I don't know where to start!

[dextrek]

OK so I've been a SAHM for the past 16 years but have reached the point where I really want to return to the workplace. Trouble is, I haven't a clue how to go about it! I haven't any recent work experience, obviously - although I did work for 15 or so years including 9 years as a sales ledger clerk for the one company. This company went bust not long after I left, was taken over by another company, and then that company also dissolved so I couldn't even begin to find out how to get a reference. And that's assuming that any employer would be interested in a reference that dated back 16 years!
What would I put on a CV?
How would I get a reference if not from my last employer?
What kind of job could I even look for, I presume that the vast majority of recruiters would take one look at my age (48), the length of time out of employment, and just bin my application!
I'm so confused and uncertain, where do I begin?!

I would sign up to a few temp agencies they will get in contact with you and have a chat.
Regarding references you can use people who have known you for a few years.
There are plenty of jobs out there at the moment and there are quite a few entry jobs.
Volunteering would also give you some experience to put on your CV and get your confidence back.
Good luck l

you could try searching on Linked-In for former colleagues to see about a reference.
If you want to do similar work to sales ledger clerk, maybe look and see if there's an accredited course you could do to refresh your skills.

If you just want to get back to work in some capacity, now's a good time to look for temporary Christmas roles at supermarkets/retail in general. The online recruitment tests can be a bit time-consuming, but I've just managed to get a temp job and I've mostly been at home for the last 16 years too and have no previous retail experience.

I second what the first two reply's say. Temping and hunting someone down in linked in. In all honesty though the reference is not too much of a worry really due to so much time lapsing. Stop panicking you have been busy being a mum which is the hardest job in the world. What about a cleaning job, companies are always looking for cleaners and they will ask you what experience you have and you have run a household for 16 years. It's flexible hours and yes the pay is not great to start with but you can work your way up especially if your employed by the council and it's something to put on your CV. Cleaning is hard work it shows your hardworking and committed

Why do you want to return to the workplace? What do you want from it?

Do you want to get back into what you did previously? Do you have any particular skills you want to learn or use? Any areas of interest? Things you find more difficult? Restrictions on availability or shifts or physical work?

I think you need to pin down your goals and skills.

Thanks all for the input. To answer a few questions, I could just really do with bringing some money in so I'm not overly fussy on the role. I've only ever done office jobs but would be open to other things. I've had a short online chat with the national careers service today and someone is going to call me back for an appointment to go through my concerns. Volunteering was something that was mentioned on the web chat and is something to consider, but it's not going to pay any bills in the short term. So maybe temping would be better to start with!
I wouldn't even know who to look for on LinkedIn - I can't remember the names of anyone in management or HR other than long-since retired directors, and I don't keep in touch with any of my former colleagues either.
Anyway, I'm hoping that I'll get an appointment with an advisor soon and can maybe take steps from there. Thanks again for the advice.