What would you do if you were me?

[glamglittergirl]

I am in my early fifties and it seems I am on the scrapheap. I really don't know what to do. I want to work so much but no one wants me!

I left full-time employment at the end of 2013. I briefly tried my own business but it didn't work.

I studied for a few courses I'd always been interested in and did DIY on the house. Since 2016 I have been trying to get back into the workplace. I hardly ever get an interview to job applications. I am applying for jobs which are directly related to my experience (various office/admin/clerical roles) over a 30 year working period.

The last job I applied for was a role I had worked in for 2 years but many years ago but my subsequent experience was also mirroring the job description. I applied and never heard back.

I have also tried to get a job in retail but although I am well-presented and personable, no one wants me. I have no actual retail experience but I have plenty of customer service experience from reception work during my time in London.

I have a good work record, very little time sick, never late, never been sacked, honest, reliable etc. but still no deal.

I feel so demoralised, I genuinely don't know what to do but I can't believe that that's it, job wise.

What would you do?

Have you had your CV looked at lately? Are all your IT skills up to date, and do you have any current references from e.g. volunteering etc?

There are schemes around to help people in your situation... I’m sure someone knowledgeable will be along to suggest.

Thank you, NoSquirrels.

I haven't had my CV looked at.

I always tell the truth on my CV but I always emphasise the past jobs, skills and experience relevant to the position I am applying for and make those key, easy to spot points. I make sure it's perfect regarding spelling and grammar.

Because I have a long a work history I have a long CV, which gives full details of jobs including duties etc. which is 4 pages long. I also have a shortened CV of 2 pages which gives details on the last two positions which covers right back to 1999. For jobs further back than that, I just give job title and name of employer.

I send the short one and always mention that there is a longer, more detailed one if they require it.

I have done voluntary work during my time away from employment but nothing job related. It was with the RSPCA and lasted for just over 2 years with me volunteering most Saturday mornings. I left earlier this year. I emailed them to let them know I was no longer volunteering and thanking them etc. but never even received an acknowledgement to that email so, no, I don't have a reference from them.

Also, I volunteered with a children's literacy charity, attended their workshops and 'passed' their training and was told I would be placed in a school very soon. I waited for 6 months for a placement and it never came. Part of the problem was I can't drive so they were very limited in where they could send me.

I have to admit my IT skills really could do with refreshing.

I didn't realise that there are schemes around for people in my position; I will definitely look into those!

You need a new CV.

4 pages is too long- you do se to know that. 2 pages with only 2 jobs is too long as well, though.

You need perhaps a skills based CV, with then just a list of previous employment with dates.

You need to make sure your IT skills are top-notch.

The references are key - could you look at targeting specific voluntary roles that will give you the experience you need? Office-based admin experience, charity shop for retail etc?

Thank you so much for your feedback NoSquirrels.

Yes, I can see what you mean about the CV. It does need to be sharper, shorter and punchier. I don't know why it wasn't obvious before but sometimes you're just too close but no, I wouldn't fancy ploughing through it either! lol!

I will definitely start looking for the voluntary work you suggest. I would actually love to do that.

One thing I am not sure about is the IT skills. What exactly do I need to learn? I am out of touch with what employers are looking for.

I really can't spend lots of money on training (plus I am already self-studying to qualify as an accountant) but I am willing to work on that. Are you able to suggest what I should be aiming for?

Hi glamglittergirl
What about doing the ECDL course to update your IT skills? It covers word processing, spread sheets data bases and a few other modules I think. Might be worth having a look? If you are unemployed, some colleges offer the course free. Otherwise you pay per module and then sit an exam at the end of each one. Try to find a local centre which offers the exam first, then select your course provider.

Good luck.

Definitely have your CV reviewed but also try temping. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door and show recent and relevant experience. A recruiter can put you in front of a potential employer for both temporary and permanent jobs.

CV two pages maximum., with last jobs, volunteering, qualifications. Can you learn to drive ? Sign up for every temping agency.

If you're not getting interviews, it's not you being rejected, it's your CV.

Remember that you might only get a few seconds of a recruiter's time and they want to see the pertinent info quickly, which means putting it around one third of the way down the first page.

Look into doing some free courses. Eg. Google, Lynda.com (maybe a free trial).

I second Agency tempting! Also, when you apply for jobs, do you tailor your CV to the position? Only describe relevant skills / experience gained when listing last employment.
Example: Sometimes a job description will say Microsoft office / outlook/ excel experience. But on your CV you might have used Computer Skills / IT / email experience. Use the key words from the advert to get past the electronic screening. (But only if you actually have this experience!!!)

Definitely try temping. We've recently hired a lady similar age to you for data entry/taking phone calls etc via an agency, she loves the job and fits in nicely (she's a refreshing change to some of the younger temps we've had who think data entry is below them!) good luck