to hijack AIBU for job recommendations for my lovely mum?

[Firstbornunicorn]

My mum is in her early 50s. She worked as a shorthand typist before I was born, and has had various jobs in retail while she raised her brood. Now we've all flown the nest, she's in a retail job she really hates, and the company she works for is in financial trouble, so it seems likely she'll need to get a new job soon.

She's totally burnt out on retail; the hours and the working conditions just make it too difficult for her. She suffers from chronic pain, and although she's never had a day off sick because of it (she's too stubborn) it does mean she's no longer very well suited to stacking shelves etc.

She has tonnes of experience in customer service, and in things like cash office duties, etc. She only did 2 O-Levels at school (English and commerce), but has loads of qualifications in typing, office applications, and she even has one of those CLAIT qualifications. She did also work as a childminder for several years, so has certificates in paediatric first aid, and a few other things.

She's applied for a couple of "nicer" call centre type jobs, but says she's hopeless at interviews. It's not surprising, given she hasn't really done competency-based interviews before - there is definitely an art to those.

I've helped her to make up a CV, but she also tends to sell herself massively short. I think she lacks confidence after not having a "real" job for so long.

So, Mumsnet - what kind of job could my lovely, hardworking, clever (but perhaps undereducated by some standards) mum do?

[ilovepixie]

Firstborn where in NI are you. I'm in Portrush and a doctors in portstewart in looking a receptionist. Or what about hotel reception? A few hotels on the north coast are looking receptionists

[Firstbornunicorn]

@tradition it's not a bad idea...better hours and no worse paid than retail.

@ilovepixie not too far away...I'll PM you.

[Foottunnel]

Something like this:
www.experiencedcareers.pwc.co.uk/ShowJob/Id/891948/Resourcing-Assistant-IFS-Belfast/

[5foot5]

Building society? I used to work for one and many of the people who were customer facing fit your description of your mum.

[PuzzlingPuzzle]

Second the GP’s receptionist suggestion. My godmother has a similar background where she’s been a shorthand typist for yonks but also significant career breaks due to young kids and health issues. She managed to get a temp reception job at GPs, did that for a while and now works as a secretary to an older consultant at a private hospital who is quite old school and appreciative of her shorthand skills.

Good luck to your Mum!

[Firstbornunicorn]

Thanks, everyone, for all your ideas! I've shortlisted a few jobs to show her at the weekend - fingers crossed!

[HalfBloodPrincess]

@firstbornunicorn I’ve been wondering why I’ve had a chilli peppers ear worm for the past few days - it’s your username!

[AcaiSmoothie]

I know you said she's had enough of retail but what about one of the bigger supermarkets as a checkout operator?
It might be easier on her as there's no stacking shelves required and you can sit or stand at your station depending on whats comfortable.

I used to work in a smaller shop that involved a bit of everything but now in a big store I do checkouts and nothing else - its definitely more pleasant especially if she enjoys customer service and has plenty of experience there she'd do well at an interview being able to talk about that.

[Firstbornunicorn]

@HalfBloodPrincess hardcore soft porn :p

@AcaiSmoothie she will definitely apply for Asda or Tesco if nothing else comes up, but she's just had enough of retail at the moment. Most of the big supermarkets pay better than what she's currently on, too!

[AcaiSmoothie]

I can understand that, I've been in retail for years and am fed up too. Best of luck to your mum, I hope she finds something she can enjoy :)