What English Level is Needed for Global Companies? A Guide to TOEIC, IELTS & Versant Scores by Industry [2026 Edition]

"I want to work for a global company, but I'm not sure if my English skills are sufficient."

"What exactly does 'business level' on a job description mean?"

When considering a career move to a global company, many professionals face the "English proficiency barrier."

In reality, requirements like "TOEIC 800" on a job description are merely a starting point. During the hiring process, what's truly scrutinized is not the score itself, but your practical ability to perform tasks in English.

Based on the latest trends for 2025-2026, this article breaks down the "real English proficiency standards" that global companies require by industry, and provides key strategies to pass the document screening and interview stages.

What You'll Learn in This Article

• Industry Benchmarks: The "cut-off scores" and "practical skill levels" for major industries like IT, consulting, and finance.
• Hiring Realities: Why candidates with high TOEIC scores can still fail interviews and what to do about it.
• Level Definitions: Quantifying vague terms like "business level" and "fluent" with objective metrics (CEFR/IELTS).
• Strategies for Success: How to prepare effectively to secure a job offer, going beyond just test scores.

1. English Proficiency Benchmarks for Global Companies by Industry

The term "business level" is interpreted differently by each company.

Based on data from actual job descriptions (JDs) and hiring managers, we've compiled the required English proficiency levels by industry.

Required English Proficiency Matrix by Industry

A Note from a Hiring Manager:

Even if a job description lists "TOEIC 800," consider it strictly a "cut-off for the initial screening." During the interview, your score itself is never discussed. The only thing that matters is how you answer questions like, "What is your greatest strength?" in English.

2. Why Do Candidates with a "TOEIC 900" Still Fail the Interview?

Even candidates who excel at reading and listening (TOEIC L&R) can fail the selection process at global companies. They often share three common weaknesses. Recently, more companies are adopting speaking tests like Versant in addition to TOEIC scores.

① Failure to Speak with a "Conclusion-First" (PREP) Approach

A narrative style that builds from background to reason and finally to the conclusion is often perceived in English interviews as "long-winded" or "unclear."

• Global Standard: Point → Reason → Example → Point (Conclusion)

② Ineffective Use of "Action Verbs"

Passive phrases like "I was in charge of..." are not viewed favorably.

• Global Standard: You need to highlight your accomplishments using strong action verbs like "Achieved," "Led," or "Solved."

③ Freezing Up When Asked Unexpected Questions

Even with a perfectly memorized script, if you freeze when asked a follow-up question like, "Can you tell me more about that?" you will be judged as "unable to handle practical, on-the-job situations." It indicates a lack of spontaneous communication skills.

3. Defining "Business Level" (Conversion to CEFR & IELTS)

We've converted the vague expressions often found in job descriptions into objective metrics (CEFR, IELTS, TOEIC). Use this to check your current level.

Proficiency Level Definition Chart

Key Takeaway: The "business level" required by most global companies refers to CEFR B2 or higher. This is equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0-6.5.

4. Two Essential Strategies to Secure a Job Offer

You need to shift your mindset from simply studying English to strategic "job search preparation."

Strategy A: Your English Resume (CV) is Not a "Translation"

Directly translating a Japanese-style resume will not be effective. An English resume is a "marketing document designed to sell your skills."

• Don't: Simply list your job duties (e.g., "was responsible for," "created").
• Do: Focus on numbers and results (e.g., "Increased sales by 20%," "Reduced costs by 15%").

Strategy B: Prepare for Interviews Using the "STAR Method"

Prepare your answers based on the "STAR method," which is the standard for interviews at global companies.

• S (Situation): What was the context?
• T (Task): What was the challenge or task?
• A (Action): What specific action did you take? (This is the most critical part).
• R (Result): What was the outcome? (Quantify it).

To Build "Interview Skills," Not Just "English Skills," Choose ELT

Preparing for a career move to a global company on your own can be challenging. You need an objective perspective to know if your resume uses "language that impresses recruiters" and if your interview answers are "logical and compelling."

"Career-Focused" Support from Native Instructors

At ELT, our team of instructors, who are 100% native English speakers including professionals from London, will support your successful career transition.

① English Resume/CV Editing and Review

We listen to your career history and advise on how to rewrite it using more compelling and professional language (Action Verbs). We help you create a "winning resume," not just a "translation."

② Realistic "Mock Interviews"

We go beyond practicing standard questions by coaching you on how to handle unexpected inquiries and use formal expressions appropriate for a business setting.

"I don't want to give up on my career goals because of English."

If this sounds like you, why not start with a professional assessment of your current skills?