Trying to find a job after being a SAHM

[mummyandbaby]

Have been a SAHM for six years but have extensive experience as a Secretary with some PA duties. Really struggling to get any interviews as agencies show no interest in me at all and I have not got very far with the direct applications I have made. I have been told that my CV and cover letter are good so where am I going wrong? Is it purely that I am a mum and have not worked for 6 years? I am getting very despondent as need money quickly. Does anyone have any tips please?

Where do you live? If you're in or around London you should have a look at 'Women Like Us' who specialise in getting women back to work and often have PA type jobs advertised.

Why not do some temping?

I am registered with Women Like Us and do have a look at their site. I live in Hertfordshire but many of their jobs are too far from here. I have told agencies I want permanent or temping but I just find them so unhelpful. I apply for posts through job boards such as Reed but here nothing back. If I chase, I am told that I am not suitable even though I meet the job spec perfectly.

Its just the job market at the moment. Some people will be put off by a six year gap.

Why not volunteer?

Are you presenting yourself well?

I agree you should volunteer, worked for my SIL - she did some admin for 2 charities and then got a paid admin temp contract, she's got to take a few months off now and will be back looking for hopefully a permanent job in Jan.

best of luck.

I have had the same experience as you mummyandbaby. Kmow exactly how you feel! It's been 7 years for me and have been applying for part-time jobs since Jan. Had no interviews. Have been a mix of school admin, secretarial and a couple of more specialist comms jobs (which I thought had my name written all over them).

In desperation last week I called my old company - hadn't really thought about calling them before as I used to hate my boss - but got wind she left a couple of year's back. Anyway, did a bit of networking on the phone - a day later I get a call inviting me in for an interview next week. Really interesting job + the sort of hours I hope to work and I haven't had to complete an application form. Really trying hard not to get my hopes up . . but v hard not to!

So, what do you think - could that be an option for you too?

Thanks for your replies. Will consider volunteering but really looking for a paid job as we need the money.

Good luck Newbeliever - I hope the interview goes well. I worked for a major retailer in their offices. I have looked at their website from time to time but have seen no jobs in my area. May pluck up the courage and give them a call!

Thanks mummyandbaby. I have to say I picked up the phone and attempted to ring them quite a few times that day and kept chickening out before making the final call!

I would definitely contact your old employer - the job I have an interview for wasn't on their website either. I don't think most jobs are - hence why we are having such a problem. It's not what you know but who you know.

Another idea would be to 'cherry pick' some local companies you fancy working for and just send your CV with covering letter on spec. You never know, in these credit-crunch times they may jump at the chance at not having to pay for an advert or use an agency. That is going to be my next plan of attack if the interview doesn't work out next week.

Not quite the same but last year I was having trouble finding a work placement after 3 years as a SAHM. In desperation I started randomly calling companies I'd found in the yellow pages. As it happened phone call # 2 resulted in a work placement and a couple of months of paid work , plus got another couple of interviews at other companies too. This was after sending literally dozens of unsuccesful applications. Don't know if it was just luck, or if calling makes you stand out, or something.