International work experience is a key element of gaining local recognition

An overwhelming majority (80%) of Turkish recruiters highly value a candidate’s international work history, contrasting with their reluctance (45%) to hire someone who has too much experience in relation to the job opening. Turkish recruiters are not alone in preferring candidates to apply for a role at the right level, not below – following the old saying that it is better to aim for the stars.

International and volunteering experience (54%) are two of the top non skill-based competences Turkish companies want to see on a CV. They appreciate it shows the candidate will be highly flexible and adaptable in their new working environment, and unafraid of change or new situations and systems.

What should you include on your CV?

In our recent study ‘What’s Important On Your CV?’ we surveyed 4,245 candidates and 619 recruitment consultants to better understand what you should - or shouldn’t - include when writing your CV.

Voluntarily taking the path to career success

“Social responsibility projects and international experience show a lot about the personality of the candidate,” Resourcing Specialist Ezgi Baş explains. “Firstly, about the communication skills and the entrepreneurial spirit. Especially for global companies or multi-cultural work environments, where voluntary activities often taking place, I believe those types of candidate fit better.” As a candidate, the experience you look for outside of the office will continue to benefit you throughout your career, explains resourcing specialist Nergis Bıçakçı, because “these candidates are specifically very suitable for manager roles, as these kind of experiences help to develop human and soft skills.”

References are key in connecting you to your CV… remember to be social!

Turkish recruiters and employers search for well-educated and highly knowledgeable people, so include as much information as possible about your background. Highlight your employment and your functions in each position, and explain your education. Above this though, 71% of recruiters really want to see references in your CV as they act as evidence by supporting your statements in a personal, professional way.

Make sure to update your social media profiles because 73% of Turkish recruiters recommend that you carefully manage you social media presence. Be aware that not only professional channels such as LinkedIn play an important role, as recruiters also use Facebook or Twitter as reliable resources to judge your character through your posts.

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