Thinking of Applying For A Job, and I Feel Like A Loser

[Madi100]

My oldest DD will be 11 next month. I quit my job shortly after she was born. Since then, I've had a few odd jobs, but I bet in total in 10 years I've maybe made 10,000. I've just been a mom. So, to put ANY of those jobs other than one of them would just not make sense. And, I haven't even had that many. 3. I just counted. 3 jobs.

Now my kids are in school all day long. So, I'm feeling a little bit useless. I'm not a very good housewife. I hate cleaning, and I get no satisfaction out of it. I got married when I was 19, and thought that I could just be a wife the rest of my life, and I didn't need a college educaiton. Here's where the loser part comes in. So, I only have a one year vocational program under my belt. So, two years of college total. I'm trying to do a resume, and the fact that I make awesome chocolate chip cookies just doesn't fit anywhere. I want to get an office job either doing customer service or receptionist work.

I've got two jobs I'll list, one is a retail store. The other is a company that I worked for 11 years ago, and it is no longer in business. The one thing I do have going for me is that I have been involved on the board for three years on a community organization, and I have been PTO president for 3 years. I know those will look good.

Otherwise, why would anyone look at my resume?

 

[nikjd68]

I don't think it is unusual in this day and age for a mother to reenter the workforce. Here is one article. http://money.cnn.com/2001/05/11/living/q_mothersday/

If you Google "mother reentering workforce" there are tons of articles.

Good Luck!

 

[ChelleinNC]

Married 17 years, and my last job was The Disney Store before I got married. I've looked at applications and it just seems silly to try to put down my last 3 jobs (TDS, WDW College Program & receptionist at the college I went to) or what I made per hour back then (I have no idea!)

I would like to be a travel agent/travel planner (specializing in Disney of course ) but I'm not sure how to do it. Most of the "schools" I've looked at look like scams and the agencies want experienced people only.

No advice, because I'm in pretty much the same boat. Just want you to know you're not alone

 

[robertgp124]

I don't know what you're looking for, but you've got a few things going that perhaps you didn't think of. You're obviously computer literate. You probably know a little bit about Microsoft Office - if you do, put that down. Just knowing the basics here can get you in the door!

You'd be surprised how well you will come off. The resume bit is always intimidating, but start looking. The phone will ring sooner than you think!

 

[checkwriter]

You may want to consider listing the skills that you have developed over the years you've been raising your children, helping manage your household, and participating in community organizations. These skills could include organizational, planning, budgeting, communications, advertising and promotion, negotiation . . . I'm sure there are more. Each skill category could include a brief explanation of the skill set, and then you could feature some examples of how you have applied those skills over the years.

Your resume may end up being more skill-focused than job title-focused, and may actually give potential employers a better idea of what your contributions could be than if you were to just list a series of positions you've held over the years.

You might be surprised at how impressive you look on paper if you give this a try!

More: Here is a website that appears to have some good suggestions. I'm sure you can find others as well.

 

[Regina]

I had your same concerns when I re-entered the job market. I went to a Temp agency and the office they placed me in ended up hiring me.

The fact that you're on a computer speaks volumes. If you're even just a little proficient, you have skills that employers are looking for.

Good luck!!

 

[bcvdreamer]

Madi,
We started our family when I only had two years work experience out of college. I was in almost the same situation you are in now.

Volunteerism is great on a resume....I used to be in HR. You also have computer skills. Don't get discouraged. Still list the company that's now out of business, you still worked there. Why don't you try a seasonal job, that way you'll have a recent employer to put down as a reference.

Good luck. (I can so relate to your housewife comment. )

 

[wildfan1473]

You are so not alone. Next year when both kids are in school full time, I will probably be writing a similar post. I agree with previous posters - put down your skills and accomplishments from being on the board and PTO. Just because you weren't working for pay does not mean you were not working.

 

[newtodis]

Hi there! Speaking on behalf of doing the hiring for my two previous positions, having the resume look professional and on nice paper is important. In my current place of employemnt, they don't so much focus on your resume itself. Many people for the office positions are over qualified and are not hired due to that reason. We look more at your skills and how you would fit within our group of people and their personalities. Fill out the applications as completely as possible. Include a specific cover letter and your resume with the application. Make it look as nice as possible to stand out from the other applications coming in. If possible, go to the place that's hiring and fill out the application in person. When you're done filling out the application, ask to speak with someone about the position. That shows that you're interested in what you're applying for-not just looking for a job.

When I started to look for "office" jobs, I'd only ever taught preschool while going to college (for teaching), worked as a nursing assistant after quitting college, working in another daycare program and moving to to become one of the family's nannys. After that, I stayed home with my first child. We decided I needed to go back to work when he was about four months old. I just started applying at places. When I did interview at places I was interested in, I made sure to mention my many organizational skills running someone else's household and that just like that person had a chance taken with them, I was hoping for the same for me. In the end, it worked out and here I am now...4 years later.

Good luck!!! If you need any help or tips, ask!

 

[Madi100]

What I am good at: typing. Which just reminded me of another job. I completely forgot about my "home" business. I did transcription for 3 years for the VA. However, my sister was my "boss". Should I put her down as a reference? I'm a very quick learner (don't they all say that?) But, honestly I am. This is either my greatest skill or my worst, I'm an overachiver in a loser sort of way. I'm not the CEO of any company, but I can't stay in the background. Example, I got a job at a retail store to get me out of the house. I worked evenings a couple days a week. I just wanted 4-10 hours a week. When I quit, I was the part-time assistant manager. If there is more of a job to have, I want it. One year I was a parent attending PTO meetings, next thing I know, I'm the PTO manager. I started a program in our school for fitness. The kids walk at recess. I organized it, got the helpers, designed the spreadsheets for recording the data. I'm just a little embarrassed to talk about it (to real people). I understand the importance of fitness and really want to encourage our students to do well. However, I'm quite chunky. So, it's like a prostitute preaching abstinence. But, they're young and haven't figured it out that the fat lady doesn't set a very good example.

What I'd like to do: Customer service, receptionist.

We are fortunate to have several larger corporations in our community, so I shouldn't have a problem. It's the whole self esteem thing.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I don't know what kind of position or hours you are looking for, but I am going to suggest you see if there is an answering service or call center in your area. I manage an answering service and you sound like someone I would hire! Believe it or not, it's hard to find people nowadays that can type. Usually they can send an email, but not actually type. You seem to have good communication skills and some computer skills, those are big pluses with me. And it's a nice job, usually with flexible scheduling.

 

[simonkodousek]

I have no clue what to recommend in terms of finding a job (I'm 14) but I will say that a few things that most prospective employers are looking for are people skills and computer skills, both of which are important to people interested in working as a customer service representative or receptionist.

Good luck!

 

[Madi100]

I don't know what kind of position or hours you are looking for, but I am going to suggest you see if there is an answering service or call center in your area. I manage an answering service and you sound like someone I would hire! Believe it or not, it's hard to find people nowadays that can type. Usually they can send an email, but not actually type. You seem to have good communication skills and some computer skills, those are big pluses with me. And it's a nice job, usually with flexible scheduling.

How do you find places like that? I take pride in my people skills. My favorite job ever was working in a grocery store. I love working with people. My greatest compliment was when the president of a bank came through my checkstand and told me that if I was ever interested in working for him that I'd have a job.

 

[aprince&princess]

Madi, you sound like me. My daughter will be 11 in November and I keep saying it would be nice to have a part-time job while the kids are at school. I worked full time for 10 years before having my son, who is now 14, and then part time for the next three years. Once my daughter was born I stayed home since it didn't make sense to pay a daycare more money than I was making. I have browsed through the paper to see what is out there, but locally there doesn't seem to be much that fits what I am looking for.

I think Regina is on the right track about starting out with a temp thing, because you could at least feel out a few places and if you get offered something permanent that looks good that would be great. Now my dilemma is vacations that are already booked. We go to Disney in two weeks for MNSSHP and Food & Wine over the Colombus Day weekend and then we will go again from Christmas thru New Years (DS is Marching with the HS Band). Thought it looked a little funny to look for a job and then say I needed time off for two vacations!

 

[Madi100]

Madi, you sound like me. My daughter will be 11 in November and I keep saying it would be nice to have a part-time job while the kids are at school. I worked full time for 10 years before having my son, who is now 14, and then part time for the next three years. Once my daughter was born I stayed home since it didn't make sense to pay a daycare more money than I was making. I have browsed through the paper to see what is out there, but locally there doesn't seem to be much that fits what I am looking for.

I think Regina is on the right track about starting out with a temp thing, because you could at least feel out a few places and if you get offered something permanent that looks good that would be great. Now my dilemma is vacations that are already booked. We go to Disney in two weeks for MNSSHP and Food & Wine over the Colombus Day weekend and then we will go again from Christmas thru New Years (DS is Marching with the HS Band). Thought it looked a little funny to look for a job and then say I needed time off for two vacations!

I, too, have vacations planned and will not give them up to work. If I was offered a job, I'd just be very upfront about it.

 

[checkwriter]

What I am good at: typing. . . . I'm a very quick learner (don't they all say that?) . . . I'm an overachiver in a loser sort of way. . . . When I quit, I was the part-time assistant manager. If there is more of a job to have, I want it. . . . I organized it, got the helpers, designed the spreadsheets for recording the data. I'm just a little embarrassed to talk about it (to real people). . . . It's the whole self esteem thing.

The last sentence really sums it up. It's clear that you have skills, intelligence, and ambition. You're good at a lot more than typing. Take some time to think hard about all you've done over the years. Give yourself credit for your skills. Also, realize that employers are hungry for people who take initiative, who can learn, and who care about their work. It sounds like you have those qualities.

 

[exwdwcm]

good luck and don't sell yourself short. you have not 'only' been a mom....it's a big job!

I have always been a working mom, but I know how hard it must be to be full time mom. There are all sorts of resumes for every type of job out there. You should be tailoring the resume to the opportunity and as someone said- make it focused on your strengths- such as your skills more than your actual jobs or titles. Be creative. Turn your daily life and mothering skills into something you can put on the resume- these are skills you can easily transfer into the workplace----ability to multi-task, work in fast-paced environment, meet tight deadlines, coordinate projects from beginning to end etc......all of these are things you surely do as a SAHM. Yet, these are all things employers look for as well. So turn everything around into your favor. Not only can you do it, but your creativity in doing so will impress the employer too! Include volunteering, PTA, other roles you have held in the community or schools. I have never listed dollar amounts on a resume......the only time dollar amounts even came up was in salary negotiation. Do your research online- find out what you are worth- what the average for that type of position is, so you are armed with knowledge when you go in. Work on building your experience in the meantime if you can- intern, volunteer or shadow someone.

best of luck to you- you can do it! i just started a new job today. it's scary, but good. I am just hoping to be able to be a SAHM one day....my son is 10 months. for now, i unfortuantely have to continue my career in marketing and cherish every second I do have with him.

 

[WaltD4Me]

How do you find places like that? I take pride in my people skills. My favorite job ever was working in a grocery store. I love working with people. My greatest compliment was when the president of a bank came through my checkstand and told me that if I was ever interested in working for him that I'd have a job.

Look in your phone book under telephone answering services or call centers.
You might also try your local hospital and ask if they have an in-house call center. Alot of bigger hospitals have in house answering for their doctors.
Another thing is dispatch, like for a towing or alarm company.

MOST answering services are only in-bound calls, which means no telemarketing. There are usually two listings in a phone book, one will say
telemarketing (you don't want that) and the other will say "Telephone Answering Services" or maybe "Telephone Call Centers."

I would just call and ask if they are hiring. Be sure to speak clearly and professionally. You wouldn't believe how many people call me and say
"Hey, you hiring?" --- In which case I say "No." even if we are!

 

[Cyrano]

First thing is I think you should reflect on the wonderful job you have done. I take my hat off to mothers who do a considerable job in holding a family together as well as being the first educator of children.
Next is think of all those mult-tasking experiences that you bring to the workplace. Your reliability and life experience are great assets to an employer.
As others have said you have started to take the first steps

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

OMG Nicole -- I could have written the same thing!!! I've been out of the work force for seven years now. I had a very important job prior to our move to WA and then decided to stay home with the kids. Now they are both teenagers and I feel like I really need to start venturing out again. I presently do volunteer work at both of the kids schools and our church but feel I just have so much more to offer. I've filled out a few applications and recently took the infamous "postal exam"...so we'll see what happens.