First proper job application in five years, think I need help!

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

I'm applying for what could be a great job for me, in the field I used to work in, similar salary to before DC. Think I have a lot of the skills/experience they are looking for (albeit 5yrs ago). And it's part time.

A few questions -

1. Is there a standard way to describe the time I've spent being a SAHP? (there is a section for employment history and it asks you not to leave gaps) I have done some voluntary stuff so have added that in.
2. Does the fact that I worked post DC1 in a much lower-paid job for 18m count against me? They asked about most recent employer and salary.
3. There is that horrible bit on the employment history that asks you why you left each job. I've never left a job for any sinister reason, but both times I didn't go back after maternity leave (different employers) is there a bland way of describing this?

Any advice gratefully received, am fretting about this and think my confidence is a bit low... TIA

I have just landed a job after 10 years with pretty much no paid employment. Here's my thought:

1)/3) I put my Voluntary work in the section for Employment, and then in the salary bit put "Unpaid". In addition, I added a section on the Continuation sheet, which I called "Community work", which was a couple of stints on a Playgroup Management Committee.

Under Reason for Leaving my previous professional career, before I had DCs I put "Career break"

2. No idea, but my job history is a bit of a hotch potch. I think that if asked, you could easily justify why you took a lower paid job post DCs

HTH

For confidence, write down for yourself a list of skills you've gained as a parent (I actually think I've gained most of the skills I have from Parenting!). IME the application form is the worst part, but once you've done it, you'll get a lot of confidence back from looking at it

Thanks for your reply JamieAgain, congratulations on the job. :)

I have done quite a bit of voluntary work so hoping that will help (also the job is in charity sector, so should go down well).

And I'd never even considered the skills I've gained from parenting - think patience would have to be top of that list!

Thanks!
Really excited/scared

Here's a list I got from somewhere:

Managing schedules and logistics for a group

Balancing priorities and working within a budget

Arranging for repairs

Mediating disputes and reaching conflict resolutions

Managing, motivating and coaching - including setting goals and monitoring improvement

To these I'd add:

Patience

Problem-solving

Unflappability (in the face of extreme tantrumming/embarrassment)

Well done JamieAgain, good luck with the new job.

Well, to update: I have an interview next week

Now I have a whole set of new things to fret about

Well done! Brilliant news

Any advice I can give, let me know.

I started my job today

Thanks :) Hope it went well today.

Have been busy trying to sort out childcare for my youngest, then will start fretting in earnest preparing for the interview questions...