Do you think this is going to be a big barrier to getting a job?

[BlackAmericanoNoSugar]

I effectively have no job history. I worked for a very long time for the same company, probably 12 - 15 years. I stopped working about 15 years ago to be a SAHP. Then I moved country. The company that I worked for was sold several times while I worked there and then was sold again at least once after I left so in practical terms no longer exists.

I'm doing a course to update my skills (data analyst) but will anyone want me? I've had a few people say that companies are desperate for data analysts so they might be willing to take me on my new qualification alone. I'm not looking for anything high level, I don't want to lead a team or anything like that, I just want to noodle around with data. Entry level or just above would suit me. My maths degree would still be valid, but that was over 30 years ago so would they care?

If you have up to date data analysis skills and a maths degree, you should do fine. Try to build up a portfolio of analysis projects as part of the course so you can show the kind of thing you've done when you're job hunting. But analysis skills are so desperately needed (I'm also in this field).

I wouldn't expect that its an issue that the companies don't exist any more - part of my job history is accountancy firms that have disappeared years ago!

If you are looking at entry level jobs that follow on from your qualification then it should be fine. I had 20 years as a SAHP and effectively started again in an entry level role and it suited me as I had no confidence at all and needed something straight forward to get me started.

Honestly I don't think it will be a problem getting hired. You just have to start from somewhere and then build up even if it mean taking a lower pay grade. Good luck x

Thanks, that does sound do-able then. I've already passed the SQL Server database fundamentals, which mostly taught me that I don't want to work with databases. I'm currently learning Tableau which is infinitely more user friendly than the software that I used to use.

Aim low & you'll find something (data entry and admin support comes to mind). Be patient & see it as starting afresh. Your skills should shine thru & enable promotions quickly enough.

I think you’re qualifications will be fine but you might need references. Do you have a part time job or do you volunteer? References was the single hardest part of getting re recruited. Even to low paid work. My older than the hills qualifications on the other hand are opening all kinds of doors I thought I’d never see again. Good luck

I’ve literally just done this. Hadn’t touched SQL in nearly 15 years and this week taught my new manager something. 😀

I found recruiters vert keen to speak to me - and I’m a lot more confident than I was in the past despite having no recent experience.

my previous employment was 15 years ago abroad and my old managers had long since retired, however a few English-speaking colleagues I’d stayed in touch with have me a reference.

I did a few courses on machine learning through LinkedIn - if you’ve got data logic, you’d be able to apply it toAI easy enough.

This wouldn't bother me if I were hiring. The fact that youre completing courses in your own time speaks volumes. I'd only worry about all the qualities that are not specific to your role - organisational skills, time management, emotional intelligence, stakeholder management - which it's difficult to evidence, having been out of the workforce for so long. But if you want a 'back office' data type role, it's less of an issue.

That all sounds reassuring. I was a little freaked by the other thread about the new employee being a fake and having most of her work experience with companies that no long exist because my old company is gone. Although even if it still existed I don't suppose they would have kept my employment records this long anyway.

I'm a Facebook friend with my ex manager and two ex colleagues so I guess they could confirm that I used to work with them and/or give a reference.

I've just thought of a good referee. I've run a few surveys for the DC's primary school, even after both had left, analysed the data and reported back to them. Pretty straightforward stuff compared to vast multi-country market research I used to do, but who could doubt a reference from a formidable head mistress.

I worked for a market research company and they had a programme about women returners to work, exactly for people like you. It was in the US though but I bet the UK offices also do similar.

Thanks toots111. I'm not in the UK anymore, that's where my work experience was. I'm in Ireland now and there isn't really much of a market research industry here so I'm looking at moving a bit sideways and doing data analysis for either the financial sector or service company. Phone companies always seem to be looking for data analysts, which makes me a bit suspicious, like maybe they're forever hiring them but then using their dead bodies to fuel the furnace for the central heating. It would be cheaper than the current oil prices.

Sounds perfect. I'd hire you 😃

Seriously though, you sound like a savvy and focused person who would be great to have in a job. And demand for data analysis and data science skills vastly outstrips supply right now. You'll find a role, I bet.