not worked for 10 years need some advice

[FabulousGuineaPig]

Hi. I'm 42 and haven't worked for over 10 years due to health issues. I have a Bsc degree in geography gained 17 years ago and it's a 'douglas' . I did a postgraduate course in IT which was mostly about using the software at the time which was 13 years ago so I am not an IT expert. It wouldn't get me a job in IT certainly. I did a certificate in teaching english as a foreign language but there are no paid jobs in this in Britain unless you are very experienced with further qualifications. I can't afford to retrain in anything. The only thing I could do for free is MS office certificates. Don't know how useful these are.

My work experience is not great. Working as a call handler in a call centre, short time as a volunteer adviser at the CAB, a bit of temp admin work which was awful as I had to do advanced spreadsheets and didnt know what I was doing, working as a technician at a drug research company which mostly involved measuring peoples blood pressures and I was unfairly dismissed from. Also have worked as a sales assistant and restaurant assistant quite a while ago.

Problem is there are not many jobs where I live and ones there are I am overqualified for or haven't the right qualifications or experience.

In despair. Any suggestions would be welcome.Jobcentre is useless and careers 'help' not designed for people like me.

No idea what a "Douglas"is, but if you live in area where there are not many jobs, unless you want to move you need to focus on the type of roles that are available either by doing a job you are over qualified for or getting some work experience or voluntary experience. I personally would do the microsoft certs if they are free as st is something recent to put on your cv and shows you are committed to training.
Good luck!

Douglas Hurd = Third

I'd try and get some more volunteering experience if you can - extra stuff to put on your CV and the chance to gain some new skills

Hello Fab

I would apply for all local jobs first, change your CV according to each vacancy, then extend the radius
Dont put anything negative on your CV
CV spellcheck & good grammer
It is a numbers game, apply for as many jobs as possible

You may need to start at the bottom level & work your way up in a company if you have been out of work for a while

Have you investigated temporary work or working from home ?

It sounds like you have some good past experience & some transferable skills

Do you have any friends or family who can recommend you for a job vacancy ?

Good luck

I know you said you can't afford to retrain in anything, but there are some courses on wowcher that look ok for £20-50. I don't know how 'recognised' they are but might be worth looking into.

You need to update your skills. College/ voluntary work etc would really help. It shows potential employers your willing to 'better yourself'. You need to apply, apply, apply for Jobs your interested in and realistically capable of getting. The jobs market is tough but every job vacancy needs a person to fill it!

Do online courses. Get interview experience. Go to interviews even if you don't want the job, its great practice and you can always turn the job down if you really don't want it.

Consider temping agencies. They are a mixed bag and in this job climate not the best bet but would be a great way to modernise your skills.

Make it known your looking for work. Ask about for jobs, get your cv up to date and go for it!

My god, so you are a graduate (2;2? So what? Too long ago to matter the class), you have a masters/postgrad (no matter how dated) - shows brains, commitment and ticks employers' boxes, talk it up! And you have a wide range of experience- tech, efl, cab. In a range of sectors. Imagine much tou can do online- efl teaching ehere there are TONS of jobs in the sumner!!! Host s student and trach from home? Or online via skype??? Or nearest college efl evening class???? Paid work at cab or in related field? Try charityjob which has a good few p/t and home working jobs. Or your local council? You are eminently employable just need to talk yourself up a HECK of a lot more!

I am around yr age snd cant think when i last had to give class of degree. Had to prove it on appointment but only admin person saw the cert, not my boss and was purely for records. Dont say third just say you have a degree.