Have not worked for years, application help

[Gravitygirl]

Im really struggling to fill in an application form, specifically the questions like, could you give me an example of....

I just can not think of anything recent and relevant to put...

Any suggestions? I have been a mum for 5 1/2 years and nothing else.. brain dead.

[Cupcakeaddict]

You could use example of any job or work experience you have had in the past or if you really have none, then use examples from time at school or uni. All they want usually are examples of team work, leadership. You probably did loads of teamwork at school, just use these examples. If you can't think of anything, why not ask your dh or a friend or family member to help? I remember filling this type of questionnaire and not being able to find anything to say. DH read the questions and immediately came up with great examples to use. These examples may seem like they are not brilliant achievements but think about them and write them in a very positive way. Hope this helps!

[Gravitygirl]

Thankyou CCA , I think you are right, hopefully my husband will come up with some great examples for me, Im bound to have overlooked ( I cant be that useless, can I ?) lol

[Mumelie]

Feel for you Gravitygirl as I am also struggling with applications after a long break.
Have you done any work say at your childs school/playgroup/nursery you could draw on?

[MrsFizzywig]

Just saw this so hope my answer is still relevant. Bringing up kids for 5 years is a full time job with responsibilities, pressure, multitasking, team leading etc etc. When you fill in the form use Motherhood as your work example.
My husband is an employer and he once had a job application from a woman who'd been a FT mum for years. One question on the form asked the applicant to give an example of a time she was in charge of a group of people and had to organise them and what were the outcomes etc. She used the example of being in charge if her family and having to get them to agree on various things (which as every mother knows, is no easy task). He was impressed by the originality of her answer.
I think in general people underestimate the skills one develops as a FT mum. I should think that you are a more well rounded person with more to offer now than you were before you had your kids. Good Luck! :)

[mumoverseas]

I'm in the same boat having been a trailing spouse abroad for 5 1/2 years. I gave up a very good career to follow DH abroad. Am returning to the UK next week and feel completely useless