HELP - please can anyone make me sound employable after ten years as a SAHM?

[TurqtheHeraldAngelsSing]

What's even worse is that I was self-employed bc - so I sound like a proper layabout when it comes to "previous employment history". I'm not though - I volunteered in the local CAB as soon as my youngest was at nursery. Once she was at full time school we moved to the States, so I couldn't work for visa reasons, but did regular volunteer work again, at a domestic violence refuge (after quite a bit of training). I also volunteered twice a week in the school libraries. All this volunteering sounds horribly worthy, but I had 2 school age kids, couldn't work and didn't know a soul. And I picked up a few skills.

So I'm not really a dillettante or a slacker, but it really feels like I'm coming across that way on application forms. What's not helping is that my old branch of the CAB has closed down, so I can't even put anyone there as a reference.

I'm only going for basic jobs - shops, receptionist stuff, but as a single mum I can only work school hours - and I'm not even getting acknowledgement of my applications, never mind an interview! I'm presentable looking, computer literate to a basic level, got three academic 'A' levels, good telephone manner and am doing a p/t course at Uni - but am getting paranoid.

Can anyone suggest a good way of putting all that in the "present/most recent employment" section that doesn't just make them bin it immediately? Please?

have you tried going to an agency like addecco who would see you as well as your application form?
Yo sound eminently employable to me

You need to talk up all the:

amazing negotiating skills you have developed since being a parent.

The patience you have developed.

The creativitiy you have learnt.

The nurturing and caring you have learnt.

The time management, the juggling you have had to deal with.

Kids are like the worst boss you have ever had in your life - they shout and scream at you but don't tell you what you have done wrong. There are no appraisal systems, no pay rises, no recognition. It's an amazing job - do not under sell yourself. Sell it up big time!

Good luck - you are surely a more rounded person since having these new experiences and stings to add to your bow?

I would try an agency. When I first came to the UK that's what I used. I had work experience but none checkable as it was abroad. Might be a good way to get started. See also if they do any interview skills etc. Good luck.

Thanks all. Do you think I could put the CAB as most recent employer, even though it was voluntary? Sounds better than self employed over ten years ago!

I think you ought to put ALL jobs you've had, whether voluntary or paid.

Yes definitely class the CAB and the Refuge has jobs. You just weren't paid is all.

if you go to an agency they will give you a computer test data input and writing a letter, using email..concentrate on accuracy rather than speed

I used an agency as my first step back into paid work. I nearly got knocked back at the first hurdle though when I phoned them asking for part-time temp work but I was desperate so a bit pushier than I might normally have been and asked if I could fax my CV over.

My CV included all my voluntary work and all my reasons for being out of work and I'd just come back from a year in Australia - and was set out with all my voluntary jobs just as they would have been if I had been in paid employment with things like 'My husband's career took our family to Australia where I was unable to work because of visa restrictions' in between.

She rang me back v quickly and invited me in for their tests then sent me to a call centre where I worked for about 4 months. She said her main concern was that I would be bored (she eventually admitted I had scored max on all their tests which she'd never seen before and she thought I was a mystery shopper come to check her out!) but it fitted round school and that was all that mattered.

For refs I used my NCT contacts as I'd volunteered for my local branch. What about your tutor or someone at uni?

Agree absolutely about talking it up. There isn't a single lie or even a fib on my CV but it looks pretty good.

Also try face 2 face - walking round and putting yourself in front of people with a big smile on your face.

Thanks for these responses. I will have a crack at some agencies, it's confidence that's the main bar atm.

You might get some ideas from this

Haven't got any advice myself - but these lot are usually right - they helpled me get my current job (which is my first proper job EVER!).