Hello!

I have been out of the workforce for many years now so I could raise my family now they are all grown up. I would like to work part time but finding it hard as nobody wants to hire someone that’s been out of the workforce for years. I have applied to so many places and nothing. Do I give up now?


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  • God no, you never give up, that isn’t an option. You keep trying, something will come along. In the meantime, may I suggest you volunteer? Even if it’s at the local school canteen, it’s all experience


  • Never give up, move forth confidently, take up volunteer work, retrain, take dates off your resume, be creative but don’t give up!


  • I worked for a non profit and worked with lots of volunteers. That would be a great way to get current experience and something may even come up at the charity. Pick a large charity that would have lots of movement and opportunities. Volunteer positions can be more than just selling fundraising merchandise. There is usually a volunteer coordinator that can match your skills with potential work.


  • I’m not much help but make sure you include any volunteer work you’ve done, you don’t need to tell them it was unpaid.
    Maybe even get into volunteering to get some experience, like open shops? I’m sure there’s heaps as a stepping stone. You will probably get a lot of no’s before a yes but hang in there! You’re good quality and deserve to be hired! All the best xx


  • Try some job agencies for temp work to get back into the work force or smaller companies who are more personal when hiring staff.


  • Don’t give up. There are recruitment agencies that you can Sign up with.


  • No don’t give up. There is a company called Acquire who phoned me from word of mouth that I had been out of work for 9 months. They asked me what i would like to do and then suggested a few free courses that can help to give me job experience. They will also place you in a job when youre all done. Most courses are online, they offered me a business certificate course or enrolled nursing. Have fun, and never doubt your abilities.


  • There’s an article in the money and finance section of MoM that might be worth a look.


  • I to want to return to work and after a year of numerous interviews I just keep getting told that I am been out of the workforce for too long and lack experience! It is so frustrating! I am due to finish my degree in a year, so I am really hoping that things will change.
    Sorry I cannot offer advice….I need some myself!


  • Don’t give up. Have you considered doing a course at TAFE?


  • Do not give up. Keep persevering, make sure your resume is up to date, some recruitment agencies offer free services to brush up your skills such as computer programmes. Good luck with it all.


  • never give up theres always something that will come along


  • I tried doing a short course & enrolling in a recruitment agency but found that putting my name down with AEC & board of studies, even with Aust bureau of statistics gave me a bit of work where the other things didn’t eventuate into anything (well, not yet anyway).


  • Don’t give up but don’t stress yourself out. What about doing a course or something first?


  • Enrol in a short course of interest to you which will help you build up your skills & confidence. This way you can add your studies on your resume, which will also show employers that you have been proactive.


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