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Unemployable? Any thoughts on how to improve my chances.

Hi all,

I'm back on the treadmill of trying to find work. I have taken nearly 2 years out of the job market to have 2 babies with only 15 months between them and now the youngest is 6 months it's time I went back, both for my own well being and for our finances which are starting to show signs of stress lol.

My issues are my availability (evenings and weekends only realistically, can probably manage up to about 16 hours a week), my skills (I have a degree, and experience in mainly admin/customer service) and the gap in my employment of just about 2 years to the day (I left on maternity on 9th Feb 2012).

My CV shows all my previous employment for the past 5 years which is 3 roles, 1 of which was call centre, 1 a receptionist and 1 as a Museum Officer (prior to all 3 of my babies arrival). I have additional experience from before the 5 year mark in market research , particularly fieldwork and project design and also in heritage management. It also shows my GCSE's, A Levels and Degree result but I have cut these down so they just show the results.

However, I really just want a 'clock in clock out' type job. Supermarket or something else where I have little or no responsibility. I have 3 young children and no capacity to take on any more stress. I am sending CVs out to all the local supermarkets and any shops with extending hours. I have also sent out to local MR firms who may hire interviewers or call centre staff as this is done evenings and weekends mainly. I'm also hedging my bets and applying for care work again as evening/weekend work in this sector is always advertised so I'm going for it. I'm also sending speculative CVs to temp agencies who may have more niche/short term stuff that isn't advertised on job sites.

Is there anything else you think I can do as I know I'm pretty un-appealing as a mother of young children with very few marketable skills and an out of date CV.

All help gratefully received :)
Changing my Family's Future!! - Starting again!!!!
Current Progress -
Debt - Start date 31/8/22 = £7,252.78
Savings 31/8/22 - £0
plus £1000 EF - £0/£1000 = 0%
«1

Comments

  • Unemployable? I am a great beleiver in that no one is unemployable.
    OK some are more employable then others but there is always a reason and deal with that and then you are employable.

    Anyway to get back to you...
    First of all your 2 year gap was not a gap - in reality it was a pretty tough 24 hour a day job; being a parent is full time work; think of all the skills - timekeeping, organisation etc etc : your problem is getting that onto a CV.

    Explain that and, from an employers point of view, you tick all the boxes. Lots of previous work experience and a degree - I'd be thinking which employer has enough to offer you not "I'm pretty un-appealing as a mother of young children".

    That said, and in reality, your restricted hours are going to be the stumbling block. You just need to find the job that will fit that, and yes you will probably be looking at basic wage jobs but who knows.
    Some jobs are problematic; CARE - mornings and evenings (that's when they need the help) BAR WORK - well evenings (weekends might suit) RETAIL - maybe but they like to put people on weird hours rotas. CALL CENTRES - maybe if they deal with overseas odd hours.
    Ideally working in a SCHOOL but everyone, with childcare issues, wants to do that.

    Not sure if that helps but my advice is just go for anything that looks remotely possible - the main thing is getting yourself in front of the employer then, if they like you, you can negotiate what suits you. I get a lot of people in your position re childcare and most find work.
    You hit 9 out of 10 buttons so I am sure persistency will pay off for you.
  • aneres
    aneres Posts: 432 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Hi

    Just a quick response as it's my bed time.

    You will find most supermarkets are apply online so it's worth checking their websites for vacancies.

    Other places, Bingo Halls, evening cleaning.

    ETA - what about taxi receptionist?
  • Have you thought about working from home? A few companies that let you do call centre type work from home or web search evaluation work is very flexible.

    http://www.themoneyshed.co.uk/ is a good forum for this or I can PM you some links of places I have worked for. I have worked from home for over 7 years for various companies. Check out the Boost your Income board too for ideas.

    2 years is nothing! I took 11 years out, never had a problem finding work. Tesco and the like will snap your hand off if you are a degree level applicant.
  • Looking at this with interest as I am looking to get back to work after 4 years out with the children and during this time I have been studying towards a degree which I will complete in June.
    Have a Bsc Hons open degree from the Open University 2015 :j:D:eek::T
  • If you live near a Passport Office they often recruit for evening shift 5pm-9pm. Decent wage and civil service conditions for an easy admin job.
    I am Doll Parts
    Bad Skin, Doll Heart
  • cr1mson
    cr1mson Posts: 919 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Just to say 2 years is nothing. I left work in 2002 to have my kids and didn't return until 2011! Did loads of voluntary work including as an office bearers which came in handy! So don't discount yourself!
  • I'm thinking of voluntary work maybe but not I till I've finished my last course as I need to focus on passing it
    Have a Bsc Hons open degree from the Open University 2015 :j:D:eek::T
  • jgh
    jgh Posts: 171 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary Combo Breaker
    If you live near a Passport Office they often recruit for evening shift 5pm-9pm. Decent wage and civil service conditions for an easy admin job.
    I've applied to my local passport office three times in the last couple of years, and been turned down every time. Today I've just been turned down for dead-end minimum-wage shelf-stacking in Asda.
  • Have you thought about working from home? A few companies that let you do call centre type work from home or web search evaluation work is very flexible.

    http://www.themoneyshed.co.uk/ is a good forum for this or I can PM you some links of places I have worked for. I have worked from home for over 7 years for various companies. Check out the Boost your Income board too for ideas.

    2 years is nothing! I took 11 years out, never had a problem finding work. Tesco and the like will snap your hand off if you are a degree level applicant.

    I've found they think that I'll 'get bored' or that I'm not a good investment as I will probably move on. I'm not interested in career progression at the moment. I hope to re-train in a couple of years once hubby is sorted (he's a student at the mo) but right now I just need a steady part time wage to supplement our income.

    Thanks for the suggestions about the work from home stuff - I will certainly have a look. :money:
    Changing my Family's Future!! - Starting again!!!!
    Current Progress -
    Debt - Start date 31/8/22 = £7,252.78
    Savings 31/8/22 - £0
    plus £1000 EF - £0/£1000 = 0%
  • aimeemum wrote: »
    I've found they think that I'll 'get bored' or that I'm not a good investment as I will probably move on. I'm not interested in career progression at the moment. I hope to re-train in a couple of years once hubby is sorted (he's a student at the mo) but right now I just need a steady part time wage to supplement our income.

    Thanks for the suggestions about the work from home stuff - I will certainly have a look. :money:

    What do you hope to retrain as?
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