what do you think?

[aiden]

this is a little long winded but I?ll try to keep it short.

I am going back to work after maternity leave. I was made redundant while on maternity leave and I?m now really struggling with finding a new job. I have sorted out childcare and looking to go back to work full time. I am a single parent and have found that generally p/t work will barely cover my childcare cost, and they tend to be the most basic of job roles.

But I can?t seem to find a job. I have joined agencies, done my own job search, etc but nada. Even when I have had interviews, nerves get the better of me. So far feedbacks have been along the lines of ?she capable but she lacks confidence?, which is true and further diminish what little confidence I have.

I also get the feeling I?m being turned down because I have a baby. I have had a couple of interview both with agencies and potential employers where there is a noticeable difference in attitude when I explain the 9mnths gap in my cv.

I have never had this much trouble finding a job before so I am feeling a little low at the moment. I have been searching for a month, which doesn?t seem long but I am fast running out of money.

Have anybody else experience this or is it really just me?

aiden, what do you do? what industry?

have you sent lots of letters to local businesses/organisations?

don't forget to think good positive thoughts at interview - explain that having a baby has taught you a lot, you are more mature, you are well organised, keen to work, reliable, etc. i also lack confidence - i know how you feel. being happy in the interview is my best tip, but i know that getting there can be tough. you'll get there soon though. hang in there. good luck!!

i work in accounts in the hospitality industry. i have just had yet another feedback that says 'not confident enough to deal with people'for an interview i had through an agency. so i called up the hotel i had an interview with and spoke to the lady to affirm that i thought i would be an excellent candidate for the job. needless to say, she was pissed that i had contacted her directly. it seems you can't win.