TEEW #8: Create a Killer CV (Expat Wife Edition) with Lucy Samuels

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How You Can Create a Great CV as an Expat Partner

There was a time when crafting your CV was fun and exciting… but these days, all it does is give you a headache. A gap here and there. Relocations every few years. You can already hear that uncomfortable question you know you’ll be asked: “And what have YOU been doing there?”

The answer?

A million and one things! After all, being an expat or diplomatic wife and mom comes with a lot of responsibilities and equips us with countless skills… but can we put those on a CV? Explain to someone at a local Human Resources Department that taking care of a family’s paperwork in a foreign country and language can keep someone busy for weeks?

The result?

We feel ashamed of ourselves and our lack of professional accomplishments. If someone asks us what we do (which they often don’t) we stutter. And maybe, the idea of looking for a job moves further into the unknown future. There’s always a good excuse: small children; the lack of a support network; a limited timeframe in your host country; a global pandemic!

I get it.

It can really be intimidating and overwhelming to re-enter the workforce, especially with the kind of life we’re living. And I’m not saying that professional accomplishments are more important than personal ones, such as raising your children and supporting your family.

But if there’s an itch inside you to work, to grow and achieve… don’t postpone it. You CAN have your cake and eat it too! There are companies that offer flexible working hours or remote work opportunities. There are shorter-term or project-based employments that won’t require a long-term commitment. There’s the possibility to be transferred abroad or continue in a partner firm once you move again.

Most importantly, there is a need for people like YOU. You are awesome and you have a lot to offer. I know that, just because you’re here, reading this and listening to The Empowered Expat Podcast!

In today’s episode I’m interviewing Lucy Samuels, a US-based Career Coach and Professional Development Facilitator. Her specialty? Creating attractive CVs that will get you seen, heard and hired!