I've got a friend who wants some help with a CV. She's mid-fifties and from Colombia, has a degree in Engineering and worked for a couple of years in an internal sales role for an engineering company after graduating. Since then she's been out of work (about 20-25 years) and following her husband around the world with his job whilst raising the kids. She's now back in the UK and looking for a senior position in an engineering company. What's the best way to present the lack of employment over this time period on the CV?
to be honest, she probably needs to lower her sights - a person in their mid fifties with 2 years experience of work in the 90s and a 30 year old degree would not be getting a senior position anywhere.
yep, I'm forced to agree with bednobs. Just be honest on the CV. From what I can see she has no actual engineering experience even when she was working. They do have Senior Apprenticeships in some of the big firms that may be an option.
sorry, i also mean tto answer your actual question. there is a lot of value in having experience of running a family and exerience of different cultures. I would put the dates and a brief explanation of the skills gained
Spanish-speaking, husband's job taking them around the world (multi-cultural experience), probably proficient in English.
I think it may be worthwhile pushing the "soft" skills.
Engineering in the Spanish-speaking world - probably not a senior position, but since everything is global these days, there could well be something out there, even if PR based.