Job Discussion Forums

kosherpickle · Joined: 24 Nov 2006 Posts: 93

I suck at resumes, in the past I was a phlebotomist and didn't need a resume to get a job so I am at a loss over these questions.

I've been out of work for the past couple years due to having a difficult pregnancy and then caring for the baby, what would be the best thing to put on my resume about my time off? Family obligations?
Will being a mother of a young baby be a red light for HR?

All of my past work experience is in medical and I got pregnant directly after finishing my certification course so I have no experience in teaching yet, should I still include all of my work history even though finding relevance towards teaching would be a bit of a stretch?

I have searched the forums about resume stuff but I can't find a lot in one place, does anyone else know a good resume thread? Or a good resume FAQ for teaching in Mexico?

Any other tips on writing resumes would be great. As further background on me, if it helps, I also don't yet have a degree; pregnancy and baby put a halt on school for the time being.

Letting me know if I am totally screwed would also be helpful, I have no idea how I am going to manage to get a job with my utter lack of experience and completed schooling, outside of a teaching cert.

I am super stressed about this, haha.

dixie · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 644 Location: D.F

I don't think you put anything on your resume regarding the time off and when asked just explain as you did now.

I think the biggest issue about having a baby will be "What are you going to do with the baby while working?" If you have a clear, clean answer than your employer should not consider motherhood as a possible interference to work.

wildchild · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 519 Location: Puebla 2009 - 2010

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

I wouldn't worry too much about the gaps in your resume or the lack of experience. From what I've seen over the years schools are looking for someone who fulfills the requirements and can start right away. I'm sure they will ask you who looks after the baby - for this you could prepare something that will reassure them you won't be missing classes every week. This is all they want to hear. It's not like the UK or the the US where they'll interrogate you about every 3 week gap on your resume. Put the relevant parts of you resume in bold as chances are these will be the only parts that get read. Good ol' Mexico. Getting a job here is 4/5 being a native speaker, 1/5 resume.

kosherpickle · Joined: 24 Nov 2006 Posts: 93

Thanks for the advice so far.

As far as baby care goes I am set on that, my sister is here until November and the baby's father has a rather flexible boss.

Another question I have is that I already have an FM2, should I mention this in my resume? Would this be considered a plus or a hindrance, already having a visa?

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

wildchild · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 519 Location: Puebla 2009 - 2010

how could having legal status which allows you to work be a negative? Shocked

it's a plus! Wink

kosherpickle · Joined: 24 Nov 2006 Posts: 93

My son's father was iffy about including it, but as he is a native I guess that he wouldn't see the need, heh.

notamiss · Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2010 5:22 pm Post subject:

What was his reasoning?

I could imagine it being a negative for a dodgy place that wants to maintain control of their hire�s work visa. Stories of places that offer to take care of new teachers� tr�mites ante Migraci�n for them and then drag their feet for months and months are not unknown, even on this forum.

kosherpickle · Joined: 24 Nov 2006 Posts: 93

I think he just feels it is too much information and they won't care. I don't think he understood my reasoning that an employer might be relieved to not have to deal wth fees or paperwork themselves. It isn't something he has to deal with and that is probably why he feels that way, it isn't a big deal for him.

TeresaLopez · Joined: 18 Apr 2010 Posts: 601 Location: Mexico City

Where are you in Mexico? Including the FM2 is a plus, for sure, you will even see ads that list that as a preference. I would just keep it simple, list all your schooling, your certificate, if you did any volunteer teaching, etc. If you are a native speaker you won't have a hard time getting a first job, and then after a year or so of experience you can look for another job if you want.

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

I don't think it should be assumed that because the poster holds an FM2, that it permits working. Work authorizations are required for those on the FM2 Inmigrante status, the same as they are with the FM3.

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

kosherpickle · Joined: 24 Nov 2006 Posts: 93

My family handled most of the paperwork for the visa for me, so I am going to have to call my lawyer to find out what to do about that, if anything. It is on my list of things to do, certainly.

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

It sounds like your FM2 may have been issued under the "Ama de Casa" (spousal support) category. Immigration office employees should be able to help you out, and save you the cost of a lawyer.