Searching for a job is challenging enough, but for an international professional with a foreign degree, it can feel like you’re navigating an extra layer of complexity. You’ve worked hard for your education and have valuable skills to offer, but how do you effectively communicate the worth of your international credentials to hiring managers and human resources departments? The answer lies in your credential evaluation.
This document isn’t just a formality; it’s a powerful tool that can translate your academic achievements into a language employers understand, helping you to build trust, demonstrate your qualifications, and ultimately land the job you deserve. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to Use Your Credential Evaluation to Support Your Job Search.
Why Your Credential Evaluation is a Secret Weapon for Your Career?
Your international degree is a testament to your global perspective and adaptability, but a potential employer in a new country may not be familiar with your university or its grading system. This is where a credential evaluation comes in. It serves as a certified, objective report that compares your academic and professional qualifications to the educational standards of your new country.
This process essentially bridges the gap between your educational background and the local job market. It removes the guesswork for employers, who can now see in black and white that your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s or master’s degree, for example.
Understanding what is a credential evaluation is the first step toward making your job application stand out. This official report builds immediate credibility and trustworthiness, proving that your education meets the required standards.
One of the main reasons for getting a credential evaluation is to overcome common employer hesitations. Hiring managers are busy, and they may not have the time or resources to verify your foreign credentials themselves. By presenting a completed evaluation, you’ve done the work for them, making your application a more attractive and streamlined option. This simple step can turn your international background from a potential question mark into a clear asset.
Step-by-Step Guide: Leveraging Your Evaluation in Every Stage of the Job Hunt
The value of your credential evaluation extends far beyond just having the document on file. It’s a strategic asset that should be integrated into your entire job search process, from planning to interviewing.
Before You Apply: Strategic Job Search Planning
Before you even start submitting applications, your credential evaluation should guide your search. Use your evaluation report to understand the U.S. equivalent of your foreign degree. This will allow you to accurately target roles and industries that match your educational level and qualifications.
For example, if your degree from a foreign university is evaluated as a U.S. bachelor’s degree, you should confidently apply for jobs that list that specific requirement. In some fields, like engineering, healthcare, or education, your evaluation may also be a prerequisite for professional licensing in the U.S. It’s a critical document to have on hand.
Optimizing Your Resume & Cover Letter
Your resume is your first impression, and it’s where you should strategically place information about your credentials evaluation. In the “Education” section, after listing your degree and university, add a simple, powerful line: “(Evaluated by [NACES Member Organization] as equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor’s Degree).”
This concise statement immediately provides clarity to both the human recruiter and the applicant tracking system (ATS). It preemptively answers a potential question and positions your international education as a verified, recognized achievement. Your cover letter can also be a great place to expand on this.
You can mention that a reputable credential evaluation provider has verified your international credentials and how your global experience makes you a valuable candidate.
Standing Out on Your LinkedIn Profile
Just as you would on your resume, update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your credential evaluation. In the “Education” section, add a note about your degree equivalency. This makes it visible to recruiters who are actively searching for candidates with your qualifications.
You should also highlight your international experience in your “About” and “Experience” sections. For example, you can talk about the skills you gained from navigating a different academic system, such as adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving. This positions your unique background as a competitive advantage in a globalized workplace.
Acing the Interview: Proving Your Value with Confidence
The interview is your opportunity to bring your skills and qualifications to life. Your credential evaluation can play a subtle yet powerful role in this stage.
Preparing for Questions about Your Education
A hiring manager may ask you about your international education out of genuine curiosity or to confirm your qualifications. Be prepared to talk about your university, your field of study, and what you learned.
You can even mention that you have an official credential evaluation report available. While you don’t need to bring the physical document to every interview, having it ready to share can demonstrate your professionalism and preparedness. It’s also worth noting the required documents for credential evaluation and ensuring you have them all on hand just in case.
Bringing Your Report to the Interview (Optional)
In some cases, especially for smaller companies or if the hiring manager seems unfamiliar with the process, you may want to have your report easily accessible. This can be a physical copy or a digital file you can share. Politely offering to show the report or send a copy can reinforce your expertise and trustworthiness. It shows you’re not just making a claim about your education, instead, you have the proof to back it up.
Beyond the Offer: Using Your Evaluation for Fair Compensation
Your credential evaluation can also be a valuable tool when it comes to negotiating your salary. If an employer initially offers a salary that seems low because they are unsure of your education’s worth, you can use your report as leverage. It provides a clear, third-party assessment that justifies a higher pay grade, ensuring you are compensated fairly for your education level.
Additionally, the evaluation report can streamline the background check process. Many employers will use a service to verify your educational history. By providing a completed report from a reputable provider, you can make this process faster and smoother for both you and the company. When you are looking for a provider, you should know what to look for in a credential evaluation provider.
Expert Advice and Final Takeaways
To ensure your credential evaluation is as effective as possible, it’s crucial to choose a reputable provider. Organizations that are members of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) are generally considered the gold standard and are widely recognized by employers and educational institutions across the U.S.
Your international education is an asset, not a hindrance. It shows that you are a resilient, globally-minded, and ambitious individual. Your credential evaluation is simply the tool that helps you communicate that value clearly.
By using it strategically on your resume, LinkedIn, and in interviews, you’re not just presenting a document—you’re proving your qualifications, building trust, and confidently moving forward in your job search. Don’t let your hard work go unrecognized; let your evaluation be your guide to a successful career in your new country.
Get Your Credentials Evaluated With My Evaluation Pal
Starting your journey abroad begins with a trusted credential evaluation. At My Evaluation Pal, we provide fast and accurate assessments that are designed to meet admission, immigration, or job requirements with ease. Let us handle the paperwork while you focus on the opportunities ahead.
Book a Free Demo | Talk to Our Experts
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Do all employers require a credential evaluation?
No, not all employers require a credential evaluation. However, many, especially larger corporations and those in highly regulated industries, prefer or require one to ensure that your international education meets their hiring standards. Even if it’s not a requirement, presenting a credential evaluation can give you a significant advantage, as it proactively clarifies your qualifications and demonstrates your professionalism. It simplifies the hiring process for the HR department and the hiring manager.
What is the best way to mention my credential evaluation on my resume?
The most effective way is to include it directly in the “Education” section of your resume. After listing your foreign degree, university, and graduation date, add a simple, clear line like: “Evaluated by [Name of NACES Member Organization] as equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor’s Degree.” This concise statement provides immediate clarity to both humans and applicant tracking systems (ATS).
How can I explain my credential evaluation to a hiring manager during an interview?
When asked about your education, you can confidently state that your academic credentials have been verified by a reputable, third-party organization. You can say something like, “To ensure my foreign degree is easily understood, I had my academic credentials evaluated. The report confirms my education is equivalent to a U.S. [e.g., Master’s Degree].” This shows you are prepared and committed to making your qualifications transparent.
Can a credential evaluation help me with salary negotiations?
Yes, absolutely. A credential evaluation can be a powerful tool for salary negotiations. It serves as an objective, third-party report that validates the value of your education. Suppose a job’s salary is tied to a specific education level. In that case, you can use your evaluation report as concrete evidence that your qualifications meet or exceed that level, helping you justify your requested compensation and ensure a fair assessment of your skills.
What’s the difference between a “Document-by-Document” and a “Course-by-Course” evaluation? Which one should I get for a job search?
A Document-by-Document evaluation lists your degrees and their U.S. equivalency. A Course-by-Course evaluation provides a more detailed breakdown, including a list of subjects, credit hours, and a GPA equivalent. For most general job searches and immigration purposes, a Document-by-Document report is sufficient. However, if you are seeking a professional license or applying for a job in a highly specific field (like engineering or medicine), a Course-by-Course evaluation is often required.
How does a credential evaluation affect a company’s background check?
A credential evaluation report can significantly streamline the academic portion of a background check. Instead of the employer having to contact an unfamiliar international university to verify your transcripts, they can simply use your official evaluation report from a trusted NACES member organization. This process is faster, more reliable, and demonstrates your trustworthiness.