Help!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kelly
  • 24 comments
  • 757 views
Kelly

Kelly

Messages
4,621
United Kingdom
At Home
Messages
KelGT
Ok here goes...

I'm applying for a few local part-time jobs doing some shop work (sales assistant) The problem I have is filling in the damn application forms so that potential employers will want to interview me.
My main problem is previous employment history...

I have none, all I done is bring up my kids.

Then there's education...I have not much of that either :banghead:

Also 'what skills do you posess?' I'm very skillful in lots of areas but haven't got a clue where to start in describing them.

Also I could do with some help in answering the more specific questions like 'what apppeals to you about the job?' or 'why do you want to work here?'
I don't know what to put in them parts :O Obviously I want the money, but I'm stuck for other words :rolleyes:

I'm looking for some terms/words and phrases that will help make them look past the not having any history or education bits.

Maybe I'm just worrying too much about it and should go with the flow ...


Help me out here peeps!
 
If you're applying for junior positions, the lack of previous work experience shouldn't be such an issue for you. And to say "all I done is bring up my kids" is doing yourself a huge disservice. What you've done in bringing up your kids is create and establish a routine, prioritise differing pressures, organise a complicated schedule, run the household on-budget, that sort of thing.

From your post, I would suggest that you probably spend some time thinking about yourself more positively. If you write an application form that does yourself down, you won't get interviewed.

Not having been in your specific position, I can't comment directly, but as someone who has interviewed people, I would suggest that if you put "housewife and mother" in "previous employment", then list all your organisational and management skills inthe "your skills" section, using a creative approach, but telling the truth, then you will attract the attention of an employer. You want to pitch yourself as being someone who has been out of the workplace, but has not allowed their brain to die.

Have you thought about doing some college work?

In "what appeals to you about the job", it's a relatively straightforward question. What you're actually being asked is "why are you applying for this job and what can you do for me if I were to give it to you?"

Write something along the lines of "I see a lot of potential in the role, and I look forward to growing into the role, and then using my experience to push the role forward". If you can focus on something that does interest you in the role, and a way that you think you can develop the role in 6-18 months' time that will help!

Good luck!
 
Thanks for that Giles, I just finished form no.1 (the easiest and shortest :D ) with your help of course 👍


Now on to the more detailed ones :scared: there's even one here that asks my height and weight! what's the deal with that!!!:irked: of course I'm going to lie about my weight :lol: :D
 
Here in the US you would put down "Domestic Engineer" and list how many years you've been one. It sounds more professional then "mommy-housewife."
 
Gee you guys rock at giving out advice! :rolleyes:

Thanks to Gile's tips or maybe just my charm (not) I've got myself an interview for this afternoon :)
Hopefully it will go well and I'll get the job, I'm very optimistic at this stage.:cool:
 
Good luck Kelly! I'm sure you will do well in the interview.

If I may add a few pointers for you for you interview.

  • Be confident.
  • Even though you may lack experience, showing a desire to learn and do your very best will go a long way. I've hired many a cook that have no experience but show a desire to learn. It's very important and in some instances is a more desireable trait than someone with long term experience that may be set in their ways.
  • Highlight the skills you do have. Giles made some very excellent points such as your ability to organize and plan. It takes a lot to plan a day around 5 kids. ( :lol: sorry Ron. ;) )
  • But most importantly, be yourself and be truthfull as honesty is always the best policy.
Good luck Kelly, I know that you will do just fine. :)

Let us know how it goes.
 
Thanks Boom , I'm going to be all that.. confident, honest and keen :D

I'll post back later and let you how I got on :)
 
Three women apply for the same job and get interviews - a blonde, a brunette and a redhead. They all have the same qualifications, experience and are all as likeable as each other. Which one gets the job?









The one with the biggest breasts.

You know what you must do... :lol:
 
haha very funny :lol:

So... what do I do when I'm being interviewed by a woman? :lol:

1 hour and counting :nervous:
 
Good luck with the interview, I might be a little late but like Boom said, you need to come across as very confident, and don't be worried about blowing your own trumpet, that shows your self confidence, tell them you do everything well, you put in 100% effort all the time, your hard workingmention times when you have worked really hard with the kids if you've ever done any work helping someone out exagerate it a little ect ect.
 
Anybody heard yet, how Kelly did?

I'd wish her luck, but she's already done with the interview.

AO
 
Well I'm back! The interview went quite well I think,she wants a couple of references of me A.S.A.P and she said she'd call me on wednesday and let me know if I was successful or not.

Least I got my first interview over and done with, phew! just gotta wait 'till wednesday now:D

Thanks for the support guys :cheers:
 
Yay! :D That reminds me, I've gotta get my work permit at school on Monday...
 
Well, I never got any call today but that's ok coz I got another interview on friday morning :D
 
Originally posted by lotus350
Well I'm back! The interview went quite well I think,she wants a couple of references of me A.S.A.P and she said she'd call me on wednesday and let me know if I was successful or not.

Least I got my first interview over and done with, phew! just gotta wait 'till wednesday now:D

Thanks for the support guys :cheers:
Click to expand...

Gah! I forgot about references! They can be a real probelm when you're trying to get back into a career.

So, how did the Friday interview go?
 
Well..the Friday interview went real good!
So good infact I just got a call to say I got the job! :D :D

I start on Tuesday :)

Thanks to everyone for the support and especially Giles for the really good advice! it helped :cool:

:cheers:
 
Congratulations, hope the job goes as well as the interview. Is it the same type of work asthe other job you applied for?
 
Originally posted by lotus350
Well..the Friday interview went real good!
So good infact I just got a call to say I got the job! :D :D

I start on Tuesday :)
Click to expand...


Yay! :cheers:

Well done Kel! You'll have to go out for a few :drink: tonight!

Originally posted by lotus350
Thanks to everyone for the support and especially Giles for the really good advice! it helped :cool:

:cheers:
Click to expand...

:O You're welcome. Any time. :)
 
Yay! Our Kel is a working girl!



No, hang on...
 
👍 👍 👍

Way to go, Kel! Back out into the big wide world of employment!
 
Originally posted by live4speed
Congratulations, hope the job goes as well as the interview. Is it the same type of work asthe other job you applied for?
Click to expand...
No it's a different type of job, the first one was a customer service assistant and this one is a sales assistant I'll have targets to reach, in a photo development shop, and I'll get to learn new skills and how to work the equipment, I'm really looking forward to it! :D Nice uniform too :)

Originally posted by GilesGuthrie
Yay! :cheers:

Well done Kel! You'll have to go out for a few :drink: tonight!
Click to expand...

Oh no thanks, I only just got over my hangover from last nights little drink binge :O what a bad hangover :( never again!



Originally posted by Famine
Yay! Our Kel is a working girl!



No, hang on...
Click to expand...

Oi! watch it you :trouble:

:D






Thanks everyone!
 

Latest Posts

Back