Return to work after 4 years

brookers · 21-10-2018 03:42PM #1

Hi just wondering what people think of letting an interview panel know the reason I have not been working in paid employment since 2014 is because my children started school. I attended an open evening for an agency (secretarial) and she said no problem to say this or put it on your cv to explain why I have not been working. I have yet to hear from them and that was two weeks ago. I am also the other side of 40 so wondering does age go against me too. Most positions I apply for are either not responded to or a rejection email. I have a good cv, but you can tell that I am no spring chicken from it...

Missix · 21-10-2018 03:54PM

I certainly don't think either your age or family sitation is working against you in this case,I'd say it's more a case of the agency not putting you forward yet for enough interviews.If it was an open evening,they may have been inundated with applicants.Did you pay a sign-up fee?

If it were me though,I'd put down 'attending to family responsibilities' or something like that to explain the gap rather than specifying that was when your children started school.Mainly for 2 reasons A)the specifics aren't anyones business really and

If anyone reading the CV has got a prejudice about hiring mothers of young children,you haven't given them reason (in their mind) to eliminate you.

brookers · 21-10-2018 04:04PM

Hi there, no didnt pay fee, she said a lot of her roles would need somebody that can hit the ground running, when I heard that I knew I wasnt going to be on their speed dial. I guess there is a perception that mothers who take time out to mind children are clueless when it comes to technology, IT etc....I am wondering if there is something else I can put down on my cv to address the time, attending to family responsibilities does sound great but would it also kill off any chance. Should I put relevant experience first on the CV for the job I am applying for and in the cover letter explain the four years.....never used to be a problem for me to get a job, im getting so many rejections at the moment, my confidence is just going....

LimeFruitGum · 21-10-2018 04:07PM

Two weeks is nothing. I have had companies get back to me 4-5 weeks later. Don’t pin all your hopes on one agency or one application, or you will drive yourself crazy.

Do you have time now to refresh your IT skills? Plenty of decent YouTube tutorials for Excel, PowerPoint, or soft skills. It sounds like your professional confidence has taken a hit, you could probably handle the role perfectly well, but you are talking yourself out of it?

Missix · 21-10-2018 04:20PM

Yes,put relevant experience down first...and also any courses you may have done recently.If there aren't any,it might be worth doing one just to prove you are up to speed in the industry.There are plenty available online and quite inexpensive too.

You'll get there,try not to be disheartened.I would stick with the 'family responsiblities' to explain the gap...you can fudge it and say 'doing charity work' or something,but employers will see through that anyway (and also mistrust you from the start!).It's not a bad thing,really it isn't.At interview stage you just explain that you wanted to focus on family life for that period,it's allowed!!

For what it's worth,I'm an employer and I certainly wouldn't be put off by an interviewee who was returning to work after being at home with young children.Life has different phases,you're just wobbly because you're moving from one to another.

You'll get there.Believe in yourself...you're capable of doing the job you're applying for (I'm assuming!!),you're ready and you're willing.And that's what matters to any decent employer.

brookers · 21-10-2018 04:40PM

Thanks Missix. Yes I dont know why I feel so unsure about putting it down or saying it. We were all brought up by our mothers and it is such a hard job. Plus all the stuff you do for the school etc, team work, sharing of ideas, fund raising etc, sometimes having responsible roles, supervising etc. Yet I am reluctant to say this or express it at interview because I have this idea in my head they will pick a young, single person over me who has children. It definitely is a confidence issue and getting rejected so many times was a bit of a wake up call to me that I am not as desired at once was. Will do some courses to sharpen up my skills.

OMM 0000 · 21-10-2018 05:06PM

Ageism is real, but taking time off work to take care of your kids? That's very admirable and would win you brownie points if I were interviewing you.

Keep applying and it'll work out for you.

My mother started working again when she was in her 50s.

engiweirdo · 21-10-2018 05:58PM

Keep applying and hope for the best but ageism is definitely prevalent and is particularly bad in Ireland from what I've found. Try and find someone you know inside a company or make friends with someone high up in one. That's how most people here land in their roles.

huskerdu · 21-10-2018 06:43PM

You are likely to come across some ageism but don’t be downhearted . There are plenty of jobs and all you need is one employer who can see past a 4 year gap and give you a chance.

Then you can learn and develop. After a few months, the gap will be irrelevant.

In interview be honest but don’t apologize or over explain. Be confident about your experience and skills and what you have to offer.

Good luck.

Return to work after 4 years

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