Thinking Out Loud

[theuppitywoman]

I seem to have boxed myself into a particularly tricky corner with this looking for work plan.  Since every job has the standard resume/interview format attached, I have to re do my resume.  Can I find any of my old ones...no, can I even recall when I did most of my jobs...no, is the work I did 15 or 20 years ago even going to matter to HR people

Comments

[thorfinn]

You can still get references from people you've worked with, regardless of whether they work for the place any more. Provided you can contact them, of course.

Also, I suspect you're not the only one in this situation - the unemployment rate is going up, not actually because there are that many less jobs, but mainly because more people are seeking work, so the participation rate is on the massive up.

[frou_frou]

Can you get someone to help with your CV? I think there are community groups who will help people in situations like yours, they're not uncommon.

Re: references, I really wouldn't bother. Not many CVs include them these days, at most you get a line like "references available upon request" but (as an employer) I never bother because an applicant is only going to provide names of people who will say nice things, not the ones who will dish the dirt. I (and most employers) make up our own minds mostly - and that's what trial periods are for.

My advice? Sign up for more volunteer work. Work, any sort of work is going to make you look more attractive. I've worked with "return to work" types a few times and I find the biggest drawback is that they're not up to speed...the pace they work is often slow and unfocused so by getting more current experience on your CV you'll counteract that possibility. Good luck!

[theuppitywoman]

Thanks Nicole, I was too mired in 'woe is me' to even think of volunteering again as a starting point back into the job market.

You're probably spot on about the reference validity too.

[mscate]

volunteering is defintely the way to go. I hope you've also included your small business on your cv

[klaktu74]