I need a job. SAHM for the past 15 years and have no idea how to begin

[Anonymous]

I'm not looking to get back into a career. It's been 15 years since I last worked so there really isn't any career to go back to. I have a BA in history
(be kind please! ) and really only had one job post college--as a administrative assistant. Since it's been so long, that company is no longer in existence and unfortunately I don't even remember my former boss' last name. So basically I have no work history or references.

I'm fine with making minimum wage, no benefits.
I do have to picky about hours, as I have kids. I would really like part time (no earlier than 9 am, and I'd like to be of no later than 4 pm, but 3 pm would be better. I can not work weekends.
I would consider a "graveyard shift" if I could be off no later than 7 am

I live in the far out suburbs.

Where do I even begin? I've looked at Craigslist (probably not the best place, but since I am entry level and not expecting much over min. wage...) and found a few listings for office assistants that seem like they could actually work--they pay min.wage, but I'm ok with that. The problem is,they ask for candidates to send a cover letter and a resume. What should a cover letter say? What info should I put in my resume, since everything is SO dated--and in the case of my last employer, I don't have any contact info for my former supervisor or even just the company in general?

Thank you for any tips or advice.

[Anonymous]

What about working as an admin or teacher aide for a school?

[Anonymous]

I've hired SAHM's who either haven't worked in so long that they have no references, or have never worked in this country (e.g. came over on their husband's visa, had kids before they got a work permit). I've also hired people for their first ever job right out of school.

The people I hire usually have simple resumes that list their education and experiences such as regular volunteer work, or leadership roles in the community. I've talked to references such as coaches, pastors, and professors. I'd be happy to talk to the principal of a school where you worked for the PTA, or a teacher who had had you in their classroom, if you've volunteered at the school.

[Anonymous]

I'd look into some career counseling. This place charges on a sliding scale:
http://www.thewomenscenter.org/content.asp?contentid=451

[Anonymous]

Why can't you work weekends?

[Anonymous]

I say - do not work graveyard or weekends...

Why not apply to some small retail stores?

Or your local schools?

Or local nonprofits?

Or look at industries that do in house training - such as working in insurance or real estate or at the courthouse...All of these jobs needs admin types and do on the job training. If you are hard working; intelligent; and computer savvy, you can be trained to do most "paper pushing" type jobs.

[Anonymous]

Lady, you can't get a full time job that's 9-3pm. Even a part time job is much more likely to be two or three full days a week rather than shortened hours each day. Look into the requirements for being a teacher's aide - in NY you just have to be a high school graduate and non-pedophile.

[Anonymous]

Work as a teachers aide. Great benefits and the hours seem perfect for you. Talk to your local school county.

[Anonymous]

Home health aid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lady, you can't get a full time job that's 9-3pm. Even a part time job is much more likely to be two or three full days a week rather than shortened hours each day. Look into the requirements for being a teacher's aide - in NY you just have to be a high school graduate and non-pedophile.

+1 School jobs are 7 to 3

I think you should realize the best you can do is part time work

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lady, you can't get a full time job that's 9-3pm. Even a part time job is much more likely to be two or three full days a week rather than shortened hours each day. Look into the requirements for being a teacher's aide - in NY you just have to be a high school graduate and non-pedophile.

I never said I was looking for a full time job. I am looking for part time. Like I said, I have seen a few jobs advertised that actually look they would work for me, in regards to hours and experience required. I am just hesitant to apply because I am unsure of what to put on my resume or what should be on a cover letter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've hired SAHM's who either haven't worked in so long that they have no references, or have never worked in this country (e.g. came over on their husband's visa, had kids before they got a work permit). I've also hired people for their first ever job right out of school.

The people I hire usually have simple resumes that list their education and experiences such as regular volunteer work, or leadership roles in the community. I've talked to references such as coaches, pastors, and professors. I'd be happy to talk to the principal of a school where you worked for the PTA, or a teacher who had had you in their classroom, if you've volunteered at the school.

OP here
Thank you. Yes, I have done volunteer work as a room parent for a couple of years--this year I share the job with another parent so I haven't had to take on too much, but two years ago I was the room parent for a teacher that needed a lot of help. I probably spent at least 15 hours a week sending correspondence for the teacher, organizing, creating spreadsheets, etc. I think she would be able to give me a good "reference."

[Anonymous]

Just get a book-- there are millions about resumes and cover letters. Or better yet, google it for free.

I would tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. You need to network.

[Anonymous]

I suggest get some tech training - can do it online free. Check out Code.org. There was an article yesterday's Post about how it's not being taught in HS but is a growth sector and in high demand. Or if this interests you, learn about geographic mapping, with software like MapInfo or ArcView (these may have been superseded, I'm not in the field but would be if I were just starting to look.)

[Anonymous]

Teaching is exhausting and hard to get part time postions. I am a classroom teacher and work 730-430 with kids then grade and plan at night. Also good luck getting a history teaching jobs -- women with PhDs do that now since getting a job as a professor is impossible.