What are my chances? | ExpatWoman.com
 

What are my chances?

135
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 11:06

Of getting a job? I havent been actively looking but now I am ready to. I need some directions from you wonderful ladies as my case is somewhat unique. I graduated about three years ago with a Bachelors in International Relations and immediately got married and became a mother. So no professional experience in my field although I have four years of Executive Secretary experience prior to doing Bachelors so I am not sure if that will boost my chances. If I were asked what I had done in the past three years I would say raising two under twos all by myself with no family support (except for a very supportive husband) but I am not sure if that will sound intelligent or the opposite. What I studied requires constant update in the Political/Economic/Social spheres, and so I have been making sure that I remained up to date in that aspect. So my question is, where do I start? How do I present myself given my three year gap situation? I haven't come across any advertized jobs in my field (mainly Research) so which companies are best to go for? I have come up with a few Think Tanks and NGOs in AbuDhabi but not Dubai, unfortunately.

Anyone who is clued up please lead me in the right direction. Thank you.

135
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 20:23
Need I mention that i speak French (conversational level which can easily be pulled up a level with a few courses) and I can read and write Arabic but not speak (weird I know, but).
135
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 20:04
Thank you so much Guinness and MaryCatherine. Guinness, I will email you shortly, please take down your email adress. Please keep your wonderful advices coming.
1759
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 18:14
Actually your Exec Asst experience is probably more valuable than your degree, even if it was outside UAE. Some PAs to CEOs earn up to AED30000/month. Many adverts require a Western educated PA with experience. Your degree might assist in that you can show some at least theoretical experience in the international arena. Take a look at Clarendon Parker's website and Charterhouse Middle East. You might be pleasantly surprised to see how your skill set is valued. The downside is, working hours might not be to your liking/needs - but you never know until you try.
1238
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 17:41
U.S., I have years of experience in the international development field, and am just starting to get back into things after having my children - if you want to send me an email, I can perhaps recommend to you some companies to try or some avenues to look at ... [email protected]
135
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 16:54
Bumping again...
135
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 13:04
Bumping this up
135
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 11:38
Thank you Louisedvs. You are absolutely right.
3863
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 11:31
Would it be terrible if you switched the dates around of your experience so that your Executive Secretary experience is after you graduate? Maybe this is unethical but just a thought. Not a good idea to do that. Always best to tell the truth on a CV. No recruiter would ever advise you to bend the truth on your CV however slight it is I would just explain that you have been a stay at home Mum and are now looking to return to the workforce. It may not be easy as you have been out of the market for a while however by networking/applying for roles you may find a position. Agencies may only contact you if they have a suitable role as they have to wait until the clients they work with send them the positions. Stay positive and network as much as you can plus get online and contact the agencies Good Luck!
135
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 11:31
Glamorgirl, thank you for your response, and I'd be lying if I said I haven't thought of doing that myself. The problem is the ES experience wouldn't mean much as it was outside the UAE and I'm scared of getting myself in a sticky situation in case it is found out that I'd lived the whole three years inside the UAE and not outside as my resume would read!
202
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 11:23
Would it be terrible if you switched the dates around of your experience so that your Executive Secretary experience is after you graduate? Maybe this is unethical but just a thought.
 
 

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