Job application help

fruitycar

Bottom line is I havent had a *job* since 1982. OH was in the forces and we moved about, had kids etc, etc so I ended up a SAHM. For the last 15 or so years I have made a reasonable amount of 'pin' money with my sewing machine, but LB moment I need to get a proper job.
I have seen a couple of jobs locally, part time, that would mean I could continue my sewing too.
Will they consider me even if I dont have the relevant quakifications, reading the job description of one I'm pretty certain I could do the job, is it worth applying?
Who do i use as referees on my application? my last employer, other than a brief spell stacking shelves in Tescos, 18 years ago, was 25 years ago?

DramaQueen29

Is a difficult one, its well worth applying and stating that you want to return to work however it may well take you several attempts but dont get disheartened.
Can you do any night courses at your local college to get some pc skills etc down on paper , this would really raise your chances plus you could get a reference from the college too.

Hope that helps a bit

emzig123

hiya, for references do you have a vicar or similar who may know you in a profesional capacity? otherwise, I know it's not ideal but can you dosome voluntary work, ie oxfam, listening to kids read etc just to get experience and a reference? obviously it doesn't pay, but may help in the long run?

Storm

Hi Fruitycar,

If you're applying right now the best thing in terms of references is to put down personal ones - ideally someone who has known you for several years, but not related to you! I agree that if you can fit some voluntary work in that would be brill as you'll have an up-to-date work ref.

When applying make sure you put down the skills you have developed and used whilst being a SAHM - multi-tasking, prioritising, time-keeping are all things that employers want.

If you do a short course somewhere it can also look good as it shows you're willing to learn, and the tutor may be able to offer you a reference too.

I don't know where you are, but ask around to see if there's a local service for helping with CVs - try your local Next Steps: http://www.nextstep.org.uk/

Idiophreak

I can't see it being too much of a problem.

I'd do one of those CVs that has a personal statement thing at the top.

I'd explain (briefly) in that that you've been a SAHM whilst you brought your kids up, but were now looking to get started in work.

Draw on personal achievements etc to beef it out a bit and explain why you think you have the skills to do the job.

And I wouldn't worry about not having qualifications too much - at the end of the day employers want people who can do the job, if you're confident you can there shouldn't be a problem pursuading them so.

That said, what qualifications do you have at present? Most employers will take issue if you don't at least have a couple of A levels - and these should be quite quick and cheap to do if you need them.

Other than that, don't worry - you will find something - and I recommend trying to get into large local companies, even if it means taking a slightly worse job - that way you have a chance of being promoted once you prove your worth.

Out of interest, what sort of jobs are you looking for? Supermarket work? High-powered business exec?

fruitycar

Thanks for all your replies, it helps to know what employers are looking for, maybe I have more to offer than I thought, as long as I can make them see past the relevant qualifications bit ?
I do voluntary work, one morning a week, which is one reason for looking for part time so i can continue that. I produce the weekly newsletter for the church I attend and consider myself fairly computer literate, but have nothing to prove that.
For the past 5 years I have been studying at something or another, Higher english, an NVQ and am now doing a distance learning HNC.
I know that in the past that I have been turned down for jobs because I am a graduate and so in one respect am over-qualified for the positions I am applying for.
As I have a 7yr old still at home that comes into the equation.
At the moment I am really just looking for something to get me started again. I love my sewing work, I do allsorts so I have variety and am used to working as and when I want to or need to.
I will take a look at the next steps website.

fruitycar

Nextsteps doesnt cover Scotland :-(

Spendaholic_Chick

Try as much as possible to match your skills to the job description i.e. -

Organisation skills - have you organised anything to do with kids' school activities or maybe football clubs etc, or anythign to do with your husband's career? I see a lot of things on CV's such as 'I organise regular meetings for my book club, nights out' etc etc

Team working - list any activity you have doen with other poeple - i.e. helped at coffee mornings, toddler groups, school activities etc

Good communication skills - list anything where you have had to communicate with other people - i.e. school meetings, communications with utilities and banks etc

Just remember most of the things employers are looking for in lower leverl positions is the ability to fit in with the existing team, flexibility and learning quickly.

If I can help any more, please drop me a pm!

Rachie_B

I'd say it depends what kind of job you are looking to apply for ?

But the qualifications / studying you have done in the past years ,will help greatly id imagine,and show you havent just been sitting on your bum

If you are good at sewing / making things what about starting your own business ? maybe start with an ebay shop first ?

good luck

fruitycar

Rachie_B wrote:

If you are good at sewing / making things what about starting your own business ? maybe start with an ebay shop first ?

good luck

I already supply an e-bay shop with some goods and I do dressmaking and alterations, but it doesnt bring in enough income. If I could find that magical item that nobody knew thay needed but cant do with out, I would be well chuffed. LOL
(I'm not very good at pricing stuff.)