Advice needed on re-entering the workforce after being a SAHM

[ThisIsLiving]

Hi

I'm seeking some advice/tips for re-entering the workforce.

I've been a full-time SAHM for the past 21 months, but am hoping to secure some part-time work in the next 6 - 12 months or so.

Thing is, I am not quite sure how to go about it! I was in my job for over 11 years before I had children, so haven't had much experience with searching for work. I have also lost a lot of confidence as I've been out of the workforce for quite some time (almost 2 years).

So does anyone have any tips on the best way to go about finding a job? How did you get to be in your current job? Newspaper ads/employment agencies/door-knocking/word-of-mouth? Combination of all? I suppose I just don't really know where to start. I have applied for two positions that I saw advertised in our local newspaper, but never even made an interview. :(

Thanks for any help or info you can give me :)

[BellyFruit]

I would try an agency specific to your industry... It's their job to prep you, make sure your CV is the best it can be and they work to place you (they get paid if they place you) Basically, it costs you nothing, they can test your skills (typing etc) and put you on the right track to doing touch up courses if you need... They know what the industry is doing, what jobs are available and if they're good, they'll land you an awesome interview (or 3 or 4) and the rest is up to you. Let them sell you... :goodvibes:

[ThisIsLiving]

Thanks for that info Twinmumdee. I've been thinking about trying an employment agency, but never really knew how they worked, whether I had to pay them etc. That sounds very promising. Will give them a call first thing Monday.

Thanks again. :)

[canberramomma]

I can only speak from my own experience, but I found that when I stopped talking about re-entering the workforce after being at home with children and started talking about returning with a fresh view to my career after taking a 'life style' break to pursue other interests, employers were much more keen to interview me. I even got a job offer for more than my husband was earning!

It's not fair, the perception that industry has about carers coming back to work, but if they are going to be so bl00dy minded, I don't see anything wrong with playing the game.

Good luck!

[ThisIsLiving]

Thanks for the tip Canberramummy. Very handy advice.

Anyone else got any hints/tips for me?

How did you get your job?

Thanks. :)

[blackdog]

I got mine through word of mouth.

I was out of the paid workforce for 8 years, and the thing I love about applying for jobs these days is that you can apply by email! You can send off applications to half a dozen jobs a day, and it doesn't cost a thing! I remember being out of work in the mid nineties and having to scrape together money for photocopying and postage! Not any more!

Don't be discouraged by not getting a reply from two applications. In the nineties, I would send away literally hundreds of applications. Most I didn't hear from at all, some I got rejection letters and some I got interviews for. I went to a heap of horrendous interviews! Fortunately, I think the style of hiring has changed since then. Maybe it depends on the industry.

I still have searches going on Career One and Seek.com, in case something better comes up.

Also, alot of big companies have websites that have online recruiting, or you can send "expressions of interest". I'm just about to do one for our local council.

Good Luck!