Has anyone else found it hard to get a job after being a sahm? I've been out of the workforce for nearly 5 years & have been trying to get back in with no luck. The jobs I'm applying for are jobs that I have experience in, but I keep getting rejected. I've come to the conclusion that 1. My resume is no good 2. No one wants to hire a mum or 3. I'm too old lol! It's getting to the point now that I'm thinking of lying on my resume so I don't have a 5 year work gap. Anyone have any tips/suggestions? I've thought of studying but don't have the money for that atm, plus I have no idea what I want to study. I'm on ftb, so wondering if there's anything Centrelink can do to help? Thanks!
9 Replies
I have been applying for so many jobs and I got short listed for one. They did ask about my experience and seemed pleased with everything but then they asked if I had kids and that's why I have a gap. I told them yes...after that it was questions of "What happens if your kids get sick" "What about if it's a pupil free day" blah blah blah...obviously I didn't get the job. So I do believe it's because they don't want to hire people with kids.
Can they even ask that? Do they ask male applicants the same questions?????
I recently returned to work and honestly had no issues at all. I applied for 5 positions and had an interview for all, offered 3 (still waiting to hear back from 2 - long process) and managed to negotiate a very decent contract. I was never questioned regarding the what ifs about sick days etc. - the only thing I was questioned about is if I plan on any holidays in the next 12 months.
Definitely have your resume looked over by a professional. Make sure it's relevant to the necessary job (i.e. no need to list you worked at McDonalds 10 years ago etc. unless it's a hospitality job) and have a good cover letter. Outline your key strengths such as motivated, reliable, efficient and have drive. That you work well in a team or on your own and are happy to take the lead. Literally feed them what they want to hear :)
Good luck. Personally, I've never struggled to find work nor been unemployed due to lack of jobs going, I have always had professional help though to go over my resumes.
I do think having kids makes it harder and yes I do personally know people who will not hire mums which is unfair. But that doesn't mean to not give it a go at least, I wouldn't bother about employment agencies however I do think getting your resume done up professionally will help.
I am a 31 year old mother who has been out of the workforce for 9 years. I am currently studying a degree and had a resume professionally done up. I had my first interview in over 12 years and I got the job. I done research on the place i applied for first, including their philosophy and values. I intergrated this into my interview and I also had a positive and excited attitude. I was the one chosen out of 15 applicant's. However, in regards to hours i could work i made sure that they knew I was available anytime. I wasn't picky with hours which I think goes against lots of other sahm trying to get back into the workforce. Trust me if i can do it anyone can.
I struggled to find a job after being out of the workforce for 15 years. I dedicated 2 years just to job hunting and got nowhere. Even with a professionally done resume & cover letter I couldn’t even get an interview and none of the private job agencies were interested in helping me either. 😡 The 17 years of admin experience I had prior to having kids means nothing apparently. Doesn’t do much for your confidence. Late last year I decided to go back to uni and i am loving it. It’s hard work but I have a supportive hubby & kids who can do most things for themselves and I look forward to graduating in a few years and doing something I really love. Wish I had done it sooner.
I too am struggling with getting back into the work force with about the same gap. Im a single mum with little support. When it comes to care for my son I only have oosh to rely on if there is a spot when I finally get even a sniff at an interview. Its feels like im a juggler trying to keep all my balls in the air and hope they line up.
I wouldnt say Im lying on my resume but I did a few jobs freelance while Ive been a sahm so I say Ive worked freelance to fill the gap. It doesnt seem to help though. They say things like 'so your last job in the actual work force was ....' and they ask about 50 times if I have arrangements for my child. Its degeading.
Centerlink might put you with a job network but they are honestly very unhelpful. Ive asked them to help me with things and they tell me to do it myself.
As someone who hires, and is a MUM of 3 kids, I get nervous when someone has been out of the work force for more than a year or so, as I wonder if they realise that at some point work has to come first, you have to be reliable and consistent, and if you want a career you will have to miss things. I am pro flex and support but there is a line. I chose to stay in the work force and know how hard it is. But it’s all choice. Dont lie but show how you can be the best candidate, what are the plans for kids who are sick or who have sports carnivals etc. no one wants to be always making exceptions for one person in a team. Show you are committed and planned be upfront about you time off and where you want to go now. Women also don’t sell themselves nearly as well as most men, I am sure it’s over confidence but it’s a good strategy, believe in yourself and be strong.
Think about doing support work. The NDIS is still rolling out in certain areas. People need good support workers, and not necessarily experienced!
You could get your own ABN or look into online platforms like Hire Up (they pay you as an employee), you decide who you work with and how often. You’ll need relevant police checks, first aid certificate and I’d do a mental health first aid course too (it’s only 2 days)
With Hire Up, you’ll gross (before tax) about $30/hr during the week, more in the evenings and on weekends. If you choose a platform like Better Caring or Kynd, they pay insurance but you need an ABN and you set your own rate ie you are a contractor, so you have to pay your own tax and super