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Anonymous
08/01/19 at 9:50PM UTC
in
Career

Having trouble building my resume

So I worked as an English as a Second Language teacher for eight years back in the country I'm from. I'm now living in the US and after a few sabbatical years, I'm now looking for a new job. Teaching English as a foreigner living in the US is not something I want or that others look for, so I'm looking to start something new. I decided to look for simple entry-level positions, possibly customer service related. The thing is, I'm having trouble phrasing my work experience and skills in a way that accurately translates who I am and what I can do. I have great soft skills but I lack in anything technological lol I'm not even that strong in Microsoft Office suite, no idea how to use even Excel. However, I'm really good with social media, but I don't know how to phrase that. So the "skills" portion of my resume pretty much just contains my language skills and looks really short and empty. I thought about turning it into "Skills & Interests" and add my interest for spirituality and energy healing, but I found info online saying it's a big no-no to add something like that. I also worked on a summary but now I just read an article from Fairygodboss itself saying it's not actually necessary to have one. I'd like to post it here and hear your advice on it, please! Here's my summary: "My background and experience as an English teacher in Brazil (my native country) for eight years has allowed me to interact with and learn how to handle and understand people from different ages, cultural and social backgrounds as I worked with hundreds of students over the years. Learning a second language is still a privilege in my country of origin, and my favorite part in doing that work was knowing I was an integral piece in helping make someone’s dream come true, and in helping someone’s horizon broaden to unimaginable scopes. My personality leans towards the introverted and shy side of the spectrum, and I find that makes me a great listener and observer. I’m also kind, friendly, considerate, intuitive, organized, responsible, and dedicated." How does it sound? Would you toss my resume or keep reading after that summary? Thanks in advance!

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LEANNE TOBIAS
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Investment real estate/sustainability
08/01/19 at 10:36PM UTC
1. Are you still interested in teaching? If yes, your previous work experience is applicable to the following jobs in the U.S. -ESL teacher for elementary school students, high school students, adults. -Teach Portuguese and Brazilian cultural and business practices to companies/government organizations who are sending employees to Brazil. -Are there any companies/ organizations in your area that are involved in promoting cross-cultural experiences? You might be an excellent facilitator for such a program. -Have you taught or coached anything other than ESL? Asking because you sound like an excellent coach/trainer generally, and might be able to get a teaching job outside of ESL. 2. With regard to your resume: your introduction is too long and wordy, in my judgment of . Summarize your strengths (ESL, teaching, types of students you’ve educated) in one or 2 word “bullets” at the top of your resume. Leave out observations about your character (shy, introverted, etc.) 3. No to putting in your interests, unless directly relevant to the job you are applying for.
Anonymous
08/02/19 at 1:29AM UTC
Thank you for your suggestions, I'll definitely keep them in mind. - I'm in one of the areas with the highest Hispanic population in the US, so all cross-cultural programs in regards to integration I see go in that direction. I have never even seen any positions being offered in regards to Brazilians, but it's an interesting thing to consider. - I don't really have a degree so, no, I have not taught or coached outside of ESL. It's funny you mention that, though, because I have been considering becoming a life coach. I think investing in that would give me the opportunity to merge many interests of mine into one occupation. - Thank you for the suggestions on how to fix my summary. I already included my strengths in the description of my work experience under the teaching position, actually, and similar wording was used in the recommendation letters I have, so I think it would be too much if I added that to the summary. I think I'll just probably cut the summary out altogether.
User deleted comment on 08/01/19 at 11:59PM UTC

You're invited.

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