To feel dispirited by job applications

[MovingMolly]

I'm filling in job applications at the moment and it seems that asking for a CV has been replaced by filling in websites which only ask for the previous 3 years of employment history. (Or at least for the jobs I'm applying for...)

I haven't been in paid employment (SAHM) for over 3 years now... I used to work in a highly competitive, professional role but because of the 3 year thing I can't actually put that on applications. I can put voluntary work that I've done but it just feels a bit like I'm not even going to get interviews.

Is this the norm or is it just the jobs I'm looking at? They are all council jobs.

Recently applied for council and there was an option for cv and option to submit jobs I went back 23 years as one job was 17 years.
Can you email the HR and ask them for advise.

What I did find strange about my application is it didn't ask for references.. I have only previously worked for NHS and it has always been on the application.

In your situation I would sign up with an agency for a while. Lack of recent work history is less of an issue, and you can then give your agency jobs as recent employment when applying for permanent roles. That way they can see that you are currently willing and able to work, which is a question mark after a gap in employment.

I don't think I can do agency work because my hours are very limited by my DC's school (no wraparound or childminders). At least when I looked previously that was going to be an issue. I will check again though as I didn't speak with anyone, just looked online.

No references on these ones either and definitely nowhere to submit CV! But I could contact HR - thanks.