How do I get a job at 55?

[Cleanbedlinen12]

How do I get a job? Everyone seems to need different things and computer programmes, Or experience. How on Earth do I get a job? I once had a great career but lost the plot after kids and illness. It seems such hard work to even start to learn all the different stuff needed.

NoTvNoWifi

You would do better to start your own thread (under Work) as no one seeing the OP’s title will know there is a post here asking for specific post-interview CS advice.

I started working in a supermarket aged 56 having never done retail work before, 5 years later I am still there. You could also contact a job agency and do a bit of temping, they will probably have jobs in retail, care, driving and factory work available, trying different things might help you work out where you want to go and what gaps you need to fill in with learning new skills.

Apologies! Will do. Sorry for seeking to hijack

placemarking to also benefit from advice being offered to OP

Gosh no need to worry about hi jacking, I hope you get good, relevant advice on the other thread. Good luck!
Thanks for the temping tip - I will need to do a course in office skills! I guess I need to narrow down what courses I can do double quick. That don’t cost much. I wondered about social media or digital marketing ..can anyone recommend a course, maybe?

Loads of free courses on Google digital garage, openlearn, coursera, etc. look at your local college for courses, in person and on line.
contact the national careers service for free advice.
good luck!

Ps welcome 52andblue. I know the feeling. I can’t believe I’m totally useless?another day trawling job sites and they ALL need something I haven’t got.some have a list of specific requirements as long as your arm. Who are these candidates?!

There is some support out there

https://womenreturners.com

All the best

I recently got a new job, applied for 4 jobs, got 4 telephone interviews then 4 face to face interviews, got 1 job offer. Wages varied between 19k and 25k for the positions, I got a 21k position. I'm 55 too. I was a SAHM and carer. Then got a job aged 40.

Oh, it's in retail.

Start with a CV and send it to recruitment agencies. I did this having been out of the workplace for a long, long time and started back with a job in production, that experience led to me getting a management roll. Skills are transferable.

another day trawling job sites and they ALL need something I haven’t got
This is a female trait. There's some research that says 'men apply for a job or promotion when they meet only 60% of the qualifications, but women apply only if they meet 100% of them'. Focus on what you have got and apply even if you haven't got 100%! I know it's hard but you have the motivation.

Thanks ewwwwsprouts ( great name)
yesterday I got a rejection from wickes. I mean really? I can work a till and have worked in a shop before ( although it was pre pandemic).
I’ll try applying like you say, for 60% jobs.
well done erikbloodsxe. And Paddington. There is hope!
looked at recruitment agencies and it seems I will need to do some admin/ office/ typing courses.
I’ve actually done a women returners programme, which was great - while it was happening. Now I feel lost and alone again!
ok, coffee and let’s get tooooo the bat cave.

What did the Women Returners programme involve? I’m surprised it doesn’t seem to have helped you towards clarity on retraining or re-employment as I’d assumed that was its USP.

It did, it was very good - week 1 shared experiences so we all learnt we weren’t alone and stupid - there are a zillion reasons to be out of work all valid. Then it went on to explain different types of management, negotiating flexible working, writing cvs , etc a and got us used to teams, office etc. would recommend if anyone is interested.
It’s made me a lot more confident and realise I can apply for more jobs than I thought, I’ve had 2 interviews since it ended! I now realise I need help with interview techniques as I come across as a bit vague, so that’s good feedback.
so it was very good, but like all job hunters you can get a bit down when your carefully written cvs disappear into the gloom. Ah well. I applied to one today and ACTUALLY Got an actual written acknowledge,ent! Makes all the difference to getting a depersonalised computer email off wickes. I guess they have gazillions off applicants though.