What to write and where to write it . Jpob application form when i've been a sahm for the last 5 years!

[Ledodgy]

There is no extra information space on the form. Do I write a cover letter explaining the gap or what? I know I can do the job if anything i'm over qualified but I really want it. Will they bother even reading the letter when they are just expecting an application form?

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anyone?

Send a covering letter explaining it - even if they don't read it, you'll have sent the best possible application, most employers will expect some sort of letter to accompany the form (I would). Unless the ad specifically states do not send a covering letter of course.

Definately do a covering letter explaining gap in employment.

I agree - put it in a (concise) covering letter. Good luck by the way!

Thank you I also have a problem with references as where I was last employed 5 years ago has closed down. I have just written a cheeky email to the old education officer of the museum (same company the job is in) to ask if she'd give me a personal reference.

You might be able to get a character reference from a friend or perhaps your priest if you are religious.

Not religious but have got a friend who'd do it. The reason i've emailed the lady i've emailed is that she was an education officer for the museum and I did voluntary work with her ages ago, then she also gave me some paid work writing education packs for school children. The group bookings officer at the time was under her iyswim and this is the job i'm applying for. I also worked at the desk in the museum for the duration of my a.levels and degree. The same education officer was also a very good friend of my mum's who was her PA for around 15 years (my mum has now died). Knowing how much nepotism counts in museums, having her as a reference would be fab. The job is only 15 hours a week but would help me retain my sanity and get my foot back in the door so to speak.

Ledodgy - Im doing the same thing at the moment! Im giving character references mainly. Ive wrote cover letters with all my applications too.

Good Luck x

You too Julez.

No specific advice but words of support.

I've just gone back into teaching after a five year gap and no-one batted an eyelid!

In my covering letter I mentioned all the other things I had done, PTA, NCT, courses to keep my languages up-to-date etc. It has been a breeze frankly and my earning power is what it was 5 years ago.

I hope that doesn't sound boastful, but there are so many doomsayers on here that I wanted you to know that it can be done and that you should go for it and be confident!

Good luck.

Ty SM I want to do a PGCE and teach History eventually but i'm waiting until ds2 is older.

I'm going back to work soon, following a 4.5 year employment gap.

You MUST explain you spent this time looking after and taking care of your babies and toddlers on a full-time basis at home.

I did explain and not a single employer refused an interview because of the gap - in fact, I haven't been refused any interviews so far!

As things have turned out, I have registered with an employment agency and obtained a position at a former employer - many of the bosses there still remembered me from 2002!

As for references, I found that so long as the referees are professionals, the employers didn't seem to mind - so for example, a doctor friend or university lecturer friend. Basically, someone of some position that can vouch for you as a normal human being and to confirm your identity.

In my case, the chap who interviewed me was a former manager so he already knew me.

Do explain, a decent employer won't view that kind of career break as negative at all.

Regarding references, the one you are hoping for sounds good. Even if it's been a while, if you can get anything even remotely related to a work-type situation that's better. Good luck!