Having trouble finding job after being SAHM

[user1493423934]

I have been of work since 2011 since having my kids. I have been job hunting for 18 months now (youngest at school) and I have had interviews, put forward by recruitment agencies, only feedback has been 'We need someone with more experience.' SO frustrating! Since i have been off work I have completed post grad qualification and I work 2 volunteer roles relevant to the jobs I've been applying for, so I have filled the gap in my cv. I have 2 referees who have given 'glowing' references (according to one recruitment consultant) and I interview well, give good examples etc (according to interview feedback).
I also go to networking events, keep my linkedin updated etc.
What else can I do?

I recently went back to work after being a SAHM for about 8 years. Despite completing further education during that time, I still couldn’t get a position at anything like the level I was previously at, I’ve had to take a large pay cut and demotion in order to get any job however now I’m employed again in the sector I wanted, I’ve accepted I will just have to work my way back up the ladder. Would similar work for you?

What industry are you in? Have you looked at specific return to work programs, lots of city firms have them. Are you signed up to the specialist flexible working agencies?

I would suggest looking at work in the hospitality industry. For me in my 50's it was something I could do as I have the edge over say older teens. It's badly paid but the tips are usually great and it's boosted my confidence no end after a series of horrendous jobs.

Thanks for your replies. Yeah looking at doing a lower paid job.Frustrating though. Not sure if there are back to work programmes? (not in UK) but will look into it.
Have had a look at hospo jobs but the hours don't really suit (single parent - I have my kids half week and every second weekend and they need people who are more reliable).

The difficulty is that if you are applying for managerial or even coordinator roles, you will be in direct competition with those who are changing companies but already doing the job or those who are looking for a promotion but can justify they have gained the experience to do it.

This is the problem when you take a lot of time off as a sahm. Many assume they will be able to go back into a qualified job afterwards but the reality is that although you are almost certainly as capable as the other applicants to do it, they will score higher than you.

Your best bet is to go for a lower job where your qualifications will put you at an advantage to the other candidates interviewed or go for jobs that have something going against them so that there might only be a couple of applicants going for it. You could then work there only a year before applying for a better job.

What country are you in OP? I have a friend who did the Vodafone back-to-work prog in Australia, she said it was good.

Can you find someone to look after your kids some afternoons or put them into some sort of afternoon care so you can find work? I know a mum who did that and the govt part funded it so she could get a job I think. You might get a job better if you're more free, then when you've been there a bit they might be flexible and allow better hours for your kids. Most non-entry jobs around here are full-time so you might get a better role that way .

That or have you looked at a stay home job like editing or call centre stuff? They can work really well for busy mums with limited time!

I went back as an nhs band 4 part time. It was a big pay cut from previous employment but in the team I'd want to work in. Within a year I'd gone up one band then after 4 years I'm now up 2 more bands to management. It's taken a while but actually I've been able to fully build my confidence up.

Keep going. The right job will happen

Thanks all for your replies. Really appreciate it.