Resume question

[bluejeans]

I just spent 6 months in Beijing studying Chinese at a private language school. Of course I didn't receive a certificate of any kind nor any proof that I actually studied there. I am now back in the US looking for a job. My question is this: should I put this on my resume at all? I know it's probably not going to look good to employers, but neither would not working for 6 months. How could I put my studying in China in the best light?

[adrianlondon]

Err, just say you studied Mandarin for 6 months in China. A certificate only proves you attended unless it's an HSK grade. Say something in Mandarin during your interview to prove the point

[mr.stinky]

it depends on your education/career level, but generally i'd say any education is a plus.

studying outside the us, especially in an asian country is sure to get some additional

attention when resumes are reviewed.

for example, when i applied for a position with usda-forest service, the hiring manager

called to interview. when reviewing my work history, he asked about my recent 2-year

break in employment. i responded that i've just returned from an 18-month bicycle

tour of new zealand and australia. the rest of the interview concerned cycling. i knew

i had the job when he asked if i could bring photos for a presentation for the rest of

the staff.

[trevelyan]

I don't see why putting any credential on your resume would be a problem. Ideally, you should also put a portion of your resume in the Chinese language --> specifically the portion describing your Chinese language skills and expertise.

If you are applying for a job where Chinese skills are irrelevant this won't matter, but neither should a short stint of time spent in China. If you have a decent grasp of the language that is a huge plus in any event.

Look at things from your own perspective -- any interviewing organization which truly does not care about your experience in Asia is probably not the kind of place you want to work, all else being equal.

[Celso Pin]

A certificate is just a piece of paper... nobody cares...

But your experience in these 6 months is extramely valuable! Put it on!