To ask how you get a bloody job 😐

Have you been on to the ‘NHS Jobs’ website?
This is where we advertise and there are all sorts of non-clinical jobs and roles. You apply through the website itself rather than a CV.

It is because indeed sends out a standard application with perhaps one or two general paragraphs which are not tailored to the job. The requirements on our website asks for a supporting statement detailing how they meet the essential criteria. That's how we would assess. It's very obvious which applications have come via indeed. If they can't look at our application process and make sure they do what is asked then they wouldn't be suitable.

OP may I ask if you have a well written CV? I don't mean to sound patronising, but it could be better to have it done by an 'expert'.
You have a lot of skills, customer service, management, voluntary sector, hospitality, and they need to be highlighted.
You are clearly good with people. How about a paid charity job? There are quite a few websites for this.

Agree with the advice above and please put the relevant skills and experience in your opening paragraph so they don’t skim past and dismiss it. Also if the ad has skills as keywords like ‘customer service’ or hospitality make sure you mention those more than once in case they’re using computers to screen applications. Keep your achievements measurable’started this role at x level of experience in x and progressed to advanced/qualified within x months’. Something like that.

Jobs advertised through Facebook and Indeed tend to skew to low or commission only pay, and low qualifications. For big local employers check their own website. But above all you need CV, application, and interview help. Have a look at how your local library and council can help. Sometimes they offer job clubs, free or cheap courses through the adult learning service, etc. After you've honed this, perhaps you could try LinkedIn - again make sure your LinkedIn page gets reviewed, just like your CV.

E.g. If you don't hear back at all, it'll be because you're not writing what they need to know. What people usually forget is that you need to explain how you match each of the listed essential and desirable skills on the job description.

“Indeed isn't the best way to apply. Its good for searching but when we get applications its obvious who has applied via Indeed and who has taken the time to apply directly via our website with a tailored cv/applucation.”

Not sure why you’d discount so many candidates because they’ve used indeed- where the employer has to have posted their advert in the first place? And I’m saying this as an employer. How are potentially good candidates supposed to know they’re screened out by not applying directly?

When so many firms require detailed application processes it’s in the employer’s interest to simplify the process to avoid putting people off.

We value McDonalds experience as a route to entry level positions. Disciplined, well trained and they also pay more than the bare legal minimum for teens.

Really?
OK. 🙄

I got myself a private hire badge from the local council, and walked into my chosen private hire/taxi office and asked if they were taking on drivers.
I started the next day and have been doing it for 6 years.
I choose my own hours, never work weekends, evenings or school holidays, and am fine financially as a single person.
I'm 50 and female.

I wouldn't go through indeed search sainsbury's jobs there is a website just for recruitment put in your postcode and it comes up with every job in your area.

Could you work from home? There are a few places where you conduct market and social research surveys on the phone from home. They send you the kit you need, as long as you have computer. One I know pays London living wage, wherever you are. They do flexible shifts too.
That might be a good thing, though it's not permanent, there's usually plenty of work for people who are good. It's only talking to people and asking questions for government bodies etc.

What did you retrain as?
I'm a SAHM longing it out as much as possible because I'm stumped what to next after quitting teaching.

Indeed isn't the best way to apply. Its good for searching but when we get applications its obvious who has applied via Indeed and who has taken the time to apply directly via our website with a tailored cv/applucation.

I’d recommend going on the national careers service and doing the skills test as it sounds like you’ve got a lot of transferable skills that you can use and gives options for career opportunities that you wouldn’t have thought. There’s also cv help, you can find courses. https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/skills-assessment

Work on interview skills structure answers in the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) have a few good examples for questions such as show a time where you’ve shown leadership skills. Reed is a great resource for this. https://www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/

When you get an interview try and use example’s that link to the job description so you can demonstrate what you would bring to the role.

Just want to wish you luck the job market is really tough at the moment, I’ve only just got back in and it is tough mentally to keep putting yourself out there but it will happen.

Sorry missed update about retail management. They are always looking for colleagues or trading managers.

At Sainsbury's the 16 year olds get the same as the adults £12 an hour so they don't favour younger people.

www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/training-choice/skills-bootcamp

OP you need a 2 pronged approach here. Firstly you need qualifications, look to see what your local college offers. As a minimum you need maths + English Level 2/GCSE plus digital skills.
Then you need to start looking at what work you want to do and start gaining experience in it ie as well as working in a bar volunteer in a charity shop etc. Anything to get your CV filled.
A PP Is correct that it is length of the gap in your CV that is now the issue. I appreciate mums take time off for different reasons but unless it is unavoidable to do so I would never recommend staying at home full time. Your earning power diminishes each year you are out of work.

I was working in minimum wage jobs while our children were young . It suited us as a family as it meant we had no childcare issues as one of us were always home.

Once our children were both finishing high school I went to college and retrained. Best thing I've ever done. Near enough doubled my wages by doing this and still only work part time.

I was also airline cabin crew for ten years and in management and have had no issues with a career since leaving.
I do a bit of recruitment and would say your gap in employment is maybe your biggest issue.
NHS have been brilliant since leaving the airline, I've a career ( not nursing) and scope to progress. As ex crew you have a lot of skills and experience. Could you register on the staff bank at your local nhs trust - many job opportunities and see what job you like?

Lots of free skills bootcamps on the government website (assuming you are UK)

Would you consider care work, I understand that there is a lack of care workers at the moment.

If you're working in a bar can you not do it year long elsewhere? Hospitality is still horribly short of people - larger chains will also have management options