Explaining applying for a lower band

[PuffinNose]

First off, sorry for being so needy! I really appreciate all the help and support. Hopefully I'll be able to pass it on.

I just wondered if anyone had any advice for what to say If I'm asked why I'm applying for jobs a lot below my grade/experience and how to reassure interviewers that I am applying because I want to, not because I'm being made redundant? How do I show I'm committed and won't leave when something better comes along?

The truth is, I have completely lost my confidence after an awful few years professionally and need a bit of a "turn up, do something that doesn't require much thought and go home" while I lick my wounds job. I can't do this while maintaining my current level although I probably would be pickier about applying for jobs if I had a permanant job. Obviously I would do any job to the best of my ability regardless.
I also want to spend a bit of time deciding what my next move is but obviously still need to pay the bills.
If something better does come along then I would consider leaving.

I don't think saying that would go down well in an interview though!

"How do I show I'm committed and won't leave when something better comes along?...If something better does come along then I would consider leaving."

Well, it's going to be hard to convince them of something that isn't true

Get your story crystal clear and positive. I've really enjoyed working at this level over a number of years but now I want to focus a bit more on family life and I'm looking for a 'bit less' responsibility.

Not sure what you do but you might find a job that is a lower band is actually more stressful from the point of view that your locus of control is less. People assume admin jobs are a doddle but they can be a bloody nightmare these days as workloads are often impossible and you are juggling the demands of multiple who think they are more important than anyone else.

I say this from experience... Earning half what I was (to change direction) but currently about stressed as I have ever been as I am being pulled from pillar to post.

Puffin, if I were you I would take every job interview as it comes, focus on what you need from the job and when you find something that's a reasonable 'fit' that you think you can commit to, because it pays the bills, just go for it and grab it with both hands. You will only know that when you're in the interview, because job descriptions are often "much of a muchness" - when you are sitting there talking things through with the person, watch out for the verbal and visual cues such as "we need someone to do xyz" or "this aspect of the role is important to us". Pick up on the company's needs and mirror back how you can fill their gap with xyz experience

Be committed and sincere, that you want to contribute and you have something to give (which you do!) and take it as it comes. You may have to go to a few interviews before things gel, but it's good practice to find your career 'sea-legs' again. Atm you are naturally feeling under par but that will change, believe me.

... and remember not to come across as apologetic (as you did at the top of your OP) there is no need to be. You have as much right to contribute in an organisation as the next person ( just as you have the right to seek advice and support). Never apologise for your existence, it isn't necessary and reduces your confidence level further. Be proud, you've survived a lot of arse-holery, and lived to tell the tale hey haven't we all, ha-ha

I hope your other stuff is getting sorted.

Try to get a job of short duration, not a permanent job at that "lower level" (whatever that means).