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I
have a letter and a resumé that gets good responses from HR and headhunters.
However, since English is my second language and I have somewhat of a noticeable
accent, HR and the headhunters give me the cold shoulder during the first phone
or personal interview. They never seem to consider that I have almost 20 years
of experience and that I have a stable employment history.
Signed,
Passed By
Dear
Passed By:
Courses in English as a second language are not enough to change one's accent. However, additional individual coaching by a speech therapist or an acting instructor can correct gross mispronunciation. I'm sure I could help modify your accent. This does not mean coaching would completely eliminate it. Remember that accent can be perceived as associated with special expertise. For example, Henry Kissinger, the former U.S. Secretary of State, has a heavy accent.
Accent can be understood as an asset. How? By selling yourself that way. Today is a day of global business. Would European candidates who have good English be rejected by state-side German companies? I think not. Would Japanese job applicants who know good English, but have a Japanese accent, be rejected by state side Toyota? This is to suggest that you sell yourself as bilingual. Facility in more than one language is an asset, especially since the U.S. workforce is increasingly diverse.
I assume you have a record of job accomplishments that you list in your resume. Add to that the bilingual asset. Do have someone review your writing too. All of us can benefit from having our writing and speech reviewed. Please keep in touch with us as your career progresses. It will.
WEGO benefits from diversity.
Bill Gorden