Job ideas for not-so-great-verbal-communicators in Apex, Cary, Raleigh (hotel, home)

[Yuri_S]

We're browsing instantly job websites and everywhere in job descriptions we're noticing requirements like 'excellent verbal communications skills, teamplayer' and so on. Even frozen food clerk must have great communications skills. For me and my wife not so long ago moved to Triangle area from Russia it is kind of barrier, you know. We work hard to improve our English and we studied at ESL classes but our communications skills as you understand are not perfect yet. My wife has two volunteering jobs which definitely should help but does anybody have any ideas about pay jobs that talkative communications skills are not so crucial?
Thanks!

[lancers]

I think you should be OK. Employers might want to avoid those who speak very little to no English. Up here in New Jersey I run into a lot of people who speak next to no English but are fluent in Spanish. It is headed that way in NC. Not speaking English as a first language doesn't make you a bad person but it is very difficult to converse with someone who doesn't speak the langua. This might just be an employers way to state that in a PC kind of way.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by Yuri_S

My wife has two volunteering jobs which definitely should help but does anybody have any ideas about pay jobs that talkative communications skills are not so crucial?

If you can read English, data entry jobs and running a copier in a copy-shop. Anything behind the front desk, like working in a dry-cleaning plant, car-wash, stock room, etc. Cooking in the fast food places.

However, I suggest looking for a job where you can advance to a better position when your English skills improve. For example, at a hotel where you start at a low-paid job but have the opportunity to become a desk clerk.

[Starglow]

Originally Posted by Yuri_S

For me and my wife not so long ago moved to Triangle area from Russia it is kind of barrier, you know.

Well if you can read and speak English anywhere near as well as you have communicated here in your post then you should be fine. Don't limit your job search to local jobs only and perhaps focus on finding companies nationwide where your ability to speak both Russian and English will be an asset...such as a translator or working for a company with clients in Russia, but would still allow you to be based here in the Triangle and work remotely which is very popular these days especially for companies with a global economy client focus.

[purplesky]

There are hospitals that are looking for bilingual translators to explain to people in their native language tests, forms, etc. If you can read and understand English, but don't speak quite as well, you can try this. They usually have a class to go to for the procedure.

Also, make sure at home you really immerse yourself in English as well. I know a lot of people that go to the ESL classes but are almost no better off than when they started because of limited English exposure.

Hope you both have degrees or other job skills

[luv4horses]

Communication is more than language skills. Employers also want workers who can interact with others well, and who are willing to impart useful information and to develop some sort of bond with the others by virtue of what they say and do to build a good team.

This is easier if all are fluent in the same language, but can be achieved with patience and a positive attitude. Meanwhile, continue to develop your skills in English.

[Yuri_S]

Thanks all for your answers!
As to our initial occupations - I am graphic/web designer and illustrator and I have part-time hourly telecommuting web-design job but it is so unstable so I decided to find some 'real' day-time job even it can be outside my professional area, even in Petsmart. I am trying hard to make some freelancing work as illustrator but it is also tough sometimes. My wife is a professional doctor immunologist but as you understand her russian Diploma doesn't work here but she started to learn 'Medical Coding' course in community college to became certified medical coder. We think her medical background should help though her English is worse than mine.

[mm_mary73]

Originally Posted by Yuri_S

.....My wife is a professional doctor immunologist but as you understand her russian Diploma doesn't work here but she started to learn 'Medical Coding' course in community college to became certified medical coder. We think her medical background should help though her English is worse than mine.

Practicing Medicine in the US

[Yuri_S]

Thanks for the link! We've read about that - the whole process is so long and hard.

[twingles]

You should apply for those jobs anyway - let the employer decide if you're a good fit when they meet you. Don't take yourself out of the running before you even apply.

When you speak English, try to get the accent right as much as possible. That is the key to people being able to understand you. When I took Spanish in college I had a teacher who made us read passages in Spanish and our accent had to be perfect to pass. There are letters that are pronounced different in each language, pay attention to that, it will go a long way toward making you an attractive candidate. As someone noted, your written skills are very good!