Back to work???

[annie]

I run into that all the time as well Cali. Because i managed hotels for years and then had a family i apparently lost my brain when i gave birth to the twins. While i admit the brain is a bit slow some days it isn't because i can't do something it's because of all of the information crammed into it! And I think Red's point was to give the years you stayed home official "job" names. Such as I am not a stay at home mom... but a domestic engineer, event coordinator, marketing manager, etc.

Actually a few years ago when asked for salary requirements for a position i listed everything i had been paid and when i got to the time with my family i listed "Stay at home parent.... priceless." Actually got a good job for my honesty and sense of humor because that comment showed the value I placed on what i did and not the value that OTHERS placed on it. It is all the perception. My husband thought i was insane when i listed my time as a stay at home parent on my resume and clearly stated in my cover letter that i wanted to go back to work for ABC after having raised the kids but i wanted people to know that i valued that time and even if they didn't that didn't make me "less" of a person but more so for sticking to my values, principals, etc. I also addressed the issue of why i was applying for a job i was overqualified for then too, so everyone knew. If you are dealing with an old fashioned boy's club atmosphere then that won't help but if you are working with a progressive company who knows. I have actually been surprised at some of the interviews i have gotten due to that.

Also, as a way to get to know more people past an interview.... join the local chamber of commerce or something and go to their meetings and socials. As you meet people let them know you are looking, what your skills are, etc. A friend of mine got a job that way and basically that is how i got my last two jobs. Through friends i had at the CoC that knew me and my skills.

Now a days it is all about networking... from volunteering on high end boards to joining the CoC. Making the contacts that you need for an application. Nothing makes a better impression, even it is volunteer work, then to have someone say "Oh yeah I know her... she just headed up ABC (or helped with ABC or did ABC) and it was a great project. I would definitely hire her."

And it might help boost the self esteem in the process. I know it did for me.

And Cali... one final thing. If you are getting to the interview process and that is where it ends. Don't necessarily assume, unless you have asked, that it is about experience that you weren't hired. All the rejection letters say that but it could be something else. Call and ask them for specifics as to why and how they feel you could improve. Maybe your interview skills are just a bit rusty.