My grandfather found jobs by having coffee and chatting with neighbors. I started with mailed cover letters. Now we’re all online – but real connections still matter most.
Like our journey with food: from grandmother’s hearty bread to processed snacks and back to authentic sourdough. Job hunting’s the same – we’ve circled back to what works: genuine human connections.
My client Joelle – fluent in three languages, lived in four countries – wasn’t getting noticed on LinkedIn. Here’s how we fixed that:
- Craft a headline that stops the scroll 📣
Joelle’s old headline: “Marketing Manager | Fluent in English, French, Chinese”
Her new headline: “Marketing Manager connecting Western brands with Asian markets | Launching campaigns that respect local cultures while delivering global results”
This immediately shows what problem she solves with her background.
- Show why your international experience matters 📊
Before: “Worked with international teams across Asia and Europe.”
After: “Helped Singapore and German teams communicate better, cutting delays by 37% and saving €145,000.”
Et oui, specific results make recruiters notice you.
- Create a “Global Impact” section up top 🌎
Diego started getting interviews after adding a section highlighting:
- Translation error catch that saved $200K
- Customer loyalty boost in Latin America (23%)
- Cross-cultural training program now used in 4 offices
Two days later, a recruiter contacted him about an unadvertised position.
- Customize for cultural context 🧩
What impresses in New York might not work in Tokyo:
- US/Canada: Show personal achievements and results
- Europe: Emphasize collaboration and sustainability
- Asia: Demonstrate respect for hierarchy and relationships
A client who “Europeanized” her American-style profile got three interview requests in one week after months of silence.
- Use multiple languages strategically 🗣️
Write your main post in your primary language, then add translations as the first comment. Include flag symbols (🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇨🇳) for easy navigation.
In your profile, weave language skills into achievements: “Negotiated supplier contracts in Portuguese, securing 18% better terms than English-speaking colleagues.”
- Showcase international work in “Featured”🏆
Use LinkedIn’s Featured section to highlight:
- International presentations
- Articles about global markets
- Cross-cultural projects
- International certifications
One client’s multilingual project presentation became an instant conversation starter in interviews.
- Join global conversations 🔗
Find groups where professionals from multiple countries discuss your industry. Don’t just observe – contribute, especially when you can bridge cultural perspectives.
That’s how Maya connected with a Singapore recruiter who introduced her to her current boss.
- Turn relocation gaps into strength stories ✈️
Address international moves directly, swiftly:
“2018-2019: International Transition – Relocated from Brazil to Canada, completed language certification, and conducted informational interviews with 30+ industry leaders to understand Canadian market nuances.”
This shows initiative rather than leaving an unexplained gap.
⚠️ Photo considerations across cultures ⚠️
Attention! Photos have different regional expectations:
- US/UK: Friendly, approachable
- Germany/Northern Europe: More serious, professional
- Asia: Formal business attire
- Middle East: Conservative presentation
For global targeting, choose a middle ground – professionally dressed with a subtle smile.
Results
Six weeks after these changes, Maya started getting serious attention. Instead of defending her “unusual” background, interviewers asked how her international experience could help their expansion plans.
Your global background isn’t a weakness – it’s your competitive edge. Kryptonite! But only when you show exactly how it solves problems that matter.
What international expertise are you hiding on your LinkedIn profile right now? Book your chat !
