Where to start?

davidscot

Getting to an age now where I think it is time to drop to part-time working. Been in the same job for a long time but feel it is now time to look after myself.
Thing is, where do I start looking for job's, composing a CV etc. Not been at an interview for many years, in fact never had to apply for a job before.
Finances are sorted, pensions etc so no need to worry too much about an income but obviously that will come into consideration.
Anyway, has anyone else got experience of this and have any information on what I can do.
Thanks in advance for any help

oh_really

Have you floated your thoughts past your current employer?

davidscot

oh_really said:

Have you floated your thoughts past your current employer?

Not really, they know that I am unhappy but tbh they don't really bother.
No scope for part-time work anyway

TELLIT01

How do you know there isn't scope for part time if you haven't spoken to them about it.  Few employers would volunteer part time working, but may consider it for a good worker who wants/needs to reduce their hours.

When I asked about cutting down to 4 days per week they weren't keen because they already had so many part time workers.  When I explained that I really needed 4 days or I'd have to opt for no days, they agreed.  It wasn't said to them as a threat, simply a fact.  They were aware of why I wanted to reduce hours.

davidscot

TELLIT01 said:

How do you know there isn't scope for part time if you haven't spoken to them about it.  Few employers would volunteer part time working, but may consider it for a good worker who wants/needs to reduce their hours.

When I asked about cutting down to 4 days per week they weren't keen because they already had so many part time workers.  When I explained that I really needed 4 days or I'd have to opt for no days, they agreed.  It wasn't said to them as a threat, simply a fact.  They were aware of why I wanted to reduce hours.

Due to the nature of the work we do I know for a fact there is no scope for part-time.
In fact they are looking for us to do more hours a week

oh_really

davidscot said:

TELLIT01 said:

How do you know there isn't scope for part time if you haven't spoken to them about it.  Few employers would volunteer part time working, but may consider it for a good worker who wants/needs to reduce their hours.

When I asked about cutting down to 4 days per week they weren't keen because they already had so many part time workers.  When I explained that I really needed 4 days or I'd have to opt for no days, they agreed.  It wasn't said to them as a threat, simply a fact.  They were aware of why I wanted to reduce hours.

Due to the nature of the work we do I know for a fact there is no scope for part-time.
In fact they are looking for us to do more hours a week

Suggest a job share solution then, it will give them more flexibility if/ when you are off.

davidscot

oh_really said:

davidscot said:

TELLIT01 said:

How do you know there isn't scope for part time if you haven't spoken to them about it.  Few employers would volunteer part time working, but may consider it for a good worker who wants/needs to reduce their hours.

When I asked about cutting down to 4 days per week they weren't keen because they already had so many part time workers.  When I explained that I really needed 4 days or I'd have to opt for no days, they agreed.  It wasn't said to them as a threat, simply a fact.  They were aware of why I wanted to reduce hours.

Due to the nature of the work we do I know for a fact there is no scope for part-time.
In fact they are looking for us to do more hours a week

Suggest a job share solution then, it will give them more flexibility if/ when you are off.

As I said this is not an option due to the nature of the work
It is either stay or go

oh_really

Would your employer be content for you resigning and off to work for a competitor, as that may be the situation.

Chop-D

Start with making a basic CV. There are lots of ideas online about what to include and I found the most useful templates to be from Microsoft Word which you can adapt to you. You might not need a CV for every job application but it helps to have all the information in one place ready for any application forms. Then my advice would be to just start applying to anything that interests you, and is suitable hours pay etc and see what happens. Applying for jobs can be a bit of a numbers game, the more you apply for, the more likely an interview, the more interviews the more likely a job offer. Don’t take rejections or no reply personally just move onto the next one when it comes to an interview make sure you do as much research on the company and job role as you can beforehand and think up examples ahead of time that demonstrate any skills you have. Good luck.

Brie

If you want to stay in the same line of work (can't see you've given any indication of what that might be) then I'd suggest looking at other companies vaguely doing the same stuff in your area.  Check what vacancies they might have, maybe give their HR a call to inquire.  I know that a lot is done all online these days but actually talking to someone might really help you focus on the what and where.

TBagpuss

You can make a formal flexible working request via your current employer - https://www.gov.uk/flexible-working/applying-for-flexible-working although you say there is no scope for part time, you don't know for sure until you ask, and the employer has to follow set process and have specific , statutory reasons to refuse. 

in terms of looking for jobs etc. I think it does depend a great deal on what kind of job you want, but places to consider:

• agencies - it may vary depending on the type of job, but as an employer when I get details from an agency the CV is clearly prepared by the agency to their contemplate, so as a worker looking for a job, I would anticipate that they will ask you to complete a form or provide information which they will then put into their standard format before sending it to employers (ask to see that they send out, it's not uncommon for them to make mistakes!) 
• Look online - Indeed is one largescale site. Employers can post jobs for free as well d putting up paid-for listings 
• Local papers - depending on the job type they may be advertised in local papers. (and for professional jobs, larger organisations may also advertise in national papers
• Industry contacts. Doe your current employer deal with other similar organisations or groups which may need people with similar experience / skills? think about who you know and ask about vacancies.
• If you know what you want, look on the websites of specific companies - many advertise their own vacancies that way 

How to compose a CV:

There are various templates available online. I would recommend that you think about whether you know anyone who is in a job where they deal with recruitment or re involved in hiring - it doesn't need to be in the type of job you want, but having someone who can review your draft and give you pointers can be very helpful. Equally, if you know anyone (not a current employer or manager) in your field, see if you can talk to them to ask for pointers on what they would look for or how you can stand out. 

Specific points when doing a CV :

• Make sure it is clear and easy to read. no longer than 2 sides of A4 at the most, a clear , standard typeface (no comic sans or emojis!) and pt 12-14 so it is easy to read.

• In each section, put the most recent (or for things like skills, most relevant) first.

• Focus on what is relevant. So this first things you put (after your name) should be your current employment - job title, name of the company, and the date (e.g. Senior Widget Designer, Smith Widgets Limited, Jan 2000 to present) then key points about what the job entails to show what your skills are (e.g. designing Widgets, from initial concept to final plans, including meeting with clients, supervising junior designers, designing and stress testing prototypes.) 

• Things such as your education and qualifications are relevant, but put then further on after your current and past work history / skills - again, but put the most recent first, and normally, you don't need much detail. For instance, your O level / A level results are not likely to be very relevant so done waste a lot of space on your school record. Put any professional qualifications you have first (as they are likely to be most relevant to an employer) For older stuff something like "3 -levels and 8 O levels" or "6 O levels including English and Maths" is the most you need

Remember that the point of the cv is to show the employer what you have to offer, and that it meets what they need, so do read the job ad and if necessary tailor your cv to each application you make, so you are giving a bit more information about the experience r skills you have which are specifically relevant to the job you are applying for.

get someone you trust to proof-read your CV to check for typos and errors.

many jobs now may have online application forms so you may not always need a CV.

If you do start applying for jobs, always keep a copy of job advert and the letter / email and completed cv or application form so you can review it before any interview.

Best of luck.