Going back to work

D

denise5

Cathlete
Hello!

I am mostly a lurker but have seen all sorts of good advice on these boards, so here goes. I am trying to find a job after being a SAHM for 11 1/2 years. I need help in figuring out how to put a more positive spin on the fact that I have not worked outside my home in so long. Once employers look at my resume and see the I have not worked since 1995 they are no longer interested in me. I was previously a bookkeeper. I have taken two continuing education accounting classes online in order to refresh my skills (this is on my resume). I also obtained a BAS degree in Human Resources Management degree in 1998. My ideal job would be one that combines the two areas. But since I have been looking for a while almost anything is okay. I will have to pay daycare so I have to make a pretty good wage. My husband and I are having a house built and we are closing on February 28 so time is of the essence. We did not think it would be so hard for me to find a job. Of course going back to work after so long and leaving my children is very scary and hard but that is a whole other story. Right now I just need some advice on how to keep a potential employer for taking one look at my lack of recent work history and tossing my resume. Anyone have any advice? Thanks!!
 
Denise,

The first thing which popped into my head was BE HONEST. I might get flamed for this but I would actually note your job as a mom for that period on your resume. I have interviewed many people over the years and a lack of information with no explanation on a resume looks bad to me. I personally would not have a problem with you as a perspective employee based on the fact you were a stay at home mom. I would actually respect you for your honesty. If you have the qualifications and experience, it sounds like you will be an excellent candidate regardless of the break in work history.

Maybe someone here on the forum works for one of the job agencies and will be able to offer you specific advice.

Good Luck to you!
 
I agree; be honest. Let's face it; it's a 24/7 job being a SAHM. Running a household is no easy task. In fact, one article I read several years ago, a woman heading back to the work force noted on her resume that she was the CEO of the blah blah blah household. Make sure your resume looks perfect in terms of layout, paper, etc. - shows you pay attention to detail and know how to work a computer. Be creative and and don't be apologetic for raising your children! Good luck and be tenacious!
Terri
 
Actually, it may just be in the way you are marketing yourself. You have had a job for the last 11.5 years. Use your skills from being a Stay at Home Mom and adapt them to the required skills for the jobs you want.

You managed the family budget and household expenditures (book keeper). You had to approve activities and make sure funds were available (same). You were HR manager to your family. You had to handle conflicts as they arose, provide suitable activities for team and peer building, provide warning to those not meeting exceptable standards (clean your room or else!), and have excellent follow-through in all that you do and say. Also - be very quick to point out that even in the midst of this very taxing job you had (I've been a SAHM - it IS taxing), you managed to go back to school to get your degree. That's a good thing.

Also, get out there in your community and start networking. You're more likely to get a job from someone you know - or someone who knows someone you know, then you will be just dropping a resume. Asking your working friends if there are any openings in their companies. Have your husband ask his friends. Get outside your comfort zone and start talking to people. I got my current job because my neighbor knows the CIO of this company. My DH got his job at a major hi-tech company because the checker at the local grocery store, who noticed he looked a little frazzled, knew a senior director at the company (I'm totally serious). You just never know when someone's cousin's friend needs just what you do...
 
No advice, just good luck wishes. You sounded a bit apprehensive about a new job, no more SAHM, new house etc. and I just want you to know you can always get support here.
 
Denise - one more thing - have you considered temp agencies? They can also help you get a foot in the door and in the mean time get you temporary jobs to help ease you into the work place. A lot of companies have a temp-to-hire policy, and a lot more need book keepers and HR people. Just a thought.
 
Hi Denise- I am in the same boat- I've been out of the workforce for 16 no almost 17 years-it's really intimidating to get back out there- I will be taking some comp. classes to "catch up" and I also may try substitute teaching to get my foot in the door in the way of experience after so much time off- good luck--deb (I am fortunate to have gotten my bachelors degree in 1986 but I worry too that when I go to write my resume I'll have nothing to put on it)
 
Denise,

I just want to wish you good luck! You've received some great advice. Christine, you must be in marketing! You have some fabulous ideas. I especially liked your suggestion of temp agencies. I used them when I moved from California to Wyoming. In fact I used them in college too and they have always helped me get full-time positions. Always.

Denise, I don't know if you are looking for any more online courses to refresh your computer skills, but there is a wonderful provider called Ed2go (through Thompson Learning). You can take all kinds of computer classes such as Microsoft Word, Quickbooks, Performing Payroll in Quickbooks, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access and the list just goes on and on and on. There are all kinds of other classes from language to management to photography, writing, journaling, nutrition, etc., etc. Anyway, you can go to www.ed2go.com and type in your area code to find a school near you that offers the classes. They're being offered nationwide. They're very popular. Most classes have 12 lessons offered in 6 weeks. Prices vary but are usually around $79 - $99. We offer them through my program for $79. It doesn't matter where you take them from since they're online. I'm sure you can find a college near you offering them for $79. Shop around. If you need any more info, please feel free to PM me.

Again, good luck to you!

Suz

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France

http://www.picturetrail.com/dogs2birds
 
Hey Everyone,

First, I want to say thanks for all your replys. Second, I was in the middle of getting my hair trimmed today and I got a call about a job. The lady did a mini interview on the phone and I am going in for an interview tomorrow. It is a HR assistant position with a Home Health Services company. YEAH!!!.

Marnold: I was honest with her. She asked what I had been doing for the past 11 years and I told her I was a SAHM. That did not seem to bother her. Thanks!

Terri: I agree with you, being a SAHM is the hardest job I have had.
My son (the oldest) just got through taking a course in college about resumes, interviewing ,etc. So he has been a big help in helping my resume look good.

andtckrtoo: When I read your post I went to my husband and asked him to ask people he knows about jobs. He is going to do that. You are right about my comfort zone. I have been at home so long and my husband works a lot so my life pretty much revolves around my home.
I just told him a few weeks ago that I was scared because I am having to move out of what I know. I am a creature of habit. I like things to stay the same. I did sign up with a temp agency right after christmas. They have not found anything for me yet.

Buffettgirl: Thanks for your good wishes. I have never posted anything, but I have been praying for your grandson, you, and your family since you posted that he had been born. It is good to see him doing well.

debfer: Wow! Seventeen years. Yes, it is very intimidating to try to go back out there. My family is in for a big surprise when MOM starts working. I have spoiled them. They do not realize that for that drawer to be full of clean underwear, someone had to wash them.
I think it will be hardest on my husband.

Suz: Christine did have some good ideas. My local community college does have Ed2go and I have taken a couple of courses through them. They were great. I did learn a lot.

Anyway, Thanks again everyone. I will post to this again after my interview and let you know how it went. I hope that I can go tomorrow. Freezing rain, sleet and ice is supposed to start falling tonight. I might have to reschedule for Monday.
 
YEAH Denise! I'm so happy to hear about the interview! I have fingers and toes crossed for the weather and the interview!
 
Denise,

I know how you feel. I am starting to spread my wings now after being a SAHM for 12/13 years. Besides volunteer work, I haven't earned a penney since 1995.

I started out with going to college. First one class (Math) in last year's Spring Semester, then three classes in the Summer Semester, then six classes in the Fall Semester and currently I am working on six classes plus working as Substitute Teacher two times a week.

Substituting is a great way of starting out because if you only want to work a day or two or five days a week you can do that. You are also always off and home when the kids are off.

My dh was a bit pissy in the beginning because the first time in his life he had to help with homework, set the table etc. and certain subjects like Math suffered. I am glad I eased everyone very slowly in becomming used to mom not being there 24/7.
 
Suz- thank you so much for posting the info about ed2go- I had never heard of them but found out that a college near me offers classes through them- I'm excited to sign up- I've learned so much through this community and forums-thanks again--deb
 
Well, I got the job!!!!!!! I went and interviewd and they did some basic computer testing on me. I was told that they were going to get back to my next Monday or Tuesday. That afternoon , while I was in the grocery store parking lot loading groceries in my car, they called and gave me a job offer. It was freezing cold and snowing so I told them I would have to call back. It is only part time, but that will be a slow intro back into work outside the home. I am going to be doing HR work. I will do background checks, education and credential verifications, etc. This company hires nurses for hospitals. I have no medical or actual HR experience at all, but they want to train me. The best thing is none of my children will have to go to day care. They asked me to work 8:30 to 5:00 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The weird thing is is that starting tomorrow my husband's hours are changing to 5:30 AM - 1:30 pm with Tuesday and Wednesday off. There was one problem, daycares do not take children for one day a week. My husband said to call them back and tell them that right now Friday is a problem and explain the child care issue. I did that and it was not a problem for them. I am going to work on Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 - 6:00. I go in Monday to fill out new hire paper work and start on Tuesday. I am going to tell them on Monday that I can come in one day a week from 2:30 - 6:00. I know GOD had a hand in all this. I have been praying about a job that right for me, my family and what God wants me to have. I know this is it, at least at first. Anyway I am excited but, I have a whole lot of butterflies in my stomach. Thanks again to all of you for your support and advise. Wish me luck!:7 :7 :7 :7 :7 :7
 
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