Should I apply - I am scared, I can do the job standing on my head but taking the step scares the crap out of me!

[MadameCastafiore]

There is a couple of part time positions in the office of one of our local secondary schools that are being advertised and I am wondering whether to apply.

One is in admin and the other finance - I have worked in both areas before and my last job was in a major investment bank dealing with men who acted like teenagers most of the time anyway.

I am just scared about taking the step and applying - I haven't always worked, haven't ever really had to - just thinking with DS starting school in September when the job starts - it could be good to have something even if it is only for 15 hours a week. DH reckons it is worth applying although he says I don't have to go to work but it would be good for me, he says, to have something that exercises my brain.

I just keep looking at the application and going blank - I can't even remember what GCSE grades I got and have no way of finding out - do I ring the school or something?

And a personal statement - the most I have written for a long time is my shopping list or a letter to DDs teacher.

AAARRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHH - I am being pathetic aren't I?

Thank you for that advice Mutt - brilliant - one hurdle sorted out.

Just got to address the fact that I think they will think I am a complete numpty if I go for an interview - well probably won;t as my personal statement will probably be enought o put them off of me.

doitdoitdoitDOIT!!!

Go on, what have you got to lose???

Dont be in a position where you will be kicking yourelf with disapointment because you jsut dont know.

Do IT i command you......

Do it. Do it now. Then c&p your personal statement so we can help you with it.

Now.

Go on.

I will try but I am supposed to not be on here but sitting with DS as he only came out of hospital this morning, he had his tonsils out yesterday!

Do it.

I took the risk earlier this year after five years out of the workplace... really didn't know whether to do it or not.

In was in my field of expertise, knew I could do the job, in a school, flexi hours, it was perfect. I knew positions like that didn't come up very often and tried to talk myself out of applying. But decided to apply anyway just to see what happened...

Got the job, and am SOOOOO glad I took the risk. Like you I felt really scared about going back but it was amazing how quickly I settled back in to working again.

Do it - NOW!

I think you have to decide whether / when you really want to go back to work.

You may be able to do the job standing on your head, but the worst thing is to make a half-hearted attempt.

If you are undecided, then that will come across in your application and in an interview. You then run the risk of being rejected for a job that you know you can do.

Have a big, big think about it - what benefits it would really bring to you. If you can get that "need to do it, want to do it" feeling, then go for it 100%.

If you really want it and decide to go for it, then the worries you have are ones that you will easily overcome.

Totally agree Mutt, most people apply for several jobs before they get the one - and each time they refine the process, interview better, learn more about what they like and dislike about particular jobs etc.

I suppose I was reading that the OP wasn't even sure that she wanted to go back to work. Deciding that properly is a good first step.

Thanks guys.

Had a big chat with DH last night and I am going to apply - trying to keep DS happy today - he came of out hospital yesterday after having his tonsils out on Monday so is not himself - so I will have to do the application and personal statement in the evening when DH is home.

One thing - I don't have word on my PC I have wordpad or something equally shite - would it look bad to send in a hand written application and personal statement?

If you're applying for a job in admin I think you should make sure you type your personal statement - they'll use your application form to help assess your computer and document presentation skills.

Just wanted to add to the chorus of voices saying DO IT!

I have just completed and sent off the first application I have done in 5 years . It took me 4 days and various outbursts of crying, stamping off feet and saying 'I can't do this!', but I did it. Who knows if it is a pile of shite and won't bag me an interview? But just doing it has helped exercise my brain and made me think about what my skills actually are, so worst case scenario, I never hear back from them but at least I've had a bit of a practice at filling out an application form.

Good luck. Just keep telling yourself you can do it and don't worry about the interview until you find out if you've got one. Then you can come back to MN for loads of advice

p.s. My advice for the personal statement would be to try to demonstrate as clearly as possible, using examples, how you meet each one of the job specifications. I always start by writing a sentence or two next to each criteria on how I meet it, then try to string them all together when I'm done.

Right girls is this really crap?

I pride myself on my organisation skills and being able to prioritise my workload by using my own initiative and believe that working as part of a team as well as having the ability to use my own initiative is a very important skill in any working environment.

Throughout my previous employment I have been fortunate enough to gain practical knowledge and experience of various software packages (Lotus Notes, Ami Pro, Quicktime, Powerpoint, Word Excel and many more packages). I have lots of experience of compiling reports to a deadline, booking travel and meeting rooms and organising conferences as well as meeting and greeting important clients and other members of staff.

Through busy workloads, demanding schedules and deadlines I have developed a methodical approach to planning and organising, ensuring that I am a good time-manager.

The opportunity to work in a school is very appealing. The chance to be part of such a productive team and to see that team work pay off would be such an achievement. I have loved working for Worldwide Companies, but you sometimes get lost in the crowd and it would be nice to be an individual in a team, rather than just a face in a crowd.

Have even made DH go and buy a new printer and Word so I can do this bloody application properly. Thanks for all your help guys - am going running now so I am not being rude not coming back - I will be back red faced and sweaty in about an hour!

For the first bit - the organisational skills - give an example of when it's been really important that you are super organised.

For the computer packages - I'd have a sentence or two naming at least one of the jobs/roles you've gained the experience in and say how you've had to use it eg. 'In my role as X, it was important that I had strong skills in Excel in order to create the complex spreadsheets that the role demanded' or somethign like that.

For the third para - busy workload etc - say which jobs you are talking about and tell them something about how you developed/displayed those skills. eg.. 'In my role as administrator for X, I was provided admin support for two extremely busy Directors. it was a challenging role, and required excellent organisation and the ability to meet tight deadlines in a high pressure environment.'

Why is working in a school appealing? Tell them why.
e.g. ' I would relish the challenge of applying my strong administrative and organisational experience to a role in an educational setting because...?'

...because as a parent, you feel you have a particularly good understanding of/rapport with children/parents/teachers.

...because you have always had a strong interest in this area (only say if you have had some experience of working in education , even voluntary

This sentence: 'I have loved working for Worldwide Companies, but you sometimes get lost in the crowd and it would be nice to be an individual in a team, rather than just a face in a crowd.'

I think you need to reword it. I'll have a think.

You are definitely going in the right diorection. Just remember the golden rule for applicatiosn and interviews - give them an example of what you've done that demonstrates you have the skill/experience you are talking about.

I got an interview for the job I applied for, by the way!

And another to say just DO IT!! What have you got to lose?

You don't get shortlisted - at least you've got your CV stuff sorted out

You get interviewed, but don't get the job - you know your application form was good (which you can transfer to your CV), you're just a bit rusty at interviews

RE: the worldwide companies bit.. personally don't think you need it. If you were changing jobs from a high powered big business to local school then it needs some explanation - but not if you are returning to work after some time away. Just IMO though.

Oooohhhh thanks guys and well done Mrs Mattie - I will keep my fingers crossed for you! When is your interview?

I will post final draft of statement tonight as am going to finish it whilst DH watching the footie.

Hopefully will be back!