I haven’t had a paying job for nearly 20 years (kids, child loss, illness, caring for parents). Prior to having kids I worked in admin. The last job I had was as office manager/bookkeeper of a small pharmaceutical company in regional nsw way back in 2002. I have no formal qualifications; just worked my way up from the age of 16.
Obviously the working world has changed a lot since I left and I have no idea how to make myself employable on paper. I have had my Resume/CV done by a professional and it focuses more on my skills than work experience due to the amount of time I have been out of the workforce. I have some fantastic transferable skills but in today’s world of job hunting I doubt they count for much when there is so much competition. There are plenty of jobs and I am applying for a lot of them, I am just not getting the opportunity to sell myself in person.
There is no government assistance available to me to study/upskill and as I am in my 50’s there isn’t any government incentive for businesses to employ me either. I have done some volunteer work over the years, helped out in my in-laws business (unpaid) and been a part time carer for my parents for 7 years. I am not interested in doing aged care/home care. I struggled dealing with the day to day assistance I gave my parents so I have no doubt I wouldn’t cope assisting other people.
I have applied for so many jobs over the past 3 years I have lost count. I am applying for jobs I know I can do but my lack of current work experience is obviously letting me down. I have applied online for casual jobs at places like Coles, Woolies, Bunnings etc but I never hear back from them, and when I go in store I just get told to submit my details online. I have applied for admin, cleaning, housekeeping, hospitality, retail, warehouse & call centre jobs but haven’t even be able to get an interview. Most of the time I don’t even get a reply. I have now stopped applying because it is seems like a waste of time. I just wish someone - anyone would give me a go. Where are all these jobs that are available that aren’t being filled?? I live in Qld in a regional area which relies heavily on tourism and although there are lots of jobs there is also a lot of people relocating here. How do you compete with those who have an experience based resume?
I contacted a couple of agencies looking for temp work and they suggested networking with family and friends was probably the best way to get back into the workforce. Not helpful at all. I don’t have any family here (parents are now both deceased) and no real friends. Not sure who I could even list as a referee. I am happy to do anything just to get some current work experience on my resume.
Late last year I printed out copies of my resume and handed them out to retail stores in our two largest shopping centres hoping that I may pickup something casual leading up to Christmas. Nothing came of that. I visited all the little businesses in my beachside village letting them know I was looking for a job but that was unsuccessful too.
I have registered with numerous organisations to volunteer but they all have waiting lists 😳 and am yet to receive a call.
I don’t have any hobbies that I could turn into a business and I am far from the creative type.
I have no idea where to go from here. I am bored and depressed and I just want a job. Anyone got any suggestions?
16 Replies
Honestly, the first thing is to upskill. Do a short course. Even a short admin course or accounting certificate. This will bring you upto date with current practices and you’d be surprised the contacts you can make! Also adds something recent to your resume.
A course with work placement is better as you can meet people in the industry and really set your self up for success.
Also, you get hour first course free. And if your doing nothing anyway... then you’ve got something to work at.
You need to take anything at all, just to get something on paper as recent experience. Employers want to see that you can show up to shifts and do the job, they dont want to be the first to take the risk.
Try volunteering at a primary school, (reading helper or tuckshop) or an op shop.
Already registered with a number of organisations in my area to volunteer however I haven’t been able to provide any references apart from my GP which is probably why they haven’t contacted me. Completing applications to volunteer is just like applying for a paying job these days. Local schools only allow parents/family members of students to assist in classrooms/tuckshop.
Honestly I do have a range of degrees and experience and no one wants to hire me either :( I'm only 30. It sucks!
I have spoken to quite a few people who went to uni and still struggled to find work.
Yeah it seems you're actually laughed at if you mention you have a degree at a job interview these days. It's sad.
It’s bloody hard. I was a sahm for 8 years before I went back to uni full time. I graduated 4 years ago and haven’t been able to get a job - any job. I have also stopped applying as it seems employers only want people under 40 these days. So bloody frustrating.
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I'm in my 20s with several certificates, a diploma and a degree and no one wants to hire me either 🤷♀️
Not true. I'm 30 with heaps of experience, skills and qualifications and I just get rejection after rejection.
It’s bloody tough out there, just keep applying, it took me a while, but I got there.
Sending lucky vibes to you.
Make sure you have a great cover letter. I've been able to get interviews based on a cover letter alone, with no resume.
Take yourself down to family run businesses like take aways.
Put down the experience you have so there's no gaps as if it were a job and list the transferable skills.
For example, as a carer:
- Organisation and scheduling
- Communication
- Taking direction (from Drs, specialists)
In your cover letter make sure to show interest and enthusiasm. That's what entry-level employment looks for
I have worked in many hotels in the management side of things. I know the housekeeping staff are of various education levels, backgrounds and even physical abilities. If you try and go into a hotel personally and ask if you can speak to their housekeeping manager, you might be in with a shot. Type up a nice cover letter explaining why you haven't been in work and how/why you'd like to get back into it. I would also make note of your previous experience - it can't hurt even if it's 20 years ago.
My father fell in a few years ago and I stopped working for a while I explained why there was a leave of absence in my CV in my cover letter and they always spoke with me about it in my interviews. I was able to really let them understand my circumstances.
Try applying with Services Australia. They’re currently hiring.
Where are you. I wish you lived in Warrnambool, we could use you. We need people to help with the agricultural show. Most shows need help. You’ll network, gain skills and something may come from it.