Recruiters - why would you not employ a SAHM?

[Movetothebeat]

This is a question specifically for those who make the decisions on recruitment:

Why would you not employ a long-term SAHM? What puts you off? What would the candidate need to demonstrate to convince you to consider them as a serious candidate?

I ask because I’ve been a SAHM for 7 years, after having been working for 20 years following University. So far I’ve only applied for 3 jobs, got an interview for 1, but didn’t get it. I’ve seen too much on MN and other places to think I’m on the scrap heap, plus being late 40’s doesn’t help

I’d like to address any recruiters concerns about seeing me as a possibility before I apply for anymore positions.

It took me 59 applications and tons of interviews to get a job. You've done well so far it's really hard out there!

I'd employ an SAHM. For their CV to make the cut I'd expect them to focus on their 20 years of experience and skills. If that experience was relevant enough/high calibre I wouldn't be too worried about 7 years out of work. Do NOT talk about the skills you've gained as a mum, I find that really cringey and tbh irrelevant to any job application. It reads like an admittance that you don't have the relevant skills/experience and only emphasises the 'mum' aspect of you not your professional side. I love working with other mums but I don't care about their mum skills when I'm considering them for employment.

I think SAHMs should try to find some extra ways to make them an attractive candidate, such as by volunteering or doing online courses. There are plenty of free courses that can be done when the children are in bed.

When people already in work apply for jobs, they also often need to ‘upskill’ themselves for a new area. Before my current job, I had to learn about the tech sector, so I did lots of reading and courses before I applied.

Getting a job after being a SAHM is certainly possible, but you’ll need to put some work into it first. Those who decided for whatever reason to carry on working despite having children, and those without children, will naturally have more experience, which will be appealing to employers.

Experience of course isn’t enough, and having the right skills and attitude will also be needed. But I think it’s naiive for anyone to think that experience doesn’t/shouldn’t count for everything.

I also disagree with PP who said they chose candidates specifically because they were mothers. Applications should be judged on merit alone.

Good luck OP x

@Laptopsandmouses

Many sahm go back into employment.

But to be honest, you’ve been out seven years, applying to schools, ( even though you say co incidental) and doing the pta and scouts. To be honest I’d think you were jist looking to get something to occupy yourself when the kids were at school. Volunteering is a great way to start, but maybe make it less “mummy “ related, and also focus on how you can upgrade your skills Ie online courses etc,

Something like I work in a food bank, or I work in a charity shop , can show transferable skills and willingness to work, and by skills I mean systems, people skills etc. The pta and scouts can seem more about benefitting your kids and spending time with your mates

This is blunt but true. You need a prospective employer to think you’re serious about work and to present yourself as an individual not just as a mum. I agree that if volunteering is all around school, scouts etc I would perceive you as living very much in that world and maybe not used to working in a non-child related setting. You need to present yourself as a skilled adult, not just a mum looking for something part time to fit around her kids (even if that’s the truth).

My main worry with a returning to work SAHM would be that they would always be dashing off to sort kids out and not being used to or willing to having to prioritise work commitments within a previously entirely child focussed life. So anything you can do to counter that would be helpful ie having volunteering responsibilities that are entirely unrelated to being a mum. So not the PTA.