Going back to work after 7 years! References!

~Loz~

I haven't worked since i had my daughter 7 years ago (seems like a life time ago) what do i do about references when applying for jobs?

My work history is poor, i had my daughter at 16 so obviously don't have much work history for before then and since having my daughter i have only done work here and there as a stand in.

Can anyone affer some advice, i can't wait to get back to work i'm not a lazy person it just all seems a bit alien to me at the moment..

Thank you for any help..

looby75

Have you been to college? If not I would suggest that might be the best place to start. That way you can kill 2 birds with one stone (well 3 actually) you will get training and a qualification, you will be able to get references from the collage, and depending on what kind of course you do possibly a work placement and you will get a bit of experience and be used to being in the work environment again.

there are loads of courses for mums returning to work, especially if you are a single mum or on benefits (not sure if that applies to you, you don't say in your post)

Good luck

Fran

If you don't want to do full time college, doing any courses at all will help towards your cv, eg short computer courses or other skills you'd like to get. Being a parent also counts towards having used organisation skills, managing the household etc. so don't discount them. Are you a member of a club or organisation? Perhaps some voluntary work would be useful to you, eg. Citizens Advice now have a recognized qualification, others might too. There are jobs you can get without having specific qualifications, why not start with some part time work at a local shop/bar - which is also a way of making new contacts and finding out about jobs. Have you got an idea of what type of job you want? Office? Outdoors? Retail? or something that would require specific qualifications Teacher? Youth work? Politician? (only suggestions, but it might help if you narrow it down a bit).

Sarahsaver

Do some voluntary work for which you will get valuable training and experience. I do some with Sure Start.

~Loz~

I did attend college for a couple of years, i took maths gcse (got no grade at school) but got a C at college. I also did some IT classes including basic comp, clait (spreadsheets and data processing) and basic typing..

A friend of mine is leaving her job in a few weeks and i am going to apply for it, it's admin work which i did when i was pregnant but i think the company has closed! That's why i'm stuck..

Spendless

My own college course is 16 hours a week (over 3 days- school times) for 17 weeks, comes with a 2 week work placement and was heavily subsidised available to all. I'd ask at your own place about anything they may run. Other than thatas well as prev suggestions have you sat on any committees, helped out at your childs school? These places could also give a reference

Penny-Pincher!!

Well done on deciding to go back to work. You seem to have a great positive attitude which is fabulous and much needed in the work place.

What kind of work would you like to do? You may not need work referances or go to college (althought this would be great!) and I think having a positive attitude with show to potential employers that you have drive and want to make a better life for yourself and your child.

Chin up and good luck girl. All the best.

PP
xx

dinkie_2

Hi Loz

Just a quick idea ... along with p/t work to first get some references, maybe Open University studies from home would be possible? (There's quite possibly funding available ... I've just found out about qualifying for funding, despite thinking I wouldn't, so it's worth asking, plus OU is very highly regarded and would definitely improve employability).

Good luck, Cat

~Loz~

Thanks for the advice guys.

If nothing comes of this job that i'm going to apply for then i will look into some of the things you have mentioned.

The job i'm applying for is getting advertised on Monday so i'm sending my application form in that same day, they are desperate to fill the position and hopefully with a good word from my friend who is doing the job at the moment i should get an interview..

Claudie

Good luck Loz

If you need references for the job you are applying for now then you could do not better than to ask your friend who is already employed there. If you need a second reference you can use a friend, neighbour, clergy, banker, GP etc - there are loads of alternatives.


What I would say is that you should always ask the person you are using before putting their name to paper. As someone who has given references, I know there is nothing worse than a cold call for a reference when you can't remember someone. And there is also a danger that someone could describe your ability for one job when you are applying for something completely different.

You sound very positive and most employers want someone hardworking and loyal....sell your abilities, you'll be great.

Good luck.

~Loz~

Thankyou Claudie.