After 8 years off I need to get a job! HR Mgrs Help!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I need help! After 8 years, I really am so BORED of being at home, that I need to find a job! I'm exhausted of being the PTA parent; HOA President, doing the fundraisers, volunteering in class, etc. HR Managers, what are some of your suggestions in helping me return to work. I think I need to line a job so that I can line up after school childcare. Also, I'm really uncertain in my career path (or lack thereof) I have done a lot of HR, Administrative Assistant, Event/Meeting Planning, etc.

Do you suggest I list my volunteer accomplishments as part of my experience in my resume or should I list them elsewhere? Also, should I mention in my cover letter why I've been at home for the past 8 years? Again, listing my accomplishments?

TIA

I disagree if she is looking for something in event planning or fundraising. These activities are applicable.

[Anonymous]

I also am a hiring manager and I have no problem with people putting service activities (committee work) on their resume - regardless if they stayed at home or not. I actually like to hire people who are willing to be involved in committees and other work activities. I also think that non paid experience is of value as well.

Be clear about your SAH period - don't try and make it seem like it isn't a gap.

I wouldn't put your volunteering as work experience. I would list it as Service Activities. If you did any professional development activities while home you can add those as well .

Highlight the skill set and experiences you bring but don't lie or try and cover up anything.

[Anonymous]

Wow, thank you all so much for all the comments.

This is such a new concept and I truly appreciate all given advice.

Currently, I'm looking at part time just to see how it all goes. Also, I'm in charge of one the schools largest fundraisers for the fall. Working with a team of 20 volunteers, I can't commit to anything full time before the fundraiser is over, so part time will work for now.

Friday, I sent out about 8 or 9 responses to job postings. I've already received two telephone calls this morning. Even if these calls result into nothing, it means that I'm still marketable and a job may be in my future.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't worry OP! And don't listen to the negative comments by bitter women on DCUM. I stayed home way, way longer than you did. I decided about a year ago to jump back in. I had three offers within about six months of looking. I've been in my new job less than a year and I've already been promoted and given a nice pay raise.

I loved being at home with my kids! And I love that I was able to jump right back in where I left off professionally. No regrets at all! Good Luck!

Yes, totally this. Clearly the norm. Don't listen to all those crazy people out there who talk about how hard it is to find a job, how many months/years it's taken, and how they are put in at lower level jobs than they left, etc etc. That's just all crazy talk. You should definitely expect to find three offers within six months and expect to be promoted quickly after that. I'm sure this poster is being completely honest.

+1;

I can't stand these "n of 1" posts.

Yech

[Anonymous]

OP, I would definitely include your fundraising if it's a solid number. I was auction chair this year and net $85K with 3 months of work, and brought up our yield by over 20%. Not all SAHMs are total slackers, so it's good to hear that some female managers recognize that. Good luck OP!

[Anonymous]

Females hiring other females is the worst

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"Do you suggest I list my volunteer accomplishments as part of my experience in my resume or should I list them elsewhere?"

All of that goes into the circular file. I have enough Princesses to deal with. List the things you have done that make you an employee that will add value to my office.

P.S. Working can be boring.
Just so you know, Your Highness.

Not helpful. Just say you are jealous of her time at home and move on.

[Anonymous]

OP, I stayed at home for almost twice as long as you, and returned to full-time work in an administrative position. My resume included some of the experience I'd gained in years as a school/PTA volunteer, and I found that small companies looked favorably upon that experience and saw me as someone who could take charge and handle working with a variety of people and leading tasks and events to completion. There are a lot of companies who will look at all the skills you used in your prior jobs and volunteer jobs, and won't just focus on the past years when you weren't being paid for your work! Good luck!

[Anonymous]

New poster here.

For hiring managers, how do you prefer to see time off to SAH noted on a CV?

Is this generally noted only in the cover letter? Or not mentioned until the interview? I have a 5 year gap to SAH, with 15 plus years of increasing responsibility prior to that. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I just began to work again after a decade as a SAHM. It is possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't worry OP! And don't listen to the negative comments by bitter women on DCUM. I stayed home way, way longer than you did. I decided about a year ago to jump back in. I had three offers within about six months of looking. I've been in my new job less than a year and I've already been promoted and given a nice pay raise.

I loved being at home with my kids! And I love that I was able to jump right back in where I left off professionally. No regrets at all! Good Luck!

Yes, totally this. Clearly the norm. Don't listen to all those crazy people out there who talk about how hard it is to find a job, how many months/years it's taken, and how they are put in at lower level jobs than they left, etc etc. That's just all crazy talk. You should definitely expect to find three offers within six months and expect to be promoted quickly after that. I'm sure this poster is being completely honest.

Didn't realize this was a joke until I got to the end of this post. Yes, I'm one of the crazies. And yes, I found the quoted post either a lie or just plain offensive to those of us who are struggling.

To the OP: I think you really need to network, unless you are in a very specialized, desirable field, and you have maintained your skills. In my pre-SAHM days, I had no trouble finding work ever, since I have a great education and great experience. But in this "we're no longer in a recession" lie of an economy, I've had zero luck finding a job. No one even responds when I send a resume, even when I'm 100% qualified. Network or forget it. GL OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just began to work again after a decade as a SAHM. It is possible.

Please, tell us how. What field? How did you do it?