Hello!

I am 29 with over 11 years professional experience – five years of that being in a management role. I made the decision to stay at home after my twins were born in 2010. I am trying to get back to work. I have seen a professional regarding my resume and cover letter and have been to recruitment agencies. I have been told that I am over qualified to work in a supermarket yet my experience counts for nothing as it was longer then 3 years ago. I have considered doing a course but without experience they don’t count for much anyway. How can I show that I am as intelligent and as committed as I ever was. I feel like all that hard work was for nothing. After 6 months of trying I am running out of hope….


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  • I’ve just had 8 years away from the workforce and all I can say is just be super confident, because you’re an asset to any company being a mum is a tough, full-time gig. You haven’t lost anything since being away raising your babies. Tweak your cover letter and good luck ????????


  • Perseverance! Just keep trying. Apply for every available job you can, anything that is available, go for it


  • Have you looked into doing a course that could help bring you up to date with your previous job? That could help. If you’re a qualified professional in something, you’re bound to get a job at some stage, don’t give up!


  • Adaptable and open to learning new things was my fav phrase :)


  • Definitely volunteer work. It’s so hard to get your foot in the door in this market. I’m currently interviewing for a couple of positions at the moment and unfortunately we do tend to put lower on the list those who haven’t worked in a few years when there are others with more recent work experience. Even try for some work experience like you did at school.


  • sometimes you just have to get your foot in the door and it can lead to bigger and better things. Good luck as it is a difficult time to seek employment.


  • Go do some volunteer work in the meantime to get the hours and experience back up to date. Once you have some recent work on your resume, employers don’t care if it’s volunteer or not!


  • Good on you for putting yourself out there again! I think at the moment it is hard to find jobs anywhere which really sucks. I agree with the volunteer route to get your name out there


  • I agree with others for volunteer work


  • I definitely agree with the volunteer route. Volunteer for things like managing a large charity initiative or fundraising initiative at your local school and emphasise in your CV that you “organised and rand management of an event with over 100 participants and raised $2000/thousands of dollars” etc.
    Volunteering also opens up the door to networks of people who may be able to recommend you job opportunities too!


  • I too have had the same problem. I am now working volunteer to get back into the workforce for something more recent on my CV. I am also studying for a different career now, so I hope that with both my volunteer role and my soon to have degree under my belt, I will have a job soon.


  • I’m currently on maternity leave from work, second time with the same company.. I’m taking longer off this time being the second and obviously having my hands full with 2 kids, but I’ve not full decided on going back to my place of work just yet, as I want something that going to fit in more with family life, so I’m currently studying while at home to give myself an opportunity for other options, I’ve created online profiles in LinkedIn and Seek, and believe it or have been getting job opportunities sent to me while I’ve been home! Creating an online profile with all your expertise seems to be the way to go these days as more and more companies seem to be scouting online rather than relying on recruitment agencies! I do wish you all the luck and hope something will come along for you soon!


  • Its really hard. Big companies should be a bit more supportive, as once you’re back in the workforce, you would be up to your former capabilities very quickly. I found it very hard, read impossible, to get back after a 5 year break.


  • Volunteer work can help you bridge that gap.


  • Wow, that’s tough. I’m sorry that’s happened to you. It must be very frustrating.
    I don’t have any advice as I am in the same boat but my bubba is only 2 months old and this is a situation that I’m concerned about as well. All I can say is hang in there. I’m sure something will turn up for you. Good luck!


  • Do some voluntary work to add to your resume. You don’t need to specify it wasn’t paid, it’s still experience. Something at your kids school? Bookkeeping for someone you know? Or start smaller like tutoring for a local small business. Add it to your resume.
    The older experience does count but unfortunately some people do want to see current experience to validate it. You also don’t need to specify if you worked part time or not. So if you have done anything… like helped at preschool… add it.
    Then with a few extra recent experience you’ll get a job more easily. Hang in there, you will find something. Also if you’re looking for part time you may need to start full time for a short while to show your commitment and get current experience. I am sure you are very capable and intelligent, it’s frustrating you have to prove yourself all over again!


  • Don’t give up and lose faith-keep going and keep up skilling.


  • Dont give up hope at all. if you are as keen as you are it will happen. Maybe start calling places which are MORE understanding of you being at home, and go from there. I had the same problem. Then where I am now they are totally FAMILY OREINTATED AND UNDERSTAND FIRST HAND WHAT ITS LIKE. Also sounds Corny but maybe in your cover note state that even tho its been so long dont mean you are not up to the task and all they have to do is GIVE you the chance to prove it! Something will happen. Please hang in there! GOODLUCK


  • It is very hard. Dont give up. Keep trying. You may need to do some courses as everyone wants certificates these days. Good luck


  • I would love to be a SAHM but am worried about this dilemma. Are you able to apply to none management roles and work your way up to the top? I know it’s a step back but it’s a start


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