Job seeking after 6 yrs off ill

wordsfan

Hi

I have been off with mental health issues. I'm a single mum of 42 and feel as ready as I can be to return to work. Part time but minimum of 16 hours is what's doable for me as advised re financial needs.

My background is a combination of retail and admin. Just before I fell ill I achieved BA(Hons) in English and long term I plan to train as a high school teacher.

I would appreciate tips on job hunting in the current climate, returning to work after illness, explaining large gaps in cv without boring an interviewer or giving more info than I need to.

I also kicked myself for not considering applying for graduate posts, but then realised I couldn't think what jobs I could apply for so a shove in that direction would be good too.

I'd also be v interested to hear from others who've returned to work in similar circumstances.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

rachiibell

Think how you can put a positive spin on your time off from working. Eg you single handedly raised your child(ren). What skills did you develop and how could you apply them to the world of work?

If your long term goal is to be a teacher it might be worth applying for jobs within that area rather than just admin/retail jobs. For example many schools need admin assistants - could be a way for you to get your foot in the door and build up contacts.

Assuming you still need to do your PGSE or equivalent to become a teacher many of the courses look for experience working with children. So are there any roles in that area that would interest you?

Also don't be afraid to start off small and build up. Eg retail in a childrens store would be taking you closer to the general direction you want to go in but without being as daunting as throwing yourself in at the deep end. (sorry if that sounded a bit patronising)

Good luck

PlymouthMaid

I would put the gap in work down to being a full time mother and explain what else you did at the time if you can such as brushing up computer skills or whatever you did with your time. Maybe you could offer now to help at school etc to have something more to add and to build your confidence especially if wanting to get into education. Basic (Functional) skills is quite a big area in education at present so there may be some opportunities there for you as you have an English degree.

wordsfan

I have applied for classroom assistant, school admin positions but not even made it to interview as it's obvious I'm not planning to stay in that level of role. I have actually been told this as I called to ask what was the situation with my applications as they all go through the local council. If I'd left Uni off my CV that would have been another long gap if not working as immediately prior to that I'd been a sahm.

I've been a childminder and nanny in the past. My flat is not big enough to do childminding, it's not a wealthy area so nanny jobs few and far between. I'm starting off part time albeit 16+ hours. The retail jobs are really in Glasgow. The small town I live in is 1.5hrs from Glasgow so not financially practical for p/t.

But... We have a local further education college I might see if they have any admin roles going. Also if they're looking for any teaching assistants eg for tests/drama rehearsals etc (degree English n media studies). I have yet to do my teacher training (PGDE in Scotland). Which I am doing my application for. I need a reference re working with kids and some classroom experience which I am setting up.

I'm also going to check if council have any adult literacy vacancies.