Need Opinions- About My Resume

[VivaciousJewelz]

So, I've been out of work now (other than temp work here and there) since March. I've had some interviews, but nothing I'm really excited about. Several of the people I've interviewed with, however, gave me some feedback about my resume, but I'm hesitant to add what they suggested, and here's why.

I interviewed with a law office yesterday, and he specifically asked me about my post-secondary education, and he asked if I had any basic familiarity with other languages, and the physical therapy office I interviewed with today asked the same things.

Now, I went to school for 3.5 years. I'm only 34 credit hours from two BA degrees, but b/c I had to drop-out mid-semester, I owe the school some money so they won't release even an unofficial transcript to me to even prove I went to school, so I don't list on my resume that I even went to college b/c a) I can't "prove" it on paper, and b) I don't really want to get in to telling a potential employer that I owe money and why.

Also, I took several years of Spanish. I was almost fluent at one point, but I'm definitely not now, even though I can understand a lot, and I took a placement test (in college) and tested out of all 4 semesters of the language requirement. So, I'm conversational, and I'm studying it more (even have a tutor), but I'm not fluent, so I don't even put that on my resume, either, b/c I'm a firm believer in not eaggerating my resume no matter the circumstances, and I can't really "prove" that either.

Anyway, the last few people I've interviewed with told me that even though I can't "prove" I went to college, I should still put it on my resume b/c most employers won't ask for proof unless I had a degree, so I should just put something like "in progress" or "working towards a double major in..." etc etc. The lawyer yesterday and the lady who interviewed me today also suggested that I list that I'm conversational in Spanish as well.

So, I don't know what to do. I'm sure I'll get more interviews and probably a better job altogether if I post at least about going to college as I am missing out on a lot of jobs b/c I don't have a degree... and I can't go back to school and finish until I get a job and pay back what I owe. It's definitely a catch-22.

What would you do? Put them on my resume or not?

[chitownmelli]

You should listen to them. They do hiring for a living and just told you what to do. I would go with mentioning that you speak a second language fairly well and have studied and are in progress of finishing your studies on the subject. Bilingual employees are in high demand, it would be in your favor to point out all of your achievements.

[MaMaHaHa]

Yes...put your schooling on your resume...If you have a proffesor who might remember you...check with him/her to see if they would be a good reference. Going to college scores good point even without a degree...it demonstrates that the individual is trying to better themselves and that's a plus. As is listing conversational Spanish. Remember, your resume is to help you get a sit-down interview...then any specifics folks are interested in will be discussed.

AND-do you have any community/volunteer/charity activities you can list?

[abond0017]

I agree with Melli.

And if you have to explain why you haven't finished college yet...I definitely think it would still put you in a better position than them not knowing you've been at all.

You have to think realistically. Most jobs worth having now days aren't going to be interested if you haven't at least had some college experience. Even if you don't want to exaggerate anything on your resume...most people do, so not including the actual accomplishments you have is doing yourself a huge disservice in the competitive job market we are currently in.

You are selling yourself short at a time when you need to work every possible angel to get a job.

Good luck on the next interview.

[CW&M Mom]

I agree put that your college experience ( I have some college experience and most certainly would put it on there).

AND I would put the spanish. No you may not be fluent but you may be helpful enough for them that it is worth putting it on there.

and I have one other idea...but I'm gonna PM you.

[Pennstater]

I would put

Conversational Spanish

34 Credits towards xyz degree at pdq College

Then decide what you'll say when they ask.
Good luck!

[blossomed]

Agree put conversational.

And true the people that gave you that advice were trying to help you. Take it!!

[kschick96]

I would put

Conversational Spanish

34 Credits towards xyz degree at pdq College

Then decide what you'll say when they ask.
Good luck!

ITA!

[Rene S]

I would put

Conversational Spanish

34 Credits towards xyz degree at pdq College

Then decide what you'll say when they ask.
Good luck!

I like this too.

[rbunnymom]

You should be able to get an unofficial transcript regardless of owing money to the college. Go online if you have access to your account to print it out. I will check on the rules on this and post back.

Also, you can list the degree you were working on and either list the years at the school or put "to be completed" next to the degree. You don't have to tell the employer you owe money to the school but could say you had to drop out due to financial issues and hope to one day return to finish your degree or something along that lines.