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I love the idea of the wallet sized resume! I will definitely do that! I've been networking and I always carry a USB on me with my current resume but the wallet sized idea is so much better! Thank you! :)
I've never been any government assisted programs like EI or Maternity leave, so I'm doubtful I'll qualify for help. Plus I'm thinking DH makes too much...
I am going to go in to a centre though and see what they offer. Even if they just offer testing would be great. Having results of current tests (ie, excel, wpm, etc) couldn't hurt.
@bargain_hunter_lola ......I hope you saw the part in my first paragraph were I said.....please don't take this the wrong way with me being honest? It seems another poster hasn't taken the time to read what I wrote and comprehend it, and instead is making a knee-jerk reaction to some of my comments.
There are elements of hypothetically speaking in my post, vice pointing fingers at you. Like you said, every family has to do what works for them, but am a firm believer of equally being involved once you throw kids into the mix. I have had comments like "you are so involved with your son", to which I answer...why shouldn't I be? I'll rather do that than go hangout at Timmies with "buddies" / go drinking / fishing/hunting or just be completely oblivious about raising kids.....all of which I don't do personally.
Back to your thread: You might have to do the following to get you back in the saddle
- Volunteer at organizations
- literally walk into companies and hand in your resume
- exhaust the word of mouth option
- don't be afraid to start small somewhere
In the past, I managed to secure 2 professional jobs by walking into the reception of companies, and handing my resume to the receptionists. They are the 1st line of defense and can get it to HR quicker than a recruiter.
Good luck
I did read your comment and I comprehended it.
My comments weren't "knee-jerk" but I did feel that I should explain my situation and offer another ideology.
I'm not looking for people's personal views on stay at home mothers. I'm looking for advice regarding returning to work. TIA
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The job market is terrible at the moment so employers have a lot of choice.
If you are applying for jobs you are over-qualified for, they will often assume that you will not stick around or want more money so even though you can do the job, they pass over those resumes. Sadly, the ones you are qualified for will often worry about time off for kids, people fitting back into the work place (we had several mothers come back to work at my workplace who just were not ready, they were used to their own schedules etc or really missed their kids and were gone by the 3 month trial ending).
Most of the resumes we receive are chronological but tailored to only include relevant past work experience so always has gaps and a skills section at the top.
If any of the resumes we receive do not have a tailored cover letter, chances are, they do not get read. Even if applying to a HR person, call the switchboard and try to find a contact to send it to. I am more likely to open/read something directly addressed to me than the piles we get in when a job is advertised. Since I open my own mail first, it is likely to stick in my mind over the 200 applications I put time aside to go through
Thanks FP.
Some great info! I actually had an employers straight out tell me he wouldn't hire me because he thought I'd leave the moment I got a better job offer. I was surprised he took the time to interview me based on that... Is it better to leave stuff off the resume when applying for lower level positions?
Honestly if I went back earlier I may have been one of "those women". I haven't felt ready to give 100% until now. I definitely didn't want to start somewhere then quit and look unreliable.
Do you have a suggestion for companies with more than one hiring manager? I have run into this a few times. I like to address my cover letter (I absolutely hate "To whom it my concern") but sometimes I can't find one name. Is there a greeting/title that is best? I've used "Hiring Manager" in the past but not sure if that's correct.
Thanks for all your input!
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Grats on the upcoming interview Lola. Goodluck! Let us know how it goes. :-)
I personally LOVE the postcard idea but I am not too sure others do. I am currently working part-time at a Diner...and it's getting frustrating because I am only working THREE hours a week, which is hardly worth it but anyway....he had someone apply with a resume that was like a brochure, with a head shot on the back of it, and yeah he was totally turned off by that idea. He couldn't believe it actually. I guess it would also depend on what type of job you are applying for as well though. :shrug:
You could always try the different types of resumes and see if you have any better luck with the different formats? I haven't messed with the format of mine too much in the past (omg I'm not even going to say how long, ha).
I absolutely hate putting 'to whom it may concern' as well. I usually try and find a name, even just digging deeper into the company website and checking the 'about us' page for a name. :-)
For those of you that have experience hiring people - how do you feel about people you have interviewed following up with you? I had a telephone interview few weeks ago and at the end of the day I emailed her and thanked her for time, etc. She said she would have in-person interviews set up on Friday. Friday afternoon, I emailed her and asked if she had the chance to do that yet and she called me to set up a time (not sure if that was why or not). Anyway, we had the interview on Monday...there will be one more interview this week. She said they will let people know, hopefully, by the end of the week if they made it to the last one. Question: Do I follow up again!?! Or am I being too aggressive? Lol.
Edit - hope that's okay to ask Lola :-)
Great Q - I'm in the same boat, or will be. $1700 per month for a daycare directly across the street from me.. I can't imagine paying for 2 kids (11 months apart) and before and after care for my 8 year old. **sigh**
What I've considered is doing my own thing - :) Only because I know I have time - the girls won't be in school for a few years and truth be told DH is way too tired after work to tend to 3 kids - I've also considered overnight or late night work of some kind.. :) I have little advice but just wanted to say you're not alone - by the time I get back to it i'm sure it'll be 7 years or more.. :)
Can we try to keep this on topic pls.
As an employer, we hate ones with a photo attached. We do not positively discriminate and find people are more likely to reply saying they did not get the job because they are female / race / looks (yes someone told me that we were intimidated by her looks) when a photo is included. But the smaller application, with some colour is a great idea. Even if just a business card with your contact & what position you are looking for on one side and very condensed skills or job history on the other
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