Dr. Maudie Williams: Are you talking to the guy who wants to work as a “Project Manager” or is he trying to be an English teacher”? You should be aware of many people, born and raise in the USA, who misuse the English Language!!! What about the “ain’t “ or the “we was”!!! Please, instead of criticizing people born outside the US, first correct the way English Language is use in schools, homes and the streets.

Maude Williams - get a life and don’t be so critical. Do you seriously think that such a post is going to help the girl? She’s looking for help not criticism for goodness sake! Try bring more Christian like and offer support. And to say about Kathie Grafe, surely you can see that she can’t even spell so has no right criticising someone for the grammar. Rant over.

Great advice Kathie: the few points you mentioned are so important during and post interview processes: more so at the beginning Hiram, I know exactly how you feel, and like yourself, I was not born in this country and English is not my mother language. Once you pass thru the first wave of interviewers, then it is looked at differently when you make grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. Sometimes and unfortunately, personnel director and/or hiring managers are only looking for stupid excuses such as grammar, punctuation, etc... to reduce the pile of resumes sitting at their desk, prior to sending it to the upper level of administration. Hiram, have someone proof read your letters and correspondences. I know exactly how you feel. Once you pass thru the first wave of interviewers, then it is looked at differently when you make grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. Sometimes and unfortunately, personnel director and/or hiring managers are only looking for stupid excuses such as grammar, punctuation, etc... to reduce the pile of resumes sitting at their desk, prior to sending it to the upper level of administration.

Give real life experience and accomplishments in the field.

I have recently obtained my Master’s in Science, with a concentration in Construction Management & Engineering. I also have my CMCP & PMP. All that pretty and pretentious paperwork that shows you now have a second student loan to pay off in your 50’s!! What I can’t find either is a job!!! One that pays a livable wage, it’s not happening. Being in Texas, we have no unions to help. Also being female and of Latina heritage doesn’t help me here. If any has the answer to this thread I’d like to know what it is!! I deserve minimally 80K a year. All the degrees have done nothing for me.

Katie's right about your English. You have to get that together in order to be taken seriously for a project management job in the US. On the other hand, being fluently bilingual, particularly in the construction industry, is a big plus. I recommend you join the Project Management Institute and get a Project Management Professional certification. Doing so will not only increase your earning potential as a project manager, it will also improve your English language skills.

I agree, the more American you can write and speak, the better your chances to succeed.

Do your home work and have the credentials for starting out. Do small projects at current employeer.

It helps when you send up front projects you were in volved in and list names where by if they call in advance to speak to a previous client , and it is positive, that leaves a big impression on your accomplishements