Submitted by teaguek122 on
in
Forums
I have been out of the civil engineering field for three years and I want to get back into working within the field of civil engineering. I have been working as an English teacher. How can I immediately jump back into a career with this three year gap?
How should I craft my resume and cover letter?
Should I try to cover up my three years of not working within the same industry, or be proud of what I have accomplished?
Do I need to go back to school to get up to date with the latest engineering technology?
I could use some advice about this topic, and any suggestions would help me immensely. Thank you.
Engineering Background
I guess I should update. Is it possible to spin being an English teacher with accomplishments in being an engineer?
I'm currently working on the Resume Workbook. Thanks for any advice beforehand.
Don't spin or cover up gap
I think if you try spin or cover up the gap employers will see through it, and if they feel you are misrepresenting things, you are done. You want to put it in as positive a light as possible, but not cover it up or spin it unreasonably. The skills you demonstrated teaching English could be valuable for an engineering role. Communication skills are extremely important in all jobs.
I would be straight up about the gap and explain why (there are a lot of possible reasons for a gap).
Anything you could do to demonstrate your skills were current would be a big help. I have worked in electrical and software engineering and being able to demonstrate some projects you worked on, while not employed in the field is a big help here. I am not sure how you would do that with civil engineering. It may not help with getting the interview, but it may get you an offer once you do.
Best wishes with the job search.
Don't spin or cover up gap
I think if you try spin or cover up the gap employers will see through it, and if they feel you are misrepresenting things, you are done. You want to put it in as positive a light as possible, but not cover it up or spin it unreasonably. The skills you demonstrated teaching English could be valuable for an engineering role. Communication skills are extremely important in all jobs.
I would be straight up about the gap and explain why (there are a lot of possible reasons for a gap).
Anything you could do to demonstrate your skills were current would be a big help. I have worked in electrical and software engineering and being able to demonstrate some projects you worked on, while not employed in the field is a big help here. I am not sure how you would do that with civil engineering. It may not help with getting the interview, but it may get you an offer once you do.
Best wishes with the job search.