My English student is from another country.

Anonymous

May 27,2022 at 12:36PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

My English student is from another country. She was a well qualified, experienced HR professional in her country and is wanting to find a job here in the US. The problem is that she hasn't worked in the 8 years that she's lived here. This is mainly because until recently she didn't have work authorization. How should she address this work gap on her resume? She hasn't done any volunteering work either.

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

6 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

6 Comments

Join the conversation

AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 1:24PM UTC
Has she been keeping up with trends in the field, updating her education, upskilling, anything of that nature? Even if she has been a mentor or a tutor to a neighbour... that would be something. The gap is easy to explain- work visa timeframe, but if she has been doing absolutely nothing with her time to better herself, she's going to run into some issues.
AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 2:10PM UTC
If she did anything productive to fill her time for 8 yrs like school or training she should fill the resume and cover letter addressing those things
AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 2:35PM UTC
You mentioned she's your English student, so it sounds as though English is not her first language (ESL classes?).
Was there a language issue that kept her from volunteering or doing other things? I don't know if that would explain the entire 8 years, but taking classes, especially intensive ones, would explain some of that time. We're missing info as to the rest, I have the same question as prospective employers: what was she doing?
Harriet WithersMay 27,2022 at 8:04PM UTC
Yes, English is actually her third language, however she is really high level and very fluent. I am just working on small things with her, grammar, correct word usage, occassional pronunciation. It seems she has spent her time at home, traveling and reading a lot. None of it is work related which is my concern. I would like to help her update her resume which is quite impressive in terms of experience and the scope of the work she has done but of coure there's nothing for the last 8 years.
jd dacawiMay 27,2022 at 2:46PM UTC
Help her reflect on pertinent activities that filled the work gap and highlight skills that are pertinent to the position. It will help also to look for companies that offer returnship programs/opportunities i.e. J&J's Re-Ignite. It would also be good for her to reflect on what she really wants to do and find a short program, networking activity or skills-building workshop that aligns with that - sort of personal returnship/internship process to help her jumpstart again
Harriet WithersMay 27,2022 at 8:06PM UTC
Thank you, I like these idea and will pass them on to her.