standardized English tests help assess some proficiency levels, but not the entire CEFR scale.

What you will find on this page

What is CEFR?

CEFR is a way of describing how well you speak and understand a foreign language. Several similar systems with similar goals include the Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages ​​(ACTFL), the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), and the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR). The CEFR system is not linked to any specific language test. The CEFR is a pan-European framework specifically designed to apply to any European language, so it can be used to assess your knowledge of English, German, and even your Estonian language skills (if any).

CEFR and EF SET

What is the CEFR system?

The CEFR criteria were drawn up by the Council of Europe in the 1990s as part of a larger initiative to promote cooperation between teachers language schools everyone European countries. Another goal of the Council of Europe was to give managers and workers educational institutions clear criteria necessary to assess the level of language proficiency of candidates. This system is intended for use in the learning and assessment process.

The CEFR is not tied to a specific test, but is a series of statements about what you can achieve using a foreign language at any level. For example, a student at level B1 might be said to be “able to produce simple, coherent text on topics that are familiar or interesting to him.” Teachers of any foreign language can use these statements to assess and address gaps in your knowledge.

Who uses CEFR?

The CEFR system is widely used in language teaching in Europe, both in the sector public education and in private language schools. In many countries it has replaced previous assessment systems used in foreign language teaching. Most ministries of education in Europe include in the educational goals for all secondary school graduates that their knowledge corresponds to the CEFR system, for example level B2 for the first foreign language and B1 for the second. Many European organizations use standardized tests such as the TOEIC to assess the English language proficiency of adults seeking employment.

Outside Europe, the CEFR system is used much less frequently, although some individual countries in Asia and Latin America included it in their education systems.

Why is CEFR compliance important?

Today in Europe, the CEFR is increasingly used as a standard way of describing the level of proficiency in a foreign language, particularly in academic settings. For those who, like most Europeans, have studied more than one language, the CEFR system offers a convenient, standardized way to present two or more languages ​​on a CV. In schools or universities, CEFR serves as a standard system throughout Europe and can be used without any restrictions.

However, CEFR is not widely used in the corporate environment. If you decide to use the CEFR on your resume for professional purposes, it is best to include a description of the level, standardized test score, and examples of instances where you have used your language skills (studying abroad, working abroad, etc.)

How to find out your CEFR level?

The best way to find out your CEFR level is to take a well-designed standardized test. In English, EF SET is the best option to determine your English level as it is free online text, aligned with the CEFR system. It will take you 50 minutes to take the test and find out your CEFR level.

All the most common tests for assessing levels of knowledge of other European languages ​​in the CEFR system are aligned with the CEFR system. The test is selected depending on the specific language. Information about such tests can be obtained from official educational language associations in Europe, for example the Alliance Française for French, the Cervantes Institute for Spanish, or the Goethe Institute for German. The CEFR system is generally not used to determine level in non-European languages.

Criticism of the CEFR system

Many educators initially criticized the CEFR for its breadth of levels. Each of the six levels contains a description of skills and abilities. The knowledge of a student who has just reached level B1 is quite different from the knowledge of a student who has almost mastered level B2, but his level will still be defined as level B1. In practical terms, teachers must break each of the six levels into smaller sub-levels to design lessons and assess students.

Many countries outside Europe already have widespread tests of this kind. It is considered inappropriate to bring these tests into conformity with a common standardized system, so the existing tests are used in their original form. For English in particular, the most widely used standardized assessment tests differ from the CEFR system.

An important point when looking for a job is a resume or CV (curriculum vitae) a short form of presentation of the basic personal and professional data of the applicant. This type of self-presentation is already quite firmly entrenched in Russian market labor, but, unfortunately, a well-written resume is still a rarity.

When writing a resume, you must remember that your success in finding a job largely depends on how you present your professional experience in it. Resume is the document from which the employer receives the first information about the applicant for a vacancy and forms his opinion about him. Familiarization with a CV takes on average 2-3 minutes, so the information contained in it should be presented in such a way as to immediately attract attention. The resume should be printed on page 1, in a clear, easy-to-read font, preferably on a computer, but in no case handwritten. It is important to take into account that the employer will receive your resume by fax, and fax machines significantly degrade print quality, so the font should be at least 11.

Resumes in English (or any other) language are made only in in that case, if you are applying for a vacancy in a foreign company. You should send your resume to a Russian company or recruitment agency in Russian, because... it may reach a person who does not speak a foreign language, and at best it will be put aside, and at worst it will go straight to the trash bin.

An exception may be the resumes of specialists who are fluent in a foreign language, or for whom knowledge of the language is one of the selection criteria (believe me, a driver’s resume in English looks, at least, funny). But even in this case, it is better to duplicate the resume: one in Russian, one in English. This way, you can simultaneously demonstrate your knowledge of the language and respect for the person to whom your resume will reach.

Now let's take a closer look at the points that should be contained in a resume.

Personal data. Full name, age (preferably date of birth), marital status, address and telephone number.

Target. This paragraph usually states the vacancy for which the applicant is applying.

Education consists of two sections: basic (secondary, secondary specialized, higher, 2nd higher) and additional (internship courses, trainings, seminars, etc.). In both cases, it is necessary to indicate the name of the educational institution, faculty, specialty of the diploma (if we are talking about courses, then the specialization or name of the course is indicated).

experience. This contains information about previous jobs. It is more convenient for an employer or employee of a recruitment agency if they are arranged in descending order, i.e. starting from the last one. You indicate the month and year of employment and the month and year of dismissal, company name, the area of ​​activity of the organization and your position. Pay special attention to indicating the scope of activity of the company in which you worked. It is not enough to write “production” or “trade”. Be sure to disclose exactly what the company traded and what exactly the company produced. Do not use such general terms as “food” or “consumer goods”; try to specify as precisely as possible the group of goods or services with which you worked, because very often such narrow specificity is of fundamental importance for the employer.

Professional skills include a list of the knowledge and skills that you acquired during your professional activity. This point is essential for those specialists who built their careers in one direction and specialized in one area. If your work experience in different organizations differs significantly from each other, it is more advisable not to separate it into a separate section, but to give a short list of the main functions for each place of work.

Foreign language skills. You indicate all foreign languages ​​and the degree to which you speak them. Adhere to the following formulations: “perfectly” knowledge of the language at the native level, proficiency in simultaneous interpretation “fluent” proficiency in consecutive interpretation, the ability to communicate fluently in a foreign language within any subject. “good” the ability to correctly express one’s thoughts in a foreign language, as well as understand the interlocutor. “conversational” communication at the everyday level, the ability to understand simple speech, convey known information to the interlocutor. “basic” knowledge of the elementary fundamentals of the language, communication at the level of “How are you?”, “Today good weather", the ability to understand simple text.

Computer skills contains information about your PC skills (user, advanced user, operator, programmer), as well as programs, environments, languages, databases with which you have worked.

Additional Information. Here you provide the information that you consider necessary to convey to the employer: availability of a driver’s license, personal car, international passport, the possibility of business trips. Here you can also include interests and hobbies and personal qualities; it is also permissible to highlight them in a separate paragraph.

A properly written resume should look something like this:

GORINA SVETLANA IGOREVNA

Personal details: Date of birth: April 28, 1970 Marital status: married, son born in 1994 Address and telephone: Moscow, st. Pechatnaya, 35, apt. 98, tel. 765-09-78

Goal: Applying for the position of secretary-assistant

Basic education: 1988-1993 Moscow State University, Faculty of Philology. Specialty: philologist, teacher of Russian and English languages.

Additional education 1995 (40 hours) Computer courses 1993 (2 months) City training center Specialty: secretary-typist

Experience:

02.1997 - present CB "Alliance" (banking) Secretary-referent to the Chairman of the Board 1995 - 1997 JSC "Turtrans" (tour company) Secretary-assistant, deputy. General Director

1994 -1995 LLP "Lavalier" (exclusive furniture trade) Secretary-assistant

1993 - 1994 LLP "Bateks" (trade and service of refrigeration equipment) Secretary

Professional skills: Professional document management. Planning the leader's day. Organization of meetings and negotiations. Oral and written translation. Personnel records management. Typewriting - 250 beats/min. Mini-PBX, office equipment.

Computer: Windows User" 95, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Corel Draw, QuarkXpress.

Foreign languages: English - fluent. German is spoken.

Additional information: Availability driver's license category B. Having a foreign passport.

LEVELS ON THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE SCALE
(COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK)

European Framework of Reference for Languages

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

learning, teaching, assessment

The Council of Europe document entitled “Common European Framework of Reference: Learning, Teaching, Assessment” reflects the result of the work of experts from the Council of Europe countries, including representatives of Russia, on systematizing approaches to teaching a foreign language and standardizing assessments of language proficiency levels. “Competencies” clearly define what a language learner needs to master in order to use it for communication purposes, as well as what knowledge and skills he needs to master in order for communication to be successful.

What is the main content of this project, carried out within the framework of the Council of Europe? The participants in this project attempted to create a standard terminology, a system of units, or a commonly understood language to describe what constitutes a subject matter of study, as well as to describe levels of language proficiency, regardless of what language is being studied, in what educational context - what country, institute, school , in courses, or privately, and what techniques are used. As a result, a system of language proficiency levels was developed and a system for describing these levels using standard categories. These two complexes create a single network of concepts that can be used to describe in standard language any certification system, and, consequently, any training program, starting from setting tasks - training goals and ending with the competencies achieved as a result of training.

Language proficiency level system

When developing the European Level System, extensive research was carried out in different countries, and assessment methods were tested in practice. As a result, we came to an agreement on the number of levels allocated for organizing the process of learning a language and assessing the degree of language proficiency. There are 6 major levels, which represent lower and higher sublevels in the classic three-level system, including basic, intermediate and advanced levels. The level scheme is built on the principle of sequential branching. It begins by dividing the level system into three large levels - A, B and C:

A
Elementary
possession
(Basic User)

A1
Survival level
(Breakthrough)

A2
Pre-threshold level
(Waystage)

IN
Self-ownership
(Independent User)

IN 1
Threshold level
(Threshold)

AT 2
Threshold advanced level
(Vantage)

C
Fluency
(Proficient User)

C1
Proficiency level
(Effective Operational Proficiency)

C2
Mastery level
(Mastery)

Table 1.

Generalized description of levels of language competence

Elementary possession

A1

I understand and can use familiar phrases and expressions necessary to perform specific tasks. I can introduce myself / introduce others, ask / answer questions about my place of residence, acquaintances, property. I can participate in a simple conversation if the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to help.

A2

I understand individual sentences and frequently encountered expressions related to basic areas of life (for example, basic information about myself and my family members, purchases, getting a job, etc.). I can perform tasks related to simple exchange of information with friends or household topics. In simple terms I can tell about myself, my family and friends, and describe the main aspects of everyday life.

Self-sufficient. possession

IN 1

Understand the main ideas of clear messages delivered in literary language different topics, typically occurring at work, school, leisure, etc. I can communicate in most situations that may arise during a stay in the country of the language being studied. I can compose a coherent message on topics that are known or of particular interest to me. I can describe impressions, events, hopes, aspirations, express and justify my opinions and plans for the future.

AT 2

I understand the general content of complex texts on abstract and concrete topics, including highly specialized texts. I speak quickly and spontaneously enough to constantly communicate with native speakers without too much difficulty for either party. I am able to deliver clear, detailed communications on various topics and state your view on the main problem, show the advantages and disadvantages of different opinions.

Fluency

C1

I understand voluminous, complex texts on various topics and recognize hidden meanings. I speak spontaneously at a fast pace, without having difficulty finding words and expressions. I use language flexibly and effectively to communicate in scientific and professional activities. I can create accurate, detailed, well-structured messages on complex topics, demonstrating mastery of text organization patterns, communication tools, and integration of text elements.

C2

I understand almost any oral or written message, I can compose a coherent text based on several oral and written sources. I speak spontaneously with a high tempo and a high degree of precision, emphasizing nuances of meaning even in the most difficult cases.

When interpreting a level scale, it must be borne in mind that the divisions on such a scale are not identical. Even if the levels appear equidistant on the scale, they take different times to reach. So, even if the Waystage level is located halfway to the Threshold Level, and the Threshold level is located on the level scale halfway to the Vantage Level, experience with this scale shows that that it takes twice as long to progress from the Threshold to the Threshold Advanced level as it does to reach the Threshold level. This is explained by the fact that at higher levels the range of activities expands and an increasing amount of knowledge, skills and abilities are required.

Selecting specific learning objectives may require more detailed description. It can be presented in the form of a separate table showing the main aspects of language proficiency at six levels.

Table 2.

Description of levels of language competence for self-assessment of one’s knowledge and skills by aspect.

A1 (Survival Level):

Understanding

Audio
tion

I understand certain familiar words and very simple phrases in slow and clear sounding speech in situations of everyday communication, when they talk about me, my family and immediate environment.

Reading

I can understand familiar names, words, and very simple sentences in advertisements, posters, or catalogues.

Speaking

Dialogue

I can participate in a dialogue if my interlocutor, at my request, repeats his statement in slow motion or paraphrases it, and also helps to formulate what I am trying to say. I can ask and answer simple questions about topics that I know or that interest me.

Monologue

I can use simple phrases and sentences to talk about the place where I live and the people I know.

Letter

Letter

I can write simple cards (for example, congratulations on a holiday), fill out forms, enter my last name, nationality, and address on the hotel registration sheet.

A2 (Pre-threshold level):

Understanding

Audio
tion

I understand individual phrases and the most common words in statements related to topics that are important to me (for example, basic information about myself and my family, about shopping, about where I live, about work). I understand what is being said in simple, clearly spoken, short messages and announcements.

Reading

I understand very short simple texts. I can find specific, easily predictable information in simple texts of everyday communication: in advertisements, prospectuses, menus, schedules. I understand simple personal letters.

Speaking

Dialogue

I can communicate in simple terms typical situations, requiring direct exchange of information within the framework of topics and activities familiar to me. I can hold extremely brief conversations on everyday topics, but I still don’t understand enough to carry on a conversation on my own.

Monologue

I can, using simple phrases and sentences, talk about my family and other people, living conditions, studies, current or former work.

Letter

Letter

I can write simple short notes and messages. I can write a simple letter of a personal nature (for example, expressing my gratitude to someone for something).

B1 (Threshold level):

Understanding

Audio
tion

I understand the main points of clearly spoken statements within the literary norm on topics known to me that I have to deal with at work, at school, on vacation, etc. I understand what is being said in most radio and television programs about current events, as well as those related to my personal or professional interests. The speakers' speech should be clear and relatively slow.

Reading

I understand texts based on frequency language material of everyday and professional communication. I understand descriptions of events, feelings, and intentions in personal letters.

Speaking

Dialogue

I can communicate in most situations that arise while staying in the country of the target language. I can participate without prior preparation in dialogues on a topic that is familiar/interesting to me (for example, “family”, “hobbies”, “work”, “travel”, “current events”).

Monologue

I can construct simple coherent statements about my personal impressions, events, talk about my dreams, hopes and desires. I can briefly justify and explain my views and intentions. I can tell a story or outline the plot of a book or film and express my feelings about it.

Letter

Letter

I can write simple, coherent texts on topics that are familiar or of interest to me. I can write letters of a personal nature, telling them about my personal experiences and impressions.

B2 (Threshold Advanced Level):

Understanding

Audio
tion

I understand detailed reports and lectures and even complex arguments contained in them, if the topics of these speeches are quite familiar to me. I understand almost all news and current affairs reports. I understand the content of most films if their characters speak literary language.

Reading

I understand articles and communications on contemporary issues in which the authors take a particular position or express a particular point of view. I understand modern fiction.

Speaking

Dialogue

Without preparation, I can quite freely participate in dialogues with native speakers of the target language. I can take an active part in a discussion on a problem that is familiar to me, justify and defend my point of view.

Monologue

I can speak clearly and thoroughly on a wide range of issues that interest me. I can explain my point of view on a current issue, expressing all the pros and cons.

Letter

Letter

I can write clear, detailed messages on a wide range of issues that interest me. I can write essays or reports, highlighting issues or arguing a point of view for or against. I know how to write letters, highlighting those events and impressions that are especially important to me.

Understanding

Audio
tion

I understand detailed messages, even if they have an unclear logical structure and insufficiently expressed semantic connections. I understand all television programs and films almost fluently.

Reading

I understand large complex non-fiction and fiction texts, their stylistic features. I also understand special articles and large technical instructions, even if they do not relate to my field of activity.

Speaking

Dialogue

I can express my thoughts spontaneously and fluently, without having difficulty finding words. My speech is varied linguistic means and the accuracy of their use in situations of professional and everyday communication. I can accurately formulate my thoughts and express my opinions, as well as actively support any conversation.

Monologue

I am able to clearly and thoroughly present complex topics, combine component parts into a single whole, develop individual provisions and draw appropriate conclusions.

Letter

Letter

I am able to express my thoughts clearly and logically in writing and communicate my views in detail. I am able to present complex problems in detail in letters, essays, and reports, highlighting what seems to me the most important. I am able to use a language style appropriate to the intended recipient.

Understanding

Audio
tion

I can freely understand any colloquial speech through direct or indirect communication. I can easily understand the speech of a native speaker speaking at a fast pace if I have the opportunity to get used to the individual characteristics of his pronunciation.

Reading

I freely understand all types of texts, including texts of an abstract nature, complex in composition or language: instructions, special articles and works of art.

Speaking

Dialogue

I can freely participate in any conversation or discussion and am proficient in a variety of idiomatic and colloquial expressions. I speak fluently and can express any shade of meaning. If I have difficulties in using language, I can quickly and unnoticed by others to paraphrase my statement.

Monologue

I can express myself fluently, freely and reasonably, using appropriate linguistic means depending on the situation. I can logically construct my message in such a way as to attract the attention of listeners and help them note and remember the most important points.

Letter

Letter

I can logically and consistently express my thoughts in writing, using the necessary linguistic means. I can write complex letters, reports, reports or articles that have a clear logical structure that helps the recipient note and remember the most important points. I can write summaries and reviews of both professional work and fiction.

Table 3.

Description of levels of language competence for speaking assessment.

A1 (Survival Level):

RANGE

He has a very limited vocabulary of words and phrases that are used to present information about himself and to describe specific particular situations.

ACCURACY

Limited control over the use of several simple grammatical and syntactic structures learned by heart.

FLUENCY

Can speak very briefly, utter individual statements, mainly composed of memorized units. Takes many pauses to search for an appropriate expression, pronounce less familiar words, and correct mistakes.

MUTUAL-
ACTION

Can ask personal questions and talk about himself. Can react elementarily to the speech of the interlocutor, but in general communication depends on repetition, paraphrasing and correction of errors.

CONNECTIVITY

Can connect words and groups of words using simple conjunctions that express a linear sequence, such as “and”, “then”.

A2 (Pre-threshold level):

RANGE

Uses elementary syntactic structures with memorized constructions, phrases and standard phrases to convey limited information in simple everyday situations.

ACCURACY

Uses some simple structures correctly, but still systematically makes basic mistakes.

FLUENCY

Can express ideas clearly in very short sentences, although pauses, self-corrections, and reformulations of sentences are immediately noticeable.

MUTUAL-
ACTION

Can answer questions and respond to simple statements. Can show when he/she is still following the other person's thoughts, but very rarely understands enough to carry on a conversation on their own.

CONNECTIVITY

Can connect groups of words using simple conjunctions such as “and”, “but”, “because”.

B1 (Threshold level):

RANGE

Has sufficient language skills to take part in a conversation; vocabulary allows you to communicate with a certain number of pauses and descriptive expressions on topics such as family, hobbies, hobbies, work, travel and current events.

ACCURACY

Quite accurately uses a set of constructions associated with familiar, regularly occurring situations.

FLUENCY

Can speak clearly, despite the fact that pauses for searching for grammatical and lexical means are noticeable, especially in statements of considerable length.

MUTUAL-
ACTION

Can initiate, maintain and end one-on-one conversations when the topics of discussion are familiar or individually significant. Can repeat previous remarks, thereby demonstrating his understanding.

CONNECTIVITY

Can link several fairly short simple sentences into a linear text consisting of several paragraphs.

B2 (Threshold advanced level):

RANGE

Has sufficient vocabulary to describe something and express a point of view on general issues without explicitly searching for a suitable expression. Able to use some complex syntactic structures.

ACCURACY

Demonstrates a fairly high level of control over grammatical correctness. Does not make mistakes that could lead to misunderstandings and can correct most of his own mistakes.

FLUENCY

Can produce utterances of a certain duration at a fairly even pace. May show hesitation in the selection of expressions or linguistic structures, but there are few noticeably long pauses in speech.

MUTUAL-
ACTION

Can start a conversation, enter into a conversation at the appropriate moment, and end a conversation, although sometimes these actions are characterized by a certain clumsiness. Can participate in a conversation on a familiar topic, confirming their understanding of what is being discussed, inviting others to participate, etc.

CONNECTIVITY

Can use a limited number of communication devices to connect individual statements into a single text. At the same time, in the conversation as a whole there are individual “jumps” from topic to topic.

C1 (Proficiency level):

RANGE

Masters a wide range of linguistic means, allowing him to express any of his thoughts clearly, freely and within the appropriate style. a large number of topics (general, professional, everyday), without limiting oneself in the choice of the content of the statement.

ACCURACY

Maintains a high level of grammatical accuracy at all times; Errors are rare, almost unnoticeable, and when they occur, they are corrected immediately.

FLUENCY

Capable of fluent, spontaneous utterances with virtually no effort. The smooth, natural flow of speech can only be slowed down in the case of a complex, unfamiliar topic of conversation.

MUTUAL-
ACTION

Can select a suitable expression from a wide arsenal of means of discourse and use it at the beginning of his statement in order to get the floor, maintain the position of the speaker for himself, or skillfully connect his replica with the replicas of his interlocutors, continuing the discussion of the topic.

CONNECTIVITY

Can construct clear, uninterrupted, well-organized statements that demonstrate confident command organizational structures, auxiliary parts of speech and other means of coherence.

C2 (Proficiency level):

RANGE

Demonstrates flexibility by formulating thoughts using a variety of linguistic forms to accurately convey nuances of meaning, highlight meaning, and eliminate ambiguity. Also fluent in idiomatic and colloquial expressions.

ACCURACY

Carries out constant monitoring of the correctness of complex grammatical structures, even in cases where attention is directed to planning subsequent statements and the reaction of interlocutors.

FLUENCY

Capable of long-term spontaneous utterances in accordance with the principles of spoken language; avoids or bypasses difficult places almost unnoticed by the interlocutor.

MUTUAL-
ACTION

Communicates skillfully and easily, with virtually no difficulty, also understanding non-verbal and intonation signals. Can take an equal part in the conversation, without difficulty entering at the right moment, referring to previously discussed information or information that should generally be known to other participants, etc.

CONNECTIVITY

Able to construct coherent and organized speech, correctly and fully using a large number of different organizational structures, auxiliary parts of speech and other means of communication.

Basic terms

  • Competencies represent the sum of knowledge, skills and personal qualities that allow a person to perform various actions.
  • General competencies are not linguistic, they provide any activity, including communicative.
  • Communicative language competencies allow you to carry out activities using linguistic means.
  • Context- this is a spectrum of events and situational factors against the background of which communicative actions are carried out.
  • Speech activity- this is the practical application of communicative competence in a certain area of ​​communication in the process of perception and/or generation of oral and written texts, aimed at performing a specific communicative task.
  • Types of communication activities involve the implementation of communicative competence in the process of semantic processing/creation (perception or generation) of one or more texts in order to solve the communicative task of communication in a certain field of activity.
  • Text- is a coherent sequence of oral and/or written statements (discourse), the generation and understanding of which occurs in a specific area of ​​communication and is aimed at solving a specific problem.
  • Under sphere of communication refers to a wide range public life, in which it is carried out social interaction. In relation to language learning, educational, professional, social and personal spheres are distinguished.
  • Strategy is a course of action chosen by a person aimed at solving a problem.
  • Task- this is a specific result that must be obtained through purposeful action (solving a problem, fulfilling obligations or achieving a goal).

U different people will vary. Thus, native speakers speak it perfectly, foreigners who have studied the language for a sufficient amount of time can freely explain everyday topics in it, and those who have just started learning or have been learning English for a long time know the language at an elementary level. Figuring out what level a person speaks a language is not so easy. For this purpose, there are numerous tests on the Internet; they really help determine language proficiency. But they mainly check the student’s vocabulary and grammar, but knowledge of the language is not only vocabulary and the ability to understand the rules. Therefore, in foreign language courses you will be offered not only a written test, but also will talk a little with each potential student in a foreign language, ask him various questions and invite him to speak out. Only after the student has demonstrated his knowledge in oral and written speech, in grammar and vocabulary, can one declare his level of language proficiency.

Once you assess your level of language proficiency, how should you indicate this on your resume? The first thing you need to figure out is how important is it to have language skills in the workplace? If it ranks high among candidates' priorities, you should highlight a specific section in your resume called "Languages." Companies that regularly do business with multinational companies will definitely return languages ​​to the top of their list of qualifications.

However, if the language requirement is more of a “plus,” you should simply include it as a bullet point in the “Skills” section of your resume. The Skills section should be reserved for work experience and educational experience. To support your claim of language proficiency, indicate on your resume if you have conducted additional workshops, classes, or forms of training. You can list this in the Skills section and attach a copy of your certificate or diploma as proof.

What levels of language proficiency are there?

Intermediate - this is an average level of proficiency English language. There are 6 or 7 such levels in total, depending on different approaches to determining the level of language competence: Beginner, Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, Upper-Intermediate, Advanced, Proficiency. Sometimes in foreign language courses, some of these levels are divided into sublevels in order to more accurately determine which group to enroll the student in.

The standard rule for writing skills and experience is to back up your claims with facts, figures, and other forms of measurable evidence. The same rule applies to languages. Otherwise, what you indicate will only be considered as a simple statement.

It is not enough to simply state “Speaks Japanese.” You should craft your application in such a way that the recruiter sees how the skill benefits the company. So you have to relate to actual experience on the job. Handled customer service for the company's Japanese market in Tokyo and Osaka, which required mastery of the Kansai and Shikoku dialects. Acted as a translator during annual meetings, international conferences and visits from Japanese dignitaries. Translation of documents to Japanese for the purpose of creating marketing collateral. . As a word of caution, do not overestimate your language proficiency level.

What do you need to know at the Intermediate level?

At the Intermediate level, the student is expected to have a good knowledge of the basic tenses of the English language and be able to use them in writing and speaking. The volume of his vocabulary is about 3-5 thousand words, which allows the student to speak well enough on everyday topics, understand English, and compose written texts of normal complexity. At the same time, such a student may make mistakes in speech, speak not too fluently, stammer a little, or take a long time to find words. He understands quite complex texts well - stories, novels, written literary language, popular science articles, can read the news, but does not always perceive them well by ear. A person with an Intermediate level is unlikely to be able to correctly maintain a conversation on specific and complex topics; he does not know business vocabulary, unless specifically trained in words and expressions with certain specifics.

How to indicate your level of language proficiency on your resume

The real test will be during the interview. The recruiter may hire native speakers to assess your proficiency level as it matches the company's needs. Simple question and answer forum Translation of documents Reading sections from a book Panel interviews with native speakers Audio translation. When assessing your level of language proficiency, you should be happy with the assessment without overselling your abilities.

Most companies that require language skills prefer to hire native speakers. However, they can be quite expensive. A candidate who has studied a foreign language as an additional skill may be a more viable alternative if proficiency is close to or at the level of native speakers.

Generally Intermediate level- this is a fairly good level of knowledge of the English language. It may include those who are not fluent in oral speech, but are excellent at reading books in English, as well as those who speak well, but are not very well versed in the written features of the language. This level may be sufficient for employment with the requirement of mandatory knowledge of the English language. This level of proficiency is shown by good graduates of regular schools or students of grades 8-9 of specialized schools and gymnasiums with in-depth study of the English language.

The ability to speak multiple foreign languages ​​will always be considered a strength, regardless of the specific needs of the job. This becomes more important in this day and age of globalization as linguistic skills provide a company with an integral component for business agility.

How is knowledge of foreign languages ​​determined?

You should include it on your resume because it will put you ahead of others who don't have language as a competency. You can monitor your messages. Every year, the global marketplace becomes a smaller, more connected community. With increasing frequency, job postings list foreign language skills as desirable or required in a candidate. Because of this shift in focus from general American to international, language skills must be demonstrated.

Quite often on forums dedicated to learning foreign languages, there are questions about English proficiency levels - “How do I know if I have Beginner or Elementary?”, “What do you need to know to start with Pre-Intermediate?”, “How to correctly indicate the level of language proficiency on your resume? or “I once studied English at school, am I Intermediate?” To avoid problems with your English, you need not only to choose the right school, but also to have a good understanding of what level you should start learning the language at. Let's try to figure it out together. Shall we?

Language levels for resumes

This can be done using the following methods. Provide additional information about specialized training in English and any certificates issued that indicate proficiency.

  • List language skills in a summary of qualifications at the beginning of your resume.
  • Include language skills in a separate dedicated section.
Never include resume information that indicates “familiarity with” or “proficiency” in a language. If you are non-native or fluent in the language, then your skill level in this regard has little bearing on your candidacy.

English levels

If you have ever wondered about the levels of English proficiency, you may get the impression that there is complete confusion here. But actually it is not. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR) was specifically developed to describe levels of English proficiency and is an international standard. Consists of the following levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2.

You can't do this without the help of a pivot table. We invite you to carefully consider which widely known levels of English proficiency correspond to those on the CEFR scale.

English levels
LEVELDescriptionCEFR level
Beginner You don't speak English ;)
Elementary You can say and understand some words and phrases in English A1
Pre-Intermediate You can communicate in “plain” English and understand the other person in a familiar situation, but have difficulty A2
Intermediate You can speak quite well and understand speech by ear. Express yourself using simple sentences, but have difficulty with more complex grammatical structures and vocabulary B1
Upper-Intermediate You speak and understand English well by ear, but you can still make mistakes B2
Advanced You speak English fluently and have full listening comprehension C1
Proficiency You speak English at the level of a native speaker C2

A few words about False, Low, Very and other prefixes to standard level names. Sometimes you can find such formulations as False Beginner, Low Intermediate or Very Advanced, etc. This can be called division into sublevels. For example, the False Beginner level corresponds to a person who previously studied English, but for a very short time, and who remembers practically nothing. Such a person will need less time to complete the beginner course and move to the next level, so he cannot be called a full Beginner. It's a similar story with Low Intermediate and Very Advanced. In the first case, the person has already completed the full Pre-Intermediate course and began to study Intermediate, while mastering and using in speech only a few grammatical structures and vocabulary of this level. A speaker in English with a Very Advanced level is already halfway to the coveted Proficiency. Well, you get the idea.

Language skills: Absolutely indicate level

It is not possible to specify a language name, i.e. English or Spanish only. The recipient also wants to know how well you speak the language. There is no mandatory, generally valid standard for the level of language proficiency. Basic Skills This means you have a basic vocabulary, know the most important rules grammar and can follow a simple conversation. Good This means that you can participate in conversation and understand foreign texts, such as reading a newspaper. Or is also fluent in saying that you can speak mostly without errors, understand complex texts and also speak fluently about difficult topics. This is almost equivalent to the level of native speakers: they speak impeccably, have a comprehensive vocabulary, manage idiomatic phrases, and can easily hold their own in controversial negotiations. Very good. . If you are applying abroad, you are better off following the Common European Standard.

Now let's look at the specific skills of English learners at different levels.

Beginner, aka Starter

Initial, zero level. This course begins with a phonetics course and learning the rules of reading. Vocabulary is studied, which makes it possible to communicate on everyday topics (“Acquaintance”, “Family”, “Work”, “Leisure”, “In the store”), and basic grammar is also analyzed.

Language skills: Please indicate as many as possible

It is also useful for staff if you support indicating the level of speech with specific facts, e.g. English is good. English fluently. It may also be helpful to mention that you have recently completed a refresher course, as well as receiving a reputable language certificate.

If you read and understand a foreign language well, but don't speak or write for a long time, you can indicate this differently. English: passive very good, active good. On the other hand, you can also emphasize that you are an active and passive language.

After completing the Beginner course:

  • Vocabulary is about 500-600 words.
  • Listening comprehension: phrases and sentences spoken slowly, with pauses, very clearly (for example, simple questions and directions).
  • Conversational speech: you can talk about yourself, your family, friends.
  • Reading: simple texts with familiar words and previously encountered phrases, as well as studied grammar, simple instructions (for example, a task for an exercise).
  • Writing: single words, simple sentences, fill out a form, write short descriptions.

Elementary

A basic level of. A student at this level has all the basic skills of the English language. Such everyday topics as: “Family”, “Recreation”, “Travel”, “Transport”, “Health” are studied.

Spanish is fluent. The more accurately you describe your speaking level, the better a person can judge whether your knowledge is sufficient for the paper you are writing. This way, both sides keep unpleasant surprises in the discussion. In the case of applicants who have a German surname and given name, such as Heinz Müller, who have always lived and worked in Germany and who applied in Germany, the word " German” is usually redundant in language skills. A reasonable reader would assume that a German born and raised in Germany would have mastered his or her native language.

After completing the Elementary course:

  • The vocabulary is about 1000-1300 words.
  • Listening comprehension: sentences that relate to the most common topics. When listening to the news, watching films, there is an understanding general theme or plot, especially with visual support.
  • Colloquial speech: expressing opinions, requests, provided that the context is familiar. When greeting and goodbye, talking on the phone, etc. "blanks" are used.
  • Reading: short texts with a small amount of unfamiliar vocabulary, advertisements and signs.
  • Writing: describing people and events, composing simple letters using familiar clichés.

Pre-Intermediate

Speaking level. A listener who is confident in everyday vocabulary and basic grammar is able to express opinions on everyday topics.

Rather stop a little higher

And you don't need to mention anything that goes without saying. If you are not entirely sure what level your language skills are described as, you will most likely choose a higher one. Because others are doing the same. And you don't want to be tested with basic knowledge and another candidate with a good preference even though he doesn't speak the language better than you.

However, compelling content conviction sometimes stays on the line. After all, you don't want to sell yourself undesirably at value and prematurely because you chose an unfavorable presentation mode. Now we will explain your foreign language skills.

After completing the Pre-Intermediate course:

  • The vocabulary is 1400-1800 words.
  • Listening comprehension: dialogue or monologue on everyday topics; when watching, for example, the news, you can catch all the key points. When watching films, a listener at this level may not understand individual phrases and sentences, but follows the plot. He understands films with subtitles well.
  • Conversation: you can evaluate and express your opinion regarding any event, maintain a fairly long conversation on familiar topics (“Art”, “Appearance”, “Personality”, “Movies”, “Entertainment”, etc.).
  • Reading: complex texts, including journalistic articles.
  • Letter: written expression of one’s opinion or assessment of a situation, compilation of one’s biography, description of events.

Intermediate

Average level. The listener is confident in the language and can use it in a variety of situations. Usually the Intermediate level is enough to work in a foreign company. A person who speaks English at the Intermediate level can conduct negotiations and business correspondence in English, and give presentations.

How is it customary to indicate your language level on a resume in Russia?

How can you evaluate them reliably? What makes the character different? What grades are common? And which ones are “fresh” and, above all, healthy? To provide you specific examples, we have listed for you numerous examples of wording for the most common foreign language in the profession, namely, clearly.

English language proficiency in biography: Correct level and general gradations

You can also use the above ratings to rate your Spanish, French, Italian or perhaps Russian language skills. Tested, but nevertheless quite colored and revised, data that can be read in many applications. In addition, the following differentiated classifications are also used to represent foreign language skills.

European reference system and foreign language skills

To provide greater clarity, the common European framework can also be used to classify language skills. In this brief form, without further explanation, however, the data sounds a little more bloodthirsty. Moreover, not all employees of all companies, agencies or organizations know exactly what is meant by letter number combinations. Enthusiasm for international project work or dealing with clients on a daily basis in English in this way does not transfer to a resume. Our examples from the number. . For more information about the Common European Reference System for Languages, please click here.

After completing the Intermediate course:

  • The vocabulary of a listener at this level is about 2000-2500 words.
  • Listening comprehension: grasps not only the general meaning, but also specific details, understands films, interviews, videos without translation and subtitles.
  • Conversational speech: expresses a point of view, agreement/disagreement on almost any non-isolated topic. Can actively participate in discussion or debate on non-specific topics without preparation.
  • Reading: understands complex texts not related to familiar topics and areas of life, unadapted literature. Can understand the meaning of unfamiliar words from the context (fiction, information sites, dictionary entries).
  • Writing: can compose a letter in formal and informal style, can use written English proficiently, can compose long descriptions events and history, give personal comments.

Upper-Intermediate

Above average level. An Upper-Intermediate level listener knows and skillfully uses complex grammatical structures and a variety of vocabulary.

After completing the Upper-Intermediate course:

  • The vocabulary consists of 3000-4000 words.
  • Listening comprehension: understands well even linguistically complex speech on unfamiliar topics, almost completely understands videos without translation or subtitles.
  • Conversational speech: can freely give his assessment of any situation, make comparisons or contrasts, uses different speech styles.
  • The conversation is conducted in both formal and informal style. Speaks competently with a small number of errors, can catch and correct his mistakes.
  • Reading: has a large vocabulary to understand non-adapted English texts.
  • Writing: Can independently write articles, formal and informal letters. Can know and use different styles when creating written text.

Advanced

Advanced level. Students at the Advanced level have a very confident command of the English language and make only minor mistakes in their speech, which do not in any way affect the effectiveness of communication. Students at this level can study special disciplines in English.

After completing the Advanced course:

  • The vocabulary is about 4000-6000 words.
  • Listening comprehension: understands speech that is not clearly pronounced (for example, announcements at a train station or at the airport), perceives complex information in detail (for example, reports or lectures). Understands up to 95% of information on video without translation.
  • Speaking: Uses English very effectively for spontaneous communication, using both conversational and formal communication styles depending on the situation. speech situation. Uses phraseological units and idioms in speech.
  • Reading: easily understands non-adapted fiction and non-fiction literature, complex articles on specific topics (physics, geography, etc.)
  • Writing: Can write formal and informal letters, narratives, articles, essays, scientific papers.

Proficiency

Fluency in English. The last level according to the CEFR classification C2 describes a person who speaks English at the level of an educated native speaker. The only problems such a person may encounter are cultural problems. A person may, for example, not understand a quote if it refers to some popular program or book that is known to almost all native speakers, but may be unknown to a person who did not grow up in the environment.

Conclusion

It should be remembered that the level of language proficiency is assessed by a set of skills and there is no universal recipe for achieving a particular level. You can't say, "You should learn 500 more words or 2 grammar topics and voila - you're already at the next level." By the way, you can check your level of English on our website: comprehensive English language test.

There are a great many ways to achieve one level or another - these are all kinds of courses and language schools, tutors, tutorials, newsletters, online lessons, and of course English via Skype. Which one to go with is up to you to choose. The main thing is that it is useful.

There are also many additional services to improve the language. These include social networks created specifically for learning foreign languages, and various discussion clubs, and resources that provide films with and without subtitles in the original language, audio recordings, adapted and non-adapted literature. You can find out about all these aids and how exactly and at what levels to use them in the blog on our website in the blog. Stay tuned for new articles.

By the way, as you read this article, 700 million people around the world are learning English. Join us!

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The level of foreign language must be filled out in an accessible form, both for the employer and for the manager who will select your resume for an interview.

Take care of it! Writing example:

Advanced(Highest level of proficiency)

Upper-Intermediate(Fluency)

Intermediate(Average knowledge)

Pre-Intermediate(A basic level of)

Beginning(First level)

Getting a good higher education is not enough. It is difficult to pass successfully and get a long-awaited vacancy in a decent institution without having the skills to speak a foreign language fluently.

A prestigious job is more likely to be obtained by a candidate with knowledge of English than by an applicant who indicated in the “level of proficiency” column – with a dictionary. Such an answer will finally convince the employer that he is an amateur and will push the applicant’s resume to the bottom rung of the career ladder.

What professions require knowledge of English?

Today, everyone needs people with knowledge of foreign languages. They are waiting for them and want to see them among their employees. Almost all prestigious professions require language proficiency.

  • The first position is that of a translator. This type of activity requires proficiency in foreign English at the highest level.
  • Second place went to the diplomat. His specialty requires not only knowledge of English, but also other languages ​​of international level.
  • Knowledge of the language is also required. There is no point in entering the IT field without these skills. computer world everything is built in the language of the West.
  • For the same reason, neither an SMM manager nor an Internet marketer can do without it.
  • , manager, scientist, pilot, flight attendant, businessman, and even simply must speak foreign languages.
  • Artistic professions such as musicians, artists, make-up artists, stylists, costume designers and artists must be able to communicate fluently in English.

Expert opinion

Natalia Molchanova

HR manager

The labor market is oversaturated with specialists every year. Former students Today they are in search of their place in life. It is possible to beat out many other newly minted engineers, accountants, or even freelancers if you have a significant advantage in stock - the proper level of English proficiency.

How to correctly indicate your level of foreign language proficiency on your resume

Many candidates face the same problem: how to correctly indicate the level of English language proficiency on a resume. The lack of a single generally accepted system, as well as the difference between Russian and international formulations, entails some difficulties when applying for a job.

In Russia, Ukraine and other CIS countries, language levels are described as follows:

  • Applicants can indicate their specific skills in their resume: “reading and translating with a dictionary,” “everyday skills,” “fluency.”
  • You can use another assessment classification: “basic knowledge”, “spoken”, “good”, “fluent”, “perfect”.

When compiling a resume, a whole block is allocated to indicate information about the level of your knowledge in foreign languages. If, besides English, you have another language in your arsenal, you need to indicate that too. Dive into more detail about your ability to understand English. For employers of large Russian and international companies, this aspect is of particular importance.

However, the international gradation of the level of English language proficiency has become the most quoted. The following degrees can be noted here:

  • Level C 2 is considered the highest.
  • Advanced level is considered C 1. (Advanced / Proficiency Level).
  • Intermediate advanced – level B 2. Intermediate (Upper-intermediate Level).
  • Average degree of understanding at level B 1. Threshold (Intermediate Level).
  • Knowledge is below average. – level A 2. Basic (Basic / Pre-intermediate Level).
  • Entry level A 1. Elementary (Elementary/Beginning Level).

How to determine your level of English proficiency

Expert opinion

Natalia Molchanova

HR manager

In the absence of time to take tests, we suggest orally determining your skills in knowledge of foreign dialects. It's actually very simple! It’s enough to answer positively the points regarding the level, can you?

Below average (Pre-Intermediate). An applicant who meets the level must

  • Be able to construct complex sentences.
  • Develop conversational speech.
  • Find out what is being discussed during a simple conversation.
  • Try to talk to foreigners without gesturing.
  • Correctly construct interrogative, negative and declarative sentences.

Intermediate level assumes

  • Fairly fluent spoken English.
  • The vocabulary should be sufficient for communication.
  • Correct writing and correct reading.
  • Excellent understanding of what the interlocutor said.
  • Perception of books and films in a native foreign language.

A high average level of knowledge (Upper-Intermediate) allows

  • Freely conduct conversations on various topics with clients, employees, foreign partners, friends and just strangers.
  • Have a high level of writing
  • Construct conversational structures with additions.

Advanced. It is typical for him

  • The ability to speak masterfully, using complex phrases and original idioms.
  • Competently write letters, conduct business correspondence, conduct negotiations, absolutely understand television programs, films, and the content of newspapers.
  • Perception and presentation at the media level.

How to indicate your language proficiency level on your resume

Expert opinion

Natalia Molchanova

HR manager

If your language skills leave much to be desired, then you should skip this point altogether in your resume.

Of course, it is difficult to objectively assess your level of knowledge on your own. Taking free online tests will help shed light on this issue. They are posted on the websites of language schools. It is better to take several tests as the results may vary slightly. A more accurate assessment of language proficiency can be displayed on a resume by setting the average score.

German language proficiency levels

When describing other international languages ​​(German, French, Spanish), the criteria for assessing the level of proficiency are the same as in English.



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