Should I put my real previous job on application?

[mintich]

I am looking for a part time night job and applied to McDs. My application was rejected a few hours later. I know the rejection could have been to do with anything but I am thinking it's because I was honest about my previous job (optometrist)
I have left that career due to kids but just want a pocket money job for myself. Should I play down what I actually did or be honest? Problem is there is no room on electronic applications to give a reason why you are applying.

If you get to interview think how you'll phrase why you want the job. "Pocket Money Job" isn't really what they will be looking for.

McDonald's isn't a 'pocket money' job. I worked for them through uni, ended up as a supervisor, only did breakfast shift so I could do full hours at uni. The pay at the end was way over nmw.

However you'll be competing with students who will come in on in nmw which perhaps as an optometrist you wouldn't want.

Why the change?"

Being an Optometrist doesn’t qualify you to work at a fast food outlet.
It’s not a case of downplaying your previous job it’s just that it might not give you the transferable skills you need
I have quite a high level well paid job but I am very unqualified and don’t have the experience for a lot of jobs that might be just seen as “pocket money jobs”

NMW for teenagers is less than for mature adults, so you are already more expensive as an employee, plus you are likely to have children and therefore be less flexible than a teen with no commitments.

I suspect you'll need to look elsewhere.

You won't get rejected almost immediately because of your previous job.

The thing is I do have transferable skills. I ran my own practice so had to use tills, stock handling etc.
I have just finished mat leave with my 3rd child and want to take my other two children to school and pick them up. I don't want to put them in wrap around care which I would have to normally.
Obviously I wouldn't tell am employer it's a pocket money job but I'm used to having my own money and so would like to do a few hours at night.
I use my days to trade but I can't keep taking money out of that as it limits what you can make.

@mintjulia you are probably right!

I suspect you've been rejected because it costs more to hire an adult than it does to hire a teenager.

No food handling skills though?

Why on earth would you not go for a different type of job ?

You are right to look for a part-time role in retail but you are looking in the wrong place.

Your best bets are place like Boots, M&S, Waitrose, B&Q or John Lewis who are used to taking on mature employees who want to work flexible hours.

Not the like of McDs, Pret and other fast food outlets. These usually go for students, people who are travelling, school leavers and so on.

All you need to in your application is explain that you are looking for flexible, part-time work to fit around your family and that you have transferable skills (experience of customer service, using a till, stock-taking).

Most applications for the above companies I mentioned will have a personal statement section or at least a question asking why you are applying for the role.

But don't mention anything about 'pocket money'...

The big supermarkets often have opticians within them. It may be worth enquiring with them if they have evening only jobs

A bit of a head-scratcher this one. Do you have a particular hankering to work for Maccie D's, OP? Or is it the only retail operation in your area for miles (unlikely!)?

No hankering to work there, I'm looking at hotel reception etc. I only want to do 2 nights a week
An opticians won't work as I need to work nights, you can't really be a part time optometrist, you need to do a full clinic.