Looking to return to work after a looooong break, what skills should I re-learn?

sketchingkari

I worked full time before I had my children, 4 years as a tax assistant and then a couple of years as an admin assistant, then office manager. When we decided to have children, we agreed I would give up my job (in hind sight, probably not the best choice).

Three children and 14 (ouch) years later, my children are now all in school full time and I want to get out there again, I don't claim any benefits of JSA, so I doubt I will get any financial help with getting back out there or re-training

If you were me, what would skills would you think would be the best to focus on to make me more employable? With being out of work for so long, I figure I need to give myself something of an edge that would push me up the list for an interview, as I think I am likely to be overlooked.

Are there any websites which are either free or not too expensive, which I could use to update my PC skills, admin skills etc? I would need to learn the latest versions of MS Word, Lotus etc I guess. Do you think a second language might give me the edge i need?

If anyone has returned to work after such a long break, I would love to hear of your experiences, its a pretty scary prospect!

ScribbleNInk

Hello! Unless you are specifically looking for a job that requires a second language it might not be the best use of time - but that said, if it's something you'd enjoy it will show your enthusiasm for learning, and give you something to show your outside interests etc. So certainly go for it if you'd like to!

Other than that, yes being familiar with the latest Micrsoft applications is a good idea - I'd make sure you're up to scratch on Outlook and Excel too as a lot of employers will want to see that.

When you're doing your CV/applications don't feel you have to downplay your previous experience - just because it was a while ago you've still demonstrated lots of skills and aptitudes that are going to be really relevant for any new job. So be confident about the stuff you know you can do!

While you start looking for jobs why not do a bit of relevant volunteer work? This will give you recent experience, show that you have good iniative and demonstrate your enthusiasm for a new role. If you were looking to get back into an admin type position, I know a lot of charities have administrative volunteer roles in their offices etc.

With your previous experience you could probably pick up a reasonable amount of responsibility quite quickly as a volunteer and that would stand you in really good stead.

Lastly I'd just say don't lose heart if it takes a little while to find something - it's a pig trying to find work right now so it takes lots of hard work and patience, but you've got to stick at it for it to eventually pay off.

Good luck with it and I hope you manage to find some good opportunities soon.

sketchingkari

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply, I think you may have hit on the perfect solution there, volunteer work, why didn't I think of that lol It would help me get brushed up on my skills and look great on the CV, it will also help me build up my confidence a bit and work as a stepping stone to make going back into paid work not seem quite so scary.

I'm sure I remember there being a section on the jobcentre online section for volunteer placements, I'll go have a peek.

Thank you!

phill99

Local to me the adult education college used to run courses for females returning to work after a career break for raising a family. It covered things such as CV writing, interview skills, PC skills etc. that may be of use. Try your local adult education college.

Before putting yourself on random courses, you may wish to decide what kind of job you are looking for and try and arrange your learning based on that.

To be truthful, a second language is only any good if you are very good at it, and to learn to a level where you can speak it to a decent business level may take a long time.

Rosie-Lea

I think you need to have ideas about what jobs you want to be doing and then do some research for jobs in your area to see what skills and qualifications they are looking for.

Its better to know what to work to rather than just learning for learnings sake.

Jobs vary so much these days and each will have set pre-requisites.

If you do need to update your PC Skills then I know the ECDL is a qualification which teaches PC Skills and the different Microsoft Office software so try searching for "ECDL online course" as there are quite a few offering this course.

Caroline_a

Office management has a lot of parallels with being at home! It's about organisation, making sure that supplies don't run out, making sure that people are safe... etc etc. I would draw parallels if you do apply for and office manager jobs. Additionally up to date software skills are essential, as often office managers have to use facility software or databases such as SAP for purchase orders, etc.

Something else that could be useful is an up-to-date First Aid qualification. I doubt if a second language would be useful - most multinational companies manage quite well with English - they are often managed in the US so English is the language of choice.

saintjammyswine

If you were on JSA then courses sould be funded for you. These now include (following recent U-turn) courses such as Food Safety, First Aid etc, which were previously not fundable.

Racbells

Your past job roles sound very similar to mine. I was an administrator for a few years, and I'm an Office Manager that includes some elements of bookkeeping. Last year I completed an evening course at my local college. IAB Certificate in bookkeeping. It was one night a week for 2 hours for 16 weeks. Luckily my employer paid for it but the course wasn't too expensive, around £150 pounds. It might be something that might interest you? You may even be able to do it as a distance learning course, depends on your college. The other course I looked at was AAT certificate in bookkeeping. Similarly priced I seem to recall, and can be done as distance learning. Have a look on ICS learning website and home learning college site too. I don't think you need to spend a lot of time and money starting from scratch on new courses, but a certificate in something that is up to date shows willing to a prospective employer. Hope that makes sense!

saintjammyswine

Racbells wrote: »

Your past job roles sound very similar to mine. I was an administrator for a few years, and I'm an Office Manager that includes some elements of bookkeeping. Last year I completed an evening course at my local college. IAB Certificate in bookkeeping. It was one night a week for 2 hours for 16 weeks. Luckily my employer paid for it but the course wasn't too expensive, around £150 pounds. It might be something that might interest you? You may even be able to do it as a distance learning course, depends on your college. The other course I looked at was AAT certificate in bookkeeping. Similarly priced I seem to recall, and can be done as distance learning. Have a look on ICS learning website and home learning college site too. I don't think you need to spend a lot of time and money starting from scratch on new courses, but a certificate in something that is up to date shows willing to a prospective employer. Hope that makes sense!

AAT Level 1 could also be funded if you are on JSA or other circumstances. Best to contact either your local FE College or National Careers Service for advice on training & careers.

tyllwyd

I'm in a similar position to you - I've worked from home for the last 14 years or so, but getting back into an employed job is a challenge.

I think learning up-to-date Office skills is vital (I've got a great tutorial book for Excel http://www.amazon.co.uk/Learn-Excel-Essential-Skills-Method/dp/0955459974 - there doesn't seem to be a Word equivalent but a lot of the things taught would transfer.)

One problem is finding people to give references, which might be another reason for volunteering. I've had a couple of interviews, which has reminded me just how rusty I am at doing these things, so no harm in applying for a couple of jobs you aren't bothered about just to try to get some practice and to force yourself to update your cv!

saintjammyswine

If you want IT skills, especially basic for MS programmes, you could use Alison. Just google the name, it is a free, online IT instructional course.