Free Career and Job Search Advice

Woody · Newbie Joined: 15 Sep 2007 Posts: 3 Career Advice: +0/-0

I am a 51 year old woman in the United States - the midwest. I have been a full-time homemaker and homeschooling parent for the past 10 years and now find myself separated from my husband and looking for work. I have over 25 years experience in the secretarial field but am having a very difficult time finding work. It is discouraging. I know I need to keep my spirits up, rework my resume and keep trying but I really just want to curl up on the couch and ignore life. I know I can't - but it sure sounds good right now.

lexa10881 · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 3:22 am Post subject:

You know what you need to do and it will be hard to do it, but dedicating yourself to a few hours spent on your resume and job searching....you would be wisely investing time to change your current situation, which you seem to be unhappy with. And once you start getting feedback from places you have applied to, interviews, etc, that will keep pushing you forward. But you have to take the first few steps, as difficult as they might be.

http://www.cvtips.com/house_wife_job_search.html

Minnesotareader · New User Joined: 09 Sep 2007 Posts: 6 Career Advice: +0/-0

I've been in some of your situations. Try the temp agencies. They are a great place to start, however, be careful because sometimes they like to jerk you around with the pay. I would set a minimum and stick with it. The more experience you get or have, the more $ you can ask for. You know your capabilities. Research the salary in your pay area so you have something to negotiate with. Build on your homemaking skills: planning, organizing, creativity. Be proud of those years. Make sure you have updated computer skills. I've taken several classes online through ed2go.com. Check with your local community ed. Check with your local unemployment agency--they have resources to help you with updating your resume, interviewing skills, career counseling. Go on as many interviews as you can, just to get the experience. I'm not sure if this program is still around, check to see if there is a Displaced Homemakers program in your/sourrounding area. Mostly, walk in with a smile, be confident, and display a positive attitude. Show the company you want to work and can make a difference. Good luck, I wish you the best.

Pauloz · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 2:26 am Post subject:

Hi Woody

Secretarial work is often a lead into other fields, because of the range of skills involved. Some people might want an experienced PA, for example, or administrator in jobs related to your previous roles.

Added training and new skills might be useful, and there’s a lot of choices these days. (Current training is a plus, anyway.)

CVtips has a job vacancies section on the forum which is worth a regular check, some positions might suit. Some of the internet jobs are also skills builders, particularly with the amount of business now being done online.

Good luck.

lexa10881 · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 4:03 am Post subject:

Everybody is having a hard time finding jobs because the economy is not the greatest, so do not get too discouraged. What you mentioned--you know the things that need to be done and it sounds like you have the work experience to back up anything you want, so keep at it and do not give up! It is just tough out there; I hope it works out for you.

www.cvtips.com/jt

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