Advice needed about getting back into work

orangestone

I've suffered with depression for over 12 years and haven't worked for 2 years now as it got really bad. But I'm feeling a lot better recently and that coupled with my savings slowly dwindling to nothing, I want to get back to work. I don't have any qualifications past GCSE's and my work history is in Administrative work.

My last job only lasted 4 months Aug 07 - Dec 07 and I didn't leave on the best of terms so I won't get a reference from them.

My job before that lasted 15 months Apr 05 - July 06. The boss (and everyone I worked with) no longer works there so wouldn't be able to get a proper reference, just a confirmation of dates reference.

In between those 2 jobs I did a lot of job hunting, started 3 other jobs but I left all within 2 weeks as I couldn't cope.

Obviously what I've said above doesn't make for a very good CV. What's the best way to explain the gaps in my CV and lack of available references?

Any advice would be really appreciated

Jomo

A long shot but sometimes it really is who you know and not what you know. Do you know anybody who could put a good word in for you?

orangestone

Jomo wrote: »

A long shot but sometimes it really is who you know and not what you know. Do you know anybody who could put a good word in for you?

No I don't.

I actually got my 1st job because I made a completely fictitious CV and a family friend acted as a pretend reference for me, but that's not possible this time around.

CHARDONNAY_3

I certainly wouldn't recommend being dishonest, as it more often than not, backfires.

The best way to get refs would be to do a course to update your skills alongside some voluntary work in a related field. Would prove to future employers & yourself that your ilness no longer means you are incapable of work. It will also boost your self esteem.

getmore4less

Why not start with some volunteer work to get you back into a working environment.

Less pressure to deliver or even turn up.

Build up to more full time, get contacts and some experience that may open up opportunities.

eg.
Charity shops helper, to get retail experience.
Hospitals to get into health care.

orangestone

getmore4less wrote: »

Why not start with some volunteer work to get you back into a working environment.

Less pressure to deliver or even turn up.

Build up to more full time, get contacts and some experience that may open up opportunities.

eg.
Charity shops helper, to get retail experience.
Hospitals to get into health care.

I've done voluntary work in the past and to be honest didn't like it very much, also you still need a proper CV and references even for voluntary work these days, so I'm not keen on going down that route. If I'm going to relapse (in my depression) I'd rather it be whilst I've been earning some money.

Apolonation

You shouldn't be considering 'if I relapse' you should be 100% committed to living a healthy positive life. If you don't have faith in yourself how can an employer? I'm obv not trained medically and have no experience about this so - don't think I've got any authority here - I'm just telling you my gut feeling.

Re: Your CV. Apply for a job that is competency based. Entry level administrative jobs, at for example the home office or department for work and pensions (once they unfreeze their recruitment freeze that is) - are competency based. As long as you can prove you are eligible to work in the UK it doesn't matter if you was working on a farm or in a laboratory - you get through the interview on merit. I'd suggest checking dwp.gov.uk or civilservicejobs.gov.uk for a start for AO or AA vacancies. You don't even need a CV to apply for these. However be warned civil service is generally underpaid from the equivialent job in the private sector. As far as I'm concerned the reward you get from the job outweighs the lack of financial incentive.

Good luck - my cv wasn't great, and I got back into work via this route.

Proc

I would approach it like this;

Don't tell your new employer you couldn't work due to depression. I doubt many people would give you the job.

If they ask why there is a 2 year gap tell them [STRIKE]to go fu*k themselves[/STRIKE] that you wanted some time off work to do work on the house, go travelling, spend time with family, looking after friends, whatever. Tell them that you earned money, saved hard and wanted to treat yourself/relax. Just don't say you couldn't be bothered to work because of depression. Definately do not mention those jobs you left within 2 weeks as you couldn't cope.

The confirmation of dates reference should be fine. The other one that you may consider to be bad will just be a case of hoping for the best. I've had people leave on bad terms before, but if I get a phone call 2 years down the line asking for a reference, I'll normally just confirm dates and leave it at that. This seems like the done thing in my industry, and to be honest, they probably don't even remember you that much so will only confirm dates anyway.

Fire_Fox

orangestone wrote: »

I've done voluntary work in the past and to be honest didn't like it very much, also you still need a proper CV and references even for voluntary work these days, so I'm not keen on going down that route. If I'm going to relapse (in my depression) I'd rather it be whilst I've been earning some money.

I had over two years on incapacity benefits and I blagged my way back into the world of work via a positive attitude, voluntary work and the truth about my health. Voluntary work can mean your CV is so full lesser experiences fade into the background (or even drop off the end ).

What steps have you taken to help yourself get well? Do you take part in any group activities, have you spent a lot of time reading, do you exercise regularly or eat a healthy diet? All these are positives that can be added to CVs or brought up in an interview situation. :beer:

There are a million and one voluntary opportunities from working in a charity shop, dog walking, green gyms, tenants associations, kids sports clubs, serving meals in a hospital, Alcoholics Anonymous, CAB, St. Johns Ambulance, being a board guide on MSE ... and a million and one things you can take away from personal reward of helping others to being seen as trustworthy, getting a CRB check done, networking, references, first aid certificates, workshops, attending conferences, recognised qualifications.

You do not always need a CV to volunteer many groups you don't apply for you just turn up and pitch in!

loulou123

I was off work for a long peirod due to depression and anxiety. As soon as i felt well enough to return i started applying for pretty much any job i had a hope of getting! (i was previously a legal secretary, but did not wish to return to this.)

Personally i was honest about the fact i had been off due to ill health and even came straight out and told them what the problems had been. I applied for 6 jobs (this was last year) and got 2 interviews and was given the 2nd one.

The only bonus i did have was very good references (but they were from employers some years previously.)

I agree that with some jobs, your enthusuiam and personality is more important than your CV and the job i now have is nothing to do with being a legal secretary and uses none of my previous qualifications but i still got it. And i absolutely love it.

I dont regret returning to work one little bit. Personally i would advise you to tell the truth (as you will have to explain the gaps on your CV somehow.)

I know its hard, but im wishing you the bet of luck.