What do I do about references for a job if I haven't worked for years?

[BananaNotPeelingWell]

Argh! I left work 15 years ago. (yes, yes I know! probably unemployable anyway by now).

I'm looking round for something anything more meaningful in the outside world now that my designated task at home seems to have been demoted to chief sock picker-upper and supplier of lifts to increasingly independant dc.

But what the hell do I do about references? I used to work for a large organisation, left on good terms etc. But I think the two main people who were my bosses back then have moved on to pastures new. I'm not sure who to put on applications forms, other than people who know me socially, but that's no good I cant be the first person to have this dilemma. Help!

Cannot offer any advice as I'm also in same position so it seems to be a sticking point for long term SAHMs

Tricky isn't it?

I have just contacted my previous employer and they said they might be able to find my file in their archive. God this is going to look crappy on an application I suspect.

Have you got any old friends with important sounding jobs who could help you out?

Otherwise voluntary work for a few months to get some current experience/ referees.

Yes, good idea, thanks! I think I can come up with one or two perhaps. They could supply a character ref for me I'm sure.

It's funny, I have been thinking about volunteering in my local charity shop. The problem is, I have an application for a job to fill in now.

Ooh good news... My previous employer has just emailed and said I can use them as a referee. Relief! I'm lucky in that they're a large enough organisation to have an HR dept which keeps old records, although I doubt anyone would remember me. Many thanks everyone.

Have you done anything outside the home in the last 15 years? I'd take a reference from the school, if you helped out there, or from a HCP if you've cared for an elderly relative. I'd rather have more recent, if less relevant references, than one from 15 years ago. As an employer, that would suggest that you've not done anything for 15 years, and may find it hard to adjust to working.

Sorry - this is probably not what you want to hear.

I had a friend who ran a volunteer group provide one of mine (8 yrs since employed).

Actually that's a good idea about the school. My dc left junior school last year but, I helped out sometimes.

That would be ideal, then. One from the school and one from your previous employer. Good luck with your application.

Thanks Agent I'll need it I think!

Snap here, I have one reference as I have been studying as well as being a carer, but everyone wants a second and my life has been very isolated for a decade. I have recent stuff on my CV- should get Master's in April- but am hearing nothing back from applications at all.

Volunteer for a bit - it doesn't have to be in charity shop or out if the home.

If you are good at writing/editing, then look for online magazines or campaigns who might need blogger. Or someone to run their social media accounts.

I'm setting up an online business and have some volunteers working for me - it's experience for them and very helpful for me.

I am doing a bit Mme (didn't I send you the link to the support group I'm helping get set up, the ASD Women's group? thought it may one day have relevance to the work you do with Jump), but there's a noticeable shortage of ops where I am because the university down the road snaps them up for work experience,uni careers offered to get me FT work experience but that would mean losing my entire Carer's Allowance AND limiting the work DH could do as he'd have to provide the childcare; it's a bit of a trap really. And a bit of bad luck for location but then the uni was why we moved here so.....

I guess bad luck does come into it a bit with my case and I shouldn't really moan as that's random- degree lecturer retired (gave me a glowing paper reference but everything is online now), and last 2 jobs I held no longer exist as funding changed within their sector. I know my MA Leader gave me a strong reference when asked, though. It's just that elusive second one, in actuality I'd quite fancy charity shop type work just to get out and about a bit but a lot of DH's work is short notice (as in, 'can you come NOW'), and until I am earning we can't turn anything down. Catch 22.

Have to say as well that job application forms aren't really set up for 40 year old women, either: 'can you explain every day since you left school with no gaps and a contact name for each place'? Er no, not really- most entries are long defunct and I honestly can't remember who I temped for in 1991, let alone exact concurrent dates (old pay slips just give random agency name).

Won't give up though, I know I have something to offer- sooner or later.

Peachy
yes, I am a bit like that as well. I have huge gaps in my CV that are easy to explain if you get into an interview, but tricky to explain on paper.

Have you looked at doing something online? With your experience, you might find volunteer work for a charity or blog. Then you could work around your commitments at home.

I don't think you did send me the info about that project. Can you send it to me again. Sounds interesting.

I was a SAHM for 14 years, so not too dissimilar. while applying for jobs I was in the middle of doing a course, so I got a reference from my course leader (she could say how punctual, reliable, hardworking, good student etc I was) and I also volunteered one day pw at my dc school so gave the class teacher as a 2nd reference. I only applied for 2 jobs, got one of them and love it. This was recent too, just applied last may isn and started in September)

My dh commented a couple of days ago how happy I seemed recently. I'm sure it's going back to work.

I say this not to boast but to encourage. I thought after 14 years as SAHM I had nothing to offer and no one would want me. V. low confidence. Read many negative posts on MN too (though mainly not directed at me personally ifyswim, mostly about women who had been out so long) but I got my job straight away and I really really love it. I thought it would be more stressful but I don't have anything negative to say about the juggling madness. It's fun. But I only work 50%. I would love to work FT but really not sure it would be possible without an au pair or some radical change.

Anyway, good luck.

Hi
I would like to look at possible lunch time assistant jobs at schools have had lots of past child care experience but have being at home last 15 years.
Thinking of doing school reading volunteering for a professional reference.
Any one else in a similar position 🙂

Very good fluttershy. Volunteering good for references too. I did temping now doing school bus helper.

People say volunteer but you would need a reference to support a volunteer application.

Ahh I just noticed this is an old thread I hope the OP has a reference by now!