When crafting personal information in a resume, job seekers typically focus on highlighting their contact details, professional summary, and relevant social media profiles such as LinkedIn.
But, some may wonder if including their nationality is necessary as well. Certain job seekers feel that nationality must be included on their resumes, others have contrasting opinions.
Nationality refers to the country in which an individual holds citizenship, and in today's globalized job market, it can be a sensitive topic.
Therefore, we will examine the potential advantages and drawbacks of disclosing your nationality, discuss the legal considerations, and provide guidance on how to include dual citizenship.
So, let us begin and help you navigate the decision of whether or not to include your nationality on your resume.
- Is it necessary to include nationality in a resume?
- When should you put nationality in a resume?
- How to write nationality in a resume?
- Do you put dual citizenship on a resume?
Mentioning Your Nationality in Resume
Including nationality in a resume is recommended for some countries like South Africa, but it is not necessary or recommended in the United States. In fact, it can even be against the law to ask for this information in the hiring process due to anti-discrimination policies.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) prohibits employers from discriminating against candidates based on their nationality, race, gender, religion, age, and other protected characteristics. Therefore, asking for nationality in a resume or during an interview can be perceived as an attempt to discriminate against certain applicants.
For this reason, only include nationality in your resume if it is specifically required by the employer, which is rare. Instead, focus on showcasing relevant qualifications and achievements to stand out as the best candidate for the job.
3 Exceptions When Nationality in Resume May Be Relevant
While it is generally considered best practice to omit any personal information, including nationality, from your resume, there are some scenarios where it may be relevant or even required. Here are a few exceptions:
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International Jobs or Work Visas: When applying for a job abroad or seeking a work visa, your nationality may be required to determine your eligibility to work in that country. In such cases, include your nationality in your resume or job application.
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Government or Defense Jobs: Some government or defense jobs may require applicants to have U.S. citizenship or a specific security clearance. Nationality in a resume may be relevant to determine if the candidate meets the eligibility criteria.
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Diversity Hiring Programs: Some companies conduct diversity hiring programs to target specific underrepresented groups. Nationality becomes relevant in such cases as the program requires individuals from certain countries or regions.
Determining whether or not to include your nationality in your resume also depends on the specific job or industry.
Research the job posting and company to see if they require or prefer applicants from a certain nationality or region. If you are still unclear, It is best to err on the side of caution and omit nationality in case the instructions.
Also read: What is the difference between chronological and functional resume?
How to Write Nationality on Your Resume?
When writing a resume, including your nationality can be a tricky subject. Here are some tips on how to write nationality on a resume:
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Be clear and concise: If you choose to include your nationality, make sure it is easy to read and understand. Do not go overboard with detailed explanations or personal stories about your background. A simple statement like "Citizen of [country]" or "Dual citizen of [country] and [country]" is enough.
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Be honest: Your resume is a reflection of who you are, and accuracy is crucial. Be truthful about your nationality, and do not try to misrepresent it. Remember that honesty is always the best policy.
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Consider the job requirements: Depending on the job, your nationality may or may not be relevant. For example, if you are applying for a job that requires a security clearance, your citizenship status may be critical. Otherwise, refrain from mentioning it.
Also read: What is the Canadian standard resume format?
Tips to Showcase Your Unique Value and Cross-Cultural Experience
Dual citizenship can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the job and the company culture.
Some employers may see it as an asset as it could bring unique perspectives and cultural diversity to the workplace. However, some may have concerns over potential conflicts of interest, especially if one of the countries has political tensions or different values.
If you choose to include dual citizenship on your resume, make sure to emphasize the benefits and how it can add value to the position you are applying for. It is also important to be aware of any legal implications of holding dual citizenship and to ensure that you are authorized to work in the country you are applying to.
Additionally, if you have lived or worked in different countries, you may want to consider highlighting your language skills, cross-cultural experience, and adaptability to showcase your ability to work in a diverse environment.
Also read: How to answer "What makes you unique?" during interviews?
Conclusion
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Only include nationality in your resume if it is specifically required by the employer. Instead, focus on showcasing relevant qualifications and achievements in your resume.
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There are 3 exceptions where you can consider including nationality in your resume - international jobs, government jobs, and for companies that host diversity hiring programs.
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Including your nationality on a resume can be a personal choice. However, if you choose to include it, be clear and concise, honest, and consider the job requirements. Remember that being truthful and accurate is always the best policy.
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If you have lived or worked abroad, you might want to emphasize your language abilities, cross-cultural knowledge, and adaptability to show that you can function in a variety of settings through dual citizenship.
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