Why do I never even make it to interview ☹️

[Greywillow12]

Hiya just a rant really! Ive been out of work now for 18 months . Now starting to look for part time work . Just minimum wage whatever I can get really.

Well after handing out C.Vs and doing online applications etc. I always get rejected at the first hurdle. But before I had the time off. Nearly everytime I needed a new job I would always get to interview stage and never had any problem getting the Job.

Is it because of the 18 month gap? I've not stated the reason for this on C.V's . It's really starting to get to me. These jobs are just your basic things like shop assistant etc. It seem like they want so much experience or state no experience necessary when I do have experience it says other candidates have more even though it says no experience needed ☹️.

I recently moved to a small town so I get the impression it's who you know sort of thing. Also there isn't a great deal of jobs about. But I'm not fussy I just need a small wage coming in.

Sorry for the rant and thanks for reading.

[Dinosforall]

I'd say it is the gap - can you put in a line to briefly explain?

[Pineapplefish]

It could be the gap, but it could also be that you say you're looking for part time work (is this a change from when you've looked previously?). Part time jobs are often in demand. A company near me advertised a part time admin role that would fit in with school hours and got 200 applicants!

[Greywillow12]

Suppose it could be the gap and couldn't really change it as had to give up old job because my partner got a better job in a new area. And we had a baby do would of gone back to original role after maternity leave. But I've heard that employers can be put of if you state you have children.

I can only do part time due to DC. But yes part time will be in high demand.

It really starts to knock your confidence after a while. Every time I get that email saying unsuccessful just makes me feel like shit. I really need to be back in work.

[SmartPlay]

I had a similar experience - I was unemployed for a while and it took me around 9 months to find something new. I was invited to, I think, 3 interviews in total. At one of them I got asked if I had kids, which employers usually only ask if this rules you out. So I started to put my child into my CV, thinking if they don't want a mother anyway, I don't need to waste my time going there for interviews.

The good thing about this was: After my third interview I got the job and it was great (or is, but I'm on maternity leave now)! The job itself is nothing special, but my colleagues are so lovely, the working environment is great, I feel valued and appreciated even when doing pretty dumb tasks - all of which makes me feel reall well there.

I know it's frustrating, but hopefully you'll be as lucky as I was and the forced wait will be worth it!

[jent85]

I'm exactly the same and sympathise

I had quite a high powered full time job in property for 15+ years, have many qualifications and experience etc etc

Had my daughter and now looking for part time work and nada. Not wanting to sound big headed but my last 2 jobs, I was headhunted but now...? Can't even get an interview. It's SO disheartening and for the first time ever I've had to sign on for job seekers 🙁

I've got a meeting with someone at the job centre to go over my CV next week which I hope will help, tailor my CV to each job description and am v clear in my covering letter that I have stable childcare In place etc etc

I guess it's a case of plodding on but yeah, I completely feel your pain - it's soul destroying. Fingers crossed for both of us soon xxx

[PixieLumos]

Suppose it could be the gap and couldn't really change it as had to give up old job because my partner got a better job in a new area. And we had a baby do would of gone back to original role after maternity leave. But I've heard that employers can be put of if you state you have children.

That’s a perfectly acceptable reason to have a break from work - you relocated and chose to be a SAHM for a little longer - put it on your CV. Unexplained gaps are much more likely to put anyone off that this.
I’m starting a new job soon after being a SAHM for a year and a half - I explained that I was a SAHM in my covering letter (and therefor very ‘eager and enthusiastic about going back to work’ as I put it )

[VictoriaBun]

I'm the same except I haven't worked for 10 years.
Was a sahm , then did a fair bit of voluntary work, and then cared for an elderly relative . Circumstances have changed and I now need to work . I live in a rural area and on Indeed or Find a job website listed 39 jobs last week. Sadly many of them are positions that want previous experience or a few were live in , and then jobs like fork lift operators or plasterers.

[motorcyclenumptiness]

I hear you, op. I left my job of 20 years (responsible, well paid, used my degrees) 3 years ago to look after DM. I was expecting to be out of the job market for a few months but I'm still looking. I have a master's and 20+ years' work experience and I've just been turned down for a supermarket shelf-replenishing role. I did some temp agency work, got glowing feedback but didn't get a permanent post. There seems to be a huge disconnect between the recruitment process and the job itself. Getting rejected all the time is soul destroying.

[growlingbear]

Don't mention the gap. Take dates off your CV.

Say that you have strong experience in retail and having relocated recently due to your partner's job, you are now looking for PT work in this field. You offer excellent customer service skills having (give experience/training in previous job) and particularly enjoy (say something you know they want - stock control, dealing with customer complaints, whatever.)

On your CV focus on skills you've acquired and impact you made. (Sales boosts due to promotions/leading or contributing to a team etc.)

[Rainbowhairdontcare]

It was the same for me... I got my current job by emailing the company and it worked a treat :)

[SmallAndFarAway]

Askamanager.org is a really good blog for getting advice on how to improve your CV, including how to describe gaps (and yes, you do need to add one line explaining it or it'll put people off) - it's American but I find it excellent.

If you're not getting interviews it's definitely worth overhauling your CV, good luck!

[SmallAndFarAway]

And don't take dates off your CV! I've hired people and that's the first thing we ask about if you get to an interview- employers aren't stupid...

[Fatted]

You're probably being overlooked for reasons you can't really control.

The gap will speak volumes and they will likely assume its because you have a child. They will then likely assume this makes you less flexible. Although they are advertising part time hours, they probably want someone to work full time hours on a part-time wage when suits them. If you have previously worked in better paid or more responsible positions they will also probably think you are over qualified and will bugger off and leave them at the slightest wiff of something better coming along.

I don't really know what you can put in your cv to cover that sorry.

[Greywillow12]

Thanks for all the helpful replies..and sorry to those in the same positions. I have been having thoughts about what my next steps are and I am thinking of returning to collage part time for a career change. I would like to be self employed and this seems like a good way to start.

[jent85]

@Greywillow12 just an idea - I had a meeting with a chap from Futures on Monday (via the job centre) and we went over my CV in detail for an hour. Between us we have almost completely re-written it. He also gave me drafts and examples of Cover Letters and ALSO told me to check out National Career Service website which gives pointers on how best to sell yourself depending on sector/genre of work.

I've applied for 4 jobs since and have 3 interviews lined up. Hope this is helpful xx

[Singinginshower]

My DD was offered lots of interviews and was offered positions. With my cynical hat on, I would suggest that they frequently offer posts to young applicants, who will take the shit shifts at minimum wage, and not rock the boat by being assertive.

[ButtercupGirI]

For those ladies who has been looking over a year, what type of jobs are you applying and how old are you?

[Elieza]

Would it look better if you were currently working in a charity shop doing sales there on a voluntary basis? Proves you have a good work ethic and can get out of bed on the morning and want to help your community.
Looks better than someone who isn’t working anywhere?

[Greywillow12]

Still looking and applying. The collage thing probably won't be until next year. I would love to volunteer . I have done it previously but with two children and no help with childcare.

Will look into getting help with CV and any tips I get . I will post on here.

[Elieza]

Are you not entitled to free childcare for 15hrs a week or something? I’m not sure about the law!

[Greywillow12]

I don't think so my DD is only 18, months and older child at school so don't think we are entitled to any help.

[Anotherusefulname]

Are you applying for the right jobs for you?
I was a SAHM for 8 years, I am (and always was straight from college at 19) a TA, you would think from reading mumsnet I would never have got back into my line of work.
I watched the jobs, read the person specifications and when I saw one I knew I could do I applied. I got that first job, I have since moved schools twice for more hours and again only applied for a job I met every point for. I got each of those jobs.
What I am saying is you can't just blame the gap.

[sackrifice]

When you apply you need to make sure that the person who is reading your words can really easily see how you match the essential and desired skills and experiences listed.

I always rewrite my CV depending on the job, answering each of their skill needs with how I meet and exceed them, for example if Project Management was one i wouldn't just say 'project management experience' I'd say 'have project managed many different project types over the last 20 years, have inherited failing ESF projects and turned them around to successful outcomes, have re-negotiated targets and milestones, have PM-ed for a wide range of funding bodies eg x, y and z; and have also worked in roles where i have had to manage the project managers of our funded projects. I mainly use APM project management principles, and have also used Prince 2 and use many software packages in relation to managing projects.

If you do that then a recruiter can see that you actually have experience and they don't have to pick out skills from a generic CV.

[CmdrCressidaDuck]

Don't mention the gap. Take dates off your CV.

Sorry. But this is really bad advice. You might as well write "I'M TRYING TO HIDE SOMETHING" in giant letters across your CV.

If there is a gap of more than a few months then you should explain it in either your CV or cover letter. Just write "dateX - dateY: Career break due to relocation and caring responsibilities". Or in your cover letter: "I'm now returning to work after a short period at home with family and would be excited to discuss $role with you". They're much less worried about a short stint as a SAHM than the possibility that you were in prison/unemployable.

Also, how part time is part time? That likely has a significant role in job availability. And part time = increased competition, and candidates in current work are less of a risk than candidates who aren't.

[KatherineJaneway]

Just minimum wage whatever I can get really.

This might be the issue. Companies want people who want to work for them or at least appear enthusiastic about working for them, even if it is just minimum wage work.