13 years since I last worked outside home

[pigsinmud]

Used to work in an academic library. Who on earth do I use for references? The staff at my old workplace have all changed - what do I do?

I am only in the thinking stage, but this is bugging me! I am 40 and gave up work when ds1 was 1....he is now 14 and youngest dd2 is 6. I feel rather lacking in confidence, but I want to get out there!

Marking place, i am in touch with my old bosses but it has been over 10 years and they no longer work for the same company.

For references, do you do any volunteer work either at the DC's school or anywhere else? A friend of mine was on the governors at a school so she put the head down as a reference.

No I don't

If you're only at the thinking stage is it something you could start doing? Or do a course of some sort (learn direct or something?) and put the lecturer down as a reference? Would probably be beneficial anyway to have some recent qualification or experience as you've been out of the job market for so long, and would give you a real confidence boost! :)

I used 2 friends as references, one who works in HR and another who is a teacher (related to my job). My employer was fine about having 'character' references given my 8 year career break. I got the job so don't let it put you off trying.

Does the library have an HR or admin department? They should be able to provide a reference to prove you worked there. Most companies expect/will only provide these sort of refs now. Too many issues with providing personal refs in recent years. So all you need is a letter stating the job you did & the dates for that job. Also agree with goldmum that character refs work well if you have had a spell out of work.

If you want some more support I am a career coach who specialises in looking at time spent out of work & the transferable skills you now have/new options available. Happy to have an initial chat to see if you think I could help?

Agree on the references front. The HR dept should be able to provide you with references. As for voluntary work, you can get references from undertaking this sort of role so it might be worth thinking about that to plug that gap. Volunteering is also a very good way to boost your experience, your CV and your confidence. There are lots of opportunities locally from admin. to school governors to name a couple. You could do something you have done before or try something new. Alternatively, If you have business expertise to offer why not use it to help not-for-profit organisations in your area. To find out more in Buckinghamshire please visit www.communityimpactbucks.org.uk/pages/get-involved.html for general volunteering and them move onto the Expert Volunteer page if you would like to offer your business skills.
If you live outside that county visit the Volunteer England website to see what's available near you.