EAD has been approved

[nathandace 0]

Hey all,

I'm back once again with another question. For those of you who don't know, I came to the US on a K1 fiance visa. I'm currently going through the AOS application process. As y'all can probably see, my EAD has recently been approved. Now I'm getting ready to apply for my SSN and DL.

In the meantime, I'm looking to work on my resume so that it will be one less thing for me to worry about when it comes down to applying for a job. I was wondering if anyone would like to give me some pointers on writing a resume?

When doing your resume did you include your work experience from your home country before comming to the US on a K1? or did you "start fresh" so to speak and create a resume based on the time you entered into the US?

For example, I have been in the US almost a full year (in july 2010). During the time (as y'all probably already know) I wasn't able to work...but I did volunteering (also known as being an unpaid helper) in a nursery at my husband's familys church during the sermon on Sunday's. When they needed an extra set of hands.

My education is in Early Childhood Education. I graduated with honors. Therefore If I were to write a resume since I entered the US, it would be based on my volunteer experience...I would put the churchs contact information as well as my education.

If it doesnt make a difference if my job information from Canada were to be on my resume, then I would list it. The only thing is I worked in customer service to pay for my schooling to get my Early Childhood Education diploma/degree. So the type of job I want to apply for is different that the customer service experience that I have. Even though I have done placements working with children throughout school, and helped out at church.

Has anyone had any problems when applying for jobs because of where they were from before comming into the US? This question is directed to those of you who have gone through the AOS experience and applied and been hired for a job. Basically I would like to hear how ya'll did it. I'm not sure if I'm making much sence, but input would be appreciated.

C&N

ps. I apologise in advance for any spelling errors

[HeatDeath 430]

I've been applying for jobs in the fields of adult education, customer service, and computer programming for the last 2 months. While I haven't heard much (due partially to the economy and primarily, I think, to being overqualified for customer service and under-qualified for programming), I have gotten some callbacks and interviews using a resume that includes, exclusively, my Canadian work experience and education. I can't think of any reason not to include it, especially for professional or semi-professional positions. Any serious employer will not be deterred from checking your references by a few dollars of long distance fees, nor from considering you by your experience being from a country that is not meaningfully different from the US in this field.

Edited March 3, 2010 by HeatDeath

[nathandace 0]

I was thinking that it shouldn't be a problem to include my job experience from Canada. Work is work. I was more so curious to learn what others did, and if anyone has had any problems. If so what they were. My dad always says it never hurts to ask. Thanks for your response It's a relief knowing that I wont have to change my resume drastically. During your interviews, did you have any issues with the amount of time you have not been working. Example: leaving your job to come to the US, and waiting to work until your EAD came through? Basically the time gamp inbetween the two.

[PeruvyandGringa 25]

Work is work. Agreed. Especially when it pertains to the type of work you are applying. You could perhaps even put in July 2009-Feb 2010, arriving in the US, completing required forms and acquiring proper work authorization for the ability to work in the US, not in the jobs section, but noted below or on a cover letter? Just so there is no question as to why you have been 'slacking'

[nathandace 0]

Work is work. Agreed. Especially when it pertains to the type of work you are applying. You could perhaps even put in July 2009-Feb 2010, arriving in the US, completing required forms and acquiring proper work authorization for the ability to work in the US, not in the jobs section, but noted below or on a cover letter? Just so there is no question as to why you have been 'slacking'

That's actually a really good idea. I was also thinking of listing the voided time or making it a part of my cover letter if one is needed.

[HeatDeath 430]

It's considered best, I've been told, not to draw undue attention to your immigrant status. They'll already know you're an immigrant anyways from the fact that all of your work experience and references are out-of-country, but there's no need to say anything about it in black and white beyond answering honestly in an application that you are work authorized. If the time interval since your last job is a concern to them, they'll ask about it at the interview, and you can simply tell them the truth. I don't think it's something a reasonable employer would discard an otherwise qualified resume for. Preemptively explaining it in a cover letter might come off as overly and unnecessarily defensive, but that's just my opinion.

Edited March 3, 2010 by HeatDeath

[nathandace 0]

It's considered best, I've been told, not to draw undue attention to your immigrant status. They'll already know you're an immigrant anyways from the fact that all of your work experience and references are out-of-country, but there's no need to say anything about it in black and white beyond answering honestly in an application that you are work authorized. If the time interval since your last job is a concern to them, they'll ask about it at the interview, and you can simply tell them the truth. I don't think it's something a reasonable employer would discard an otherwise qualified resume for. Preemptively explaining it in a cover letter might come off as overly and unnecessarily defensive, but that's just my opinion.

That's understandable. I never thought of it that way. You bring up a good point as well. What type of layout did you use for your resume HeatDeath?

[HeatDeath 430]

That's understandable. I never thought of it that way. You bring up a good point as well. What type of layout did you use for your resume HeatDeath?

Name / Address / Contact Info

Objective

Work Experience (Chronological starting with most recent)

Education and Honors (Chronological starting with most recent)

Certifications

Additional Skills

And a brief tagline for References (available upon request)

Edited March 3, 2010 by HeatDeath

[nathandace 0]

That's similar to how I have mine set up right now, I was debating on if I should do something different? or figure out a way to really highlight my strengths, and skills geared towards a childcare position. I want to be able to work in the feild I went to school in you know?

[DainandVicky 4]

The best tips for a successful resume are keep it brief, keep it professional

-no pink paper,

-no partyallnight2010@email.com email address,

-no I like to ballroom dance (unless applying for a dance instructor position), no hobbies or interests at all unless relative to the position applied for, keep it brief and professional

-don't list personal references, or even an available upon request. If they want them, they'll ask.

-don't list a selfish objective (everyone says to further my experience in this field yada yada yada, it's completely unneccessary, and typically self-serving)

Keep in mind the person looking at your resume has limited time and is looking through dozens of resumes in most cases. Keep it simple and professional and the shorter the better.

I would most definitely list your previous work experience from Canada.

List your education.

Your contact info.

And that's it.

Edited March 4, 2010 by DainandVicky

[nathandace 0]

The best tips for a successful resume are keep it brief, keep it professional

-no pink paper,

-no partyallnight2010@email.com email address,

-no I like to ballroom dance (unless applying for a dance instructor position), no hobbies or interests at all unless relative to the position applied for, keep it brief and professional

-don't list personal references, or even an available upon request. If they want them, they'll ask.

-don't list a selfish objective (everyone says to further my experience in this field yada yada yada, it's completely unneccessary, and typically self-serving)

Keep in mind the person looking at your resume has limited time and is looking through dozens of resumes in most cases. Keep it simple and professional and the shorter the better.

I would most definitely list your previous work experience from Canada.

List your education.

Your contact info.

And that's it.

Thank you for you're input. Ya'll have great ideas. I really love how people here at VJ are always willing to help I've got alot of work to do. If ya'll have any other pointers I would appreciate them as well.