Anyone used a careers councillor/coach or similar?

[NoRockandRollFun]

Have been a SAHM for three years and have a applied for a few PT jobs but have been unsuccessful. I applied for postsin the same sector as my last role but taking a significant (about 40-50%) pay cut given that I need to walk away at the end of the day as I have childcare responsibilities. Feedback has been mixed so not really sure how or what I can improve. Perhaps I Need to widen or change my search, should I look at ft jobs? I just don't know. essentially I'm looking for someone who can look at my skills and tell me where I should be looking, how I can improve my skills. Does such a service exist?

I've not used a coach of any sort myself but I have worked for one so have some experience of them. From what I have seen I would say that the results have been quite positive. I think a lot of it is based on how much confidence and direction you have. If both are non existent then you will benefit from a coach more as they can help build you up and break down steps as to what to do. Not to say that confident people don't get anything out of it though.

I think a lot of getting back to work is a numbers game. The type of jobs that are flexible are probably very popular and therefore you are competing with lots of others. The more tou apply form the more chance you give yourself. You could try to apply for full time roles and then once offered the job try to negotiate more flexible hours.

Hello NoRock

Perhaps you could apply for jobs that have transferable skills
eg things that you are good at

I dont know what your field of work is, but
Good communicator
Good with numbers
Good listener
Organised
Can meet deadlines
Multitask

I would apply for local jobs first

Do you have any family or friends that can recommend you for a job at their company ?

Do some volunteering, great to add onto CV

Good luck

Cookie, I lack both so need someone to guide me I think.
Fluffa, I have lots of transferable skills so could apply for any number of jobs, that's sort of my problem. I need someone to help me focus in a particular area and perhaps get some work experiance or something?