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

[Stacy's a freak]

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!!

Very good advice Regina! Good "temps" rarely stay "temps" for long.

Also - I'm an office manager for a law office and we are currently hiring for a receptionist. If only I could find a person who is pleasant, can multi-task and is willing to WORK, I would be all set! I find that so many people who are applying for something on the entry-level side are younger people who, frankly, just don't have the work ethic. If you show initiative and a cleverly-written cover letter and resume, you should easily score an interview. From there, it's just a matter of having a friendly and open personality (put aside the nervous jitters!), you will have no problem finding something soon. Best of luck to you and let us know how it goes!

 

[TSMAMI]

I stayed at home with both of my kids until they went to school full day. I too was nervous since it was 9 years out of the work force and really out of touch with the routine of being around adults, that were not my family.

I decided to go back to my old job I had in retail that I worked at for 5 years until my son was born, I choose that because some of the same people worked there and it made me feel more comfortable. Looking back I realized it was the best thing that I could have done for myself. Its only part-time but its a start! You will do fine, there are so many women going thru this that you are not alone.....Go get um...

 

[ericafny]

As someone who used to supervise a program and hire my own staff I can tell you that resumes didn't really mean much to me. If I met the person, they seemed confident and, had some real life experience, I was willing to give them a shot. I don't believe a resume can be the deciding factor. As long as you show that you are a confident, well put together person who will show up everyday and do their job I think you will be hired! Good luck and let us know how it goes

 

[WaltD4Me]

Also - I'm an office manager for a law office and we are currently hiring for a receptionist. If only I could find a person who is pleasant, can multi-task and is willing to WORK, I would be all set! I find that so many people who are applying for something on the entry-level side are younger people who, frankly, just don't have the work ethic.

Isn't this the truth. Work ethic now is totally different. When I can, I really prefer to find someone older, but that isn't always an option. I can't tell you how many younger employees that I've hired, that just don't show up one day or are such an attendance problem, I have to let them go. It baffles them that it isn't okay to call off DURING TRAINING to go to Cedar Point or because they stubbed their toe. I have such a hard time hiring reliable employees, I sometimes have to wonder whose fault the the unemployment rate really is.

 

[Madi100]

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

Okay. I really don't have room to put my life experiences and my job experiences. Is it better to put my life experiences that are from the present OR to put my job experience. I have had three jobs that I would list, the first being a CSR from 95-98. The 2nd was a retail assistant manager from 01-03. And, the 3rd that of a transcriptionist from 04-06.

 

[Madi100]

Isn't this the truth. Work ethic now is totally different. When I can, I really prefer to find someone older, but that isn't always an option. I can't tell you how many younger employees that I've hired, that just don't show up one day or are such an attendance problem, I have to let them go. It baffles them that it isn't okay to call off DURING TRAINING to go to Cedar Point or because they stubbed their toe. I have such a hard time hiring reliable employees, I sometimes have to wonder whose fault the the unemployment rate really is.

I was just talking to a freind of mine who runs a temp agency. He said that if I can make it clear to them that I am in my 30's that I will not have a problem getting a job. He said that he really has a problem with kids now right out of college. They want to have the high paying jobs right out of college without paying their dues. DH deals with it in his line of work also.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I was just talking to a freind of mine who runs a temp agency. He said that if I can make it clear to them that I am in my 30's that I will not have a problem getting a job. He said that he really has a problem with kids now right out of college. They want to have the high paying jobs right out of college without paying their dues. DH deals with it in his line of work also.

I bet your friend is right. Reliability is really something employers are looking for. There is nothing more fustrating than going through the trouble of training someone and having them disappear or having to let them go once trained. I know there are some great young people out there who DO make good employees, unfortunately though in my experience you take a much higher risk when you hire a young person, especially if that person still lives at home and doesn't have much responsiblity (i.e. bills) yet.

 

[tinkbutt]

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.

I agree everyone feels that they are not good enough when they actually list what they think they do well! I recommend having a friend or your husband help you list your good qualities that could be helpful. others see the things you write off as not important!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Try a functional style of resume - for those who are looking for a career change (which is what you are technically doing).

Monster has a good article and you can jump from the article into a dozen more related ones.
http://career-advice.monster.com/re...angers/Resume-Dilemma-Career-Change/home.aspx

Here's the link to their functional resume - I really do think this is the right one for you.
http://media.monster.com/mm/usen/content/pdf/resume_functional-resume.pdf

As you can see, you list skills in bullet columns, so it gives you more room over the traditional. When I was laid off at the end of January, we were given a career counselling company to work with. I was thinking about doing a career transition (staying in corporate and working down the street for Disney, instead of returning to practicing in a hospital), he recommended this style to me.

Not to put a damper on the encouragement, but please be warned that sometimes "overqualified" is a way of them saying we want someone younger with fewer life commitments. Employers cannot by law descriminate based on age, but corporations can find other excuses to get younger folks who can devote more time to the company. Another thing is the stereotype that folks who are overqualified are more likely to become dissatsfied/bored and leave their job sooner. That stereotype harms me, but will work to your benefit!

It's a rough world out there for folks looking for jobs these days! I know, since I'm over 40 and have been looking for 8 months now. My area of radiology is technologically evolving so quickly that employers are looking for additional certifications that were not required even two years ago! For me, that means returning to two-years of school for an associates degree - just to get back my old job.

I really do wish you the best of luck! I think you will be just fine!