Job applications/rejections 26 - interviews 0, confidence rock bottom

[georginaowens]

I was a senior IT manager responsible for a large department with a significant financial responsibility. I didnt need technical knowledge my skills are in leadership, motivation, organisation etc. I have been at home with my daughter for five years and now the credit crunch forces me back into full time employment. Although hesitant to start with I became excited about the idea of returning to work and had no idea how difficult it would be. Agencies who unfortunately we depend on to get through any companies door have no interest in trying to understand you skills. If A on CV doesnt match A on job description forget it. Then you get the executive recruiters who are so snooty and condescending it is enough to make you want to crawl into a box and never come out again. I am not one to give up but wow is it tough.

Is anyone having better luck than me getting back to work after an extended break?

DH applied for a job last week. Agency told him 847 CV's received!

It is terrible out there, he has been looking for months.

You have my sympathy.

I'm sorry you're finding it difficult. FWIW its v. difficult for everyone. Have you tried IT consulting/contracting? Employers are very afraid of committing to full time employees but still seem to get Contracters in with no problem. At my company every Contracter comes in on a 1-2 months trial and ends up staying a yr because the business need is there. At the same time, we've been trying to hire another team member - after something like 6 interviews and 2 trips to europe to interview at our head office he still never got an offer. The same thing has happened to my DH. But a Contractor doesn't go through the same insanity because a company doesn't have to make that commitment. Good luck, I feel for you.

It is horrible. I've applied for about 20, had about 12 interviews and come 'second' each time!! Have been extremely fortunate though to get offered one of my 'seconds' as the person they employed didn't work out, so it does happen. I have been out of work for a year and was getting desperate. Just keep applying, you never know, they may have something else come up.

Good luck!

I had lots of interviews before I got job, so its good experience for you. the more interviews the better - and always ask for feedback. remember to update your CV, do some new training - it always look better than you have done nothing at all. When you go to interview look smart and be polite.