Back to work? Any hope?

lukesmom

Have not worked outside the home in over 10 years. Have been at home looking after my children but really need to find work and start making money. I'm aware how dire the employment situation is here at the moment. Would I be stupid sending cv's to companies in the search for a job, given the fact that thousands of candidates applying are and have been working recently?

Feel like a fish out of water and I guess not confident of getting work after being out so long. I'd be worried they would laugh at me if I got an interview (stupid I know I'm being a bit paranoid here).

I worked mainly in insurance admin and loved it. Also Tesco and did some data entry too. Did a secretarial course and got pitman qualifications for typing, Microsoft office and other office studies too. Have kept up to date with typing and still have about 60wpm.

Any advice?

sambuka41

lukesmom wrote: »

I worked mainly in insurance admin and loved it. Also Tesco and did some data entry too. Did a secretarial course and got pitman qualifications for typing, Microsoft office and other office studies too. Have kept up to date with typing and still have about 60wpm.

Any advice?

There's no reason why you shouldn't start applying. Plenty of people have been out of work for a few years with this recession so I don't think you'll stand out in a pile of CV's.

It's also quite common at the moment for the women to be out looking for work in households where previously it was the man who was main earner but has been made redundant. I have had quite a few interviews with ladies in this position.

The jobs market has turned on it's head in the last few years, the old rules don't really matter anymore. You have some good skills and experience behind you, put yourself beside a newly qualified student or young person leaving school, you are already ahead of them work experience wise.

lukesmom

Thanks a lot Sambuka that really helps to know. I will start sending cvs today. I have monster app on my phone which is pretty handy. Good that you have interviewed ladies in my position also it shows there is a place for us out there!

sambuka41

lukesmom wrote: »

Thanks a lot Sambuka that really helps to know. I will start sending cvs today. I have monster app on my phone which is pretty handy. Good that you have interviewed ladies in my position also it shows there is a place for us out there!

There is always a place for hard working ladies!!! Best of luck

StillWaters

I would look at getting an up to date cert in office, maybe MOS. I know you said you have kept up to date, but employers fears will be that your technology skills are out of date.

Don't undersell the skills you have gained whilst being at home, in organisation, prioritisation, multi tasking etc.

user.name

Showcase any experiences you had and stretch anything you can:P
tough market, but everyone has to find their feet somewhere

good luck