Older Worker Look For Job Advice

[naturesbuds]

I have been jobless for over a year and not on furlough being an older worker it has proved a bit challenging to get employed like so many other people. Previously I worked for a beauty clinic due to traveling 4 hours a day and left. My skill set is soft sales mainly does beauty, car, and spa. My challenge is looking for a place in administration or sales support as ds is now 9 need slightly flexible with hours.

Don't have direct administration skills worked as a sales consultant, customer service advisor mainly with over 10 years experience.

Need a something starting at 9.9.30 and finishing at 5 5.30. My current job search is not too fruitful although aware that the job market is flooded. Looking for advice as applied for job on various websites and stuck.

You may struggle to find an admin role if you have no admin experience. Have you made sure to highlight your transferable skills on your CV?

E.g. have you done any bookkeeping/research/admin type duties in previous jobs? Do you have experience using Microsoft Office, things like Excel, Access, any experience with databases etc? All worth noting on your CV.

Your skills might also transfer over well to general retail, have you looked to see if any customer service/shop assistant jobs are available near you? These might allow for some flexibility as well.

I’m sorry it’s hard out there right now! I hope you find something soon.

I don't know if this will help you (as alot of these places only pay minimum wages and you may be looking for something that pays more) but pharmacies can be a good place to work.
We have just taken on a lady who lost her old job in hospitality due to covid, she will get certified training as a counter assistant, if she wants to she can then train as a dispenser and it can open up other roles such as working in hospital pharmacy etc.

If you are on UC, ask your WC if there are any SWAPs coming up soon.

Firstly thank all you for responding to my question really helpful advice.
Hi, MynameisFlo not on UC at the moment did not know about SWAPs until you mentioned it. Found out that the JC opens on May 17 and will be speaking to the EO about this and other opportunities.

Hello Yogaposer, mmm didn't think of working in a pharmacy may be low wages but would start looking at these positions. Will help DH out a bit.

Hello Tory Stelling, You are right about struggling to find an admin role with little admin. To be honest, my admin duties and responding to clients' emails and cover reception. But I have looked at my cv and thought there could be a skill that could be transferred to other job roles. I used Micro Office and Excel in my previous roles and will look up transferable skills and make a list. Did not know that retail would offer more flexibility. I hope something to found soon telling myself it is due to COVID keeping going chin up. Thank you for your uplifting words needed.

There is a site called "do it" you can do as little as I morning or afternoon volunteering admin work or more. Once you have done one session you can put this on your CV. Future Learn have micro courses free online that might be useful also.
P.s I moved from Pharmacy to Administrator via my people skills.....good luck you can do it .......

Hello Trinidading,

I will have a look at this website sometimes a little information can go a long way. Thank you for sharing your job change gives me encouragement.

Firstly, you’re not an older worker! If you have a 9 year old you can’t be that old. Even if you were, no reason to put yourself down.

Have you looked into remote working? LinkedIn is good for this.

Hello LadyWithLapdog,

Yeh, you have a point nodding in agreement to my laptop. Sometimes you get yourself in your own headspace and can't see past the clouds Thanks for suggesting Linkedln remote having a proactive search.

I’ve now had my formal contract offer through, rather than just a letter of offer. Who knew of all these distinctions? It’s been a while since I went for a new job. Maybe they’ve been reading MN :) as it answers all my questions AND the pay is actually higher than in the letter and on a par with what I’m on now. There are other benefits which I may or not join but I’m pleased overall. So I didn’t get to negotiate but I’m pleased. I forgot to mention, and perhaps essential, that this is a remote/WFH position vs normal office one so far. Thank you all for your advice.

well done . What role did you find?

Sorry, I replied on the wrong thread :)