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Lara Sauer
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I posted a prayer request this morning about a really interesting job opportunity doing French translation work. This job is the first job that has ever interested me enough to actually want to send in an application.
However, therein lies my struggle...how does one compile 17 years of life experience on to one sheet of paper. How does a homeschooling mother make her experience relevant???
If you have been there/done that, I would love to hear how!
Thanks in advance!
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guitarnan
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Well, Lara, first I would write down everything I'd done pertaining to French translation, paid or not. Then I'd write down everything I'd done related to other French-speaking activities, paid or not. Then I'd make a list of my French training AND my computer skills, including names of every software application I can use.
You can structure a resume chronologically (job by job, starting with most recent), but for you I would suggest a skills-based resume. This would highlight your skills and abilities and show how you have used them.
Remember that most HR departments and managers get dozens of resumes. You have to grab them with the top half of your page. Otherwise, they won't read on. This means 1) Don't waste too much space on your name and contact info, although you do want them at the top; 2) since you have a French degree, put that next; 3) don't waste space on an "objective" statement - it's obviously to get a job, lol!; 4) Your skills should be listed in bold face with bullets underneath each skill, detailing how you've used it. For ex:
French Translation
- Translated seven technical manuals for XYZ Corporation
- Translated Web content for Alsatian Tourist Board
You get the idea. Start with translation, then work down through the most closely related skills (oral translation, tutoring, teaching, writing, whatever). Name corporations. Leave dates off. It is good to say how many years' experience you have in each skill area.
Please, please use white paper. I got a resume once that was printed on pink paper with a huge carousel horse in the margin!
Does this help?
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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Lara Sauer
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Guitarnan,
Thanks. That helps a lot. I was having trouble deciding how to organize my thoughts! I think I can visualize what is should look like now.
As for the color of the paper, I had been hoping to use the hot pink! Actually they have requested that I submit it electronically, so I guess they will be able to print it out on whatever paper makes them happiest!!
I bet that carousel sure caught you eye!  
Now if only I had some real written French translation experience (do recipes count...how about emails that my children have written to friends in France!)...mine is all oral...while on vacations!
Thanks for taking the time to answer.
Peace to you and your family.
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MarilynW
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Lara - your job sounds wonderful - I am a little envious as I also have a French translation background - sounds awesome.
I used to write CVs/Resumes for people years ago - I wish I could send you a sample - but we have changed computer.
My advice would actually be to use a vellum paper in grey or ivory - helps to make it stand out in a pile. (what do you think Nancy?)
The resume is also done differently depending on whether you are submitting online or on paper - if submitting online all the pretty formatting will be useless.
Hints - try and get it as succint as possible - I would do a "technical" resume - start with your technical experience then then education and then further information. I know the 17 year thing is tough - I am not sure how I would do this.
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MarilynW
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Lara - I am sorry - I actually typed at the same time as your response, but only just hit the button and saw your post.
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Lara Sauer
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Dear Marilyn,
Thanks for your input. As I said in my post, most of my French translation work has been purely social. However, I love French and have kept up with it through occasional trips, reading French books, teaching French to my kids, hosting students in the summer and conversations with my French friends. All in all, pretty limited...however, I really feel compelled to try and get this job. I think I would really enjoy the challenge that it would provide and it would be a dream to be able to apply my studies to something constructive.
As I said they prefer an electronic submission. I will be writing it as a word document, so as long as I send it as an attachment, I would assume they should be able to open it with my formatting intact.
It has been interesting to do some real soul searching about just what "files" all the different hats that we homeschooling mothers wear fit into. I from all of my past experience, project manager is the job title that consistently comes up.
Thanks for your advice. I am always amazed at way that people are so generous with their time and their advice on this board.
Peace.
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MarilynW
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Dear Lara
I don't think you need to worry about the official translation experience unless it is a specific industry with very specific French vocabulary - eg medical French or legal French. Maybe introduce yourself in your cover letter as a "francophile" with lots of practical experience. Then in your cv you could have a section with:
French experience
Extensive hands on experience teaching French to students of several ages, traveling in France, hosting French students in the United States. French fluency maintained through frequent interaction with native French speakers and reading a wide variety of French literature.
Just some ideas..make sure you can elaborate on them in an interview.
You are right - you can format if you are attaching as word rather than rtf.
Bonne chance - j'espère que vous allez reussir!!!
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guitarnan
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Marilyn has the right idea. They can (and should) ask you to take a translation test to prove your skills. How you honed them is less important.
I know that hosting an exchange student is an exercise in language skills (ours was from Angers, and very dedicated to improving her English). I think it's great that you've worked so hard to maintain your translating ability.
Your wording matters - if you were a regular member of a French-speaking conversational gathering, you could say, "Maintained conversational skills by participating in..." and adding more verbage to describe your group. The important part is demonstrating that you've kept your abilities up since graduating.
I know it sounds like the Dilbert Corporate Buzzword Generator, but it does work. Electronic submissions are often scanned for keywords (like translation!).
If you have quick access to a library, Martin Yate writes great resume guides. I do think, though, that you should focus your energies on getting your resume properly written and formatted ASAP. The job will have many applicants. Don't wait days to get this done. (Tomorrow is good. Beyond that, ???)
PS - In case you are wondering, I used to work with Navy retirees and prior enlisted folks, repackaging their resumes for inclusion in civilian industrial training proposals. After that, I was first-line resume screener at every job I had, regardless of my official title.
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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Paula in MN
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Lara, in my pre-homeschooling life, I was Director of Human Resources for several companies. I heartily second everything Nancy and Marilyn posted. Keep it brief and TO THE POINT. Think about what the job entails, and tailor your resume as such.
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Lara Sauer
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I knew that this would be the right place to come.
Thanks for the input. One question about the cover letter: They have not asked that the letter be addressed to a specific person, however, I have had a couple of email "conversations" with one young lady there. Do I address it to her...not knowing if she is a Miss, Ms. or Mrs, or do I simply leave off the salutation?
I will be working on this and mailing it in this afternoon.
Thanks for your kind responses. They have been very useful in helping me to visualize what this should look like.
All of you and your families will be in my prayers in a special way throughough the day!
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Lara Sauer
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Marilyn,
Thanks for the "phaseology" of my French experience. I think with a bit of tweaking, you have captured what I would say.
Merci pour tous vos aides!
Sara
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guitarnan
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I'd address it to Dear Sir or Madam. You never know who (or which computer) will first screen your resume and cover letter.
Be sure to mention the specific job requirements and how your skills match them in the cover letter, too. Don't be too generic.
(I used to put a table right in the middle of my cover letters, showing "Job Requirements" and "Skills/Experience" in order to make it very obvious that I was qualified.)
Best of luck!
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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Lara Sauer
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Thanks, guitarnan.
Right now I have left it addressed to no one in particular. I will insert the Sir/Madam salutation.
A chart, huh? I am trying to visualize that.
I was trying to use my cover letter as a means to display my writing style...for good or ill!
I will unfortunately be gone this morning, but will be back this afternoon around 2pm EST and will work on it in earnest at that point. I would like to be able to submit it tonight...does time matter? Should I try and submit it before the end of the working day?
I mean at some point, it has to reach the point of good enough, right??
Peace,
Sara
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guitarnan
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You should send it today.
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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Paula in MN
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Yes, send it today.
And don't forget a follow-up call.
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guitarnan
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And a thank-you note for interviews (even telephone), sent the same day as the interview. 
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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Lara Sauer
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Dear Ladies,
Okay, so the day ran longer than I thought, 2:00 turned out to be more like 4:00...then there was dinner...and an evening meeting at the Church about WorkCamp next summer that I had forgotten about. I was finally able to get back to this an hour ago. I hit the "send" button about 5 minutes ago.
I would like to thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart. Your help (and your willingness to help someone "unknown" to you) was greatly appreciated and frankly invaluable. I really don't think I could have waded through this so quickly without your coaching.
Please pray for a good outcome, but most specifically that our Lord's will be done...and that I have the grace to accept it, come what may.
May Christ's peace and joy fill your homes adundantly this Christmas season. Our Lord is truly never outdone in generosity, so I would anticipate a shower of graces for each of you.
Peace and prayers,
Sara Beatty
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: Writing a Curriculum Vitae
