Job Hunting/interview Etiquette

God, the job market is so tough right now.
My first bit of advice is not to apply for jobs that you know you can't fill.
You have 2 years of experience 12 years ago for a full time job that you know you don't want to work full time for. I'm sure you're highly capable, but you can't try to enter the job market expecting employers to create a position around you.
You might have to take the full time and be dang good at it for about a year or so to earn the flexibility you're hoping for. Either that, or you are wasting your time even going on an interview.
In this market, you have to be willing to fill whatever is required of the positions offered. You can't start out by saying all the reasons you won't be able to do what they need.
You mention working in home care. That might be a place to start. Contact agencies in your area that put workers together with the people in need.
Those positions might be more flexible.
As for your CPR, say the date you are scheduled. It shows you're enrolled and WILL be certified. A prospective employer might be able to get you in sooner.
Offer to volunteer at your local hospital or senior resource center. Even if it's a few hours a week. It's something to put down on your resume.
I didn't work for 10 years when I got divorced and all I had to say was that I was ready to re-enter the work force after my kids were old enough. My youngest was ready for kindergarten. I had daycare in place, I was ready to do what was needed.
Put down your previous employers. Google info if you can. Explain that it was long ago. My advice is to not break down over past experiences. You are obviously a sensitive person, which is great, but you don't want to come across as someone who will go to pieces on the job or under pressure.
I work in a hospital. People die. Bad things happen. You have to have a way to be compassionate and professional at the same time.
You DO have to sell yourself. As far as areas of exceptional expertise, put down some things at your last jobs that you felt really good about or received praise for. Were you the one who remembered to get the mail out on time every day or the one who made sure reports were signed off on?
All these things matter.
Look. You have a call back. That's a great sign!
Get things in order to the extent you can and go to the interview. It will be good practice if nothing else since you've been out of the market a while. Don't be afraid to be honest about that. You still have things to offer.
Just don't start telling them all the reasons you are NOT right for the job and shoot yourself in the foot.
I've done hiring and believe me, in an interview the only thing they will think first is "Does she want this job or doesn't she? How will she be of a benefit for the work this position requires?"
Ask yourself that question before you even schedule the appointment.
I hadn't worked in so long and it was weird. After 10 years, I felt like I'd never skipped a day. I was thorough, efficicent, voted employee of the month. Yes, it was a change, but it was a good change and my kids handled it just fine. They were very proud of me.
Write down a list of all the things you have to offer.
Are you honest?
Do you dedicate yourself to the tasks at hand?
Are you a good organizer?
Are you good at multi-tasking and prioritizing?
If you think about it, I'm sure you can come up with some pretty great attributes.
Try not to be nervous. Make use of your free time by volunteering. We have senior resource centers that hire people for respite care to do activities with the elderly etc. Most rest homes welcome volunteers as well.
Do something to get yourself out there and make contacts and have something to write down.

Very best wishes!

I have been in HR for 18 years and everybit of advice Shane said was right on. Honesty is the best policy on resumes. I hire women all the time that were out of the workforce for a while and that is valid reason, dont make anything up. Also contact your former employers' HR dept. and tell them you are looking for a job, ask if you can use them as a reference and whom should a prospective employer contact. Friends as references dont go over very well. most importantly TAKE WHATEVER JOB YOU CAN GET. an employed applicant is alot more attractive than one that is unemployed. Why dont you do PRN work ( as needed, like a sub)? i have several mommy friends that do that and work when then want. One last thing..volunteer. It annoys me to know end when i interview people that clearly have spare time yet whine about the dismal job options. Sometimes people will see you in action while volunteering and reccomend you for the next opening!

Dear MOM-

I just want to put a 'plug' in for home care nursing...without it, my daughter would NOT be alive!!

I remain very close to several of the nurses that worked with my family (over 10 years ago as I think of it...geesh...time flies)...and I count one of them among my 'bestest' friends...

They were well compensated...the hours were flexible...and...as I said...were a lifeline for my daughter...

Beyond that suggestion...I wish you well in your search. I too am a 'long time' stay at home mom (the toughest job I ever loved) and am trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up!

Best luck!
michele/cat

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I would have suggested homecare if you had not listed it-and the fact that you loved it tells me that's what would work for you. Anyone who doesn't understand a nurse being compassionate when talking about their former patient-especially a child-would be just plain evil-I would hire you based on that alone. Good luck!

Wow, I can understand your concern. I took only a few years off from teaching to be a SAHM, and when I went back I had the same worries. Just from my experience: (numbered as per your questions)

1. It depends on how much you need it to be part time. If they only want a full time employee, and you will only work part time, it would be polite to get that out in the air before you spend their time (or yours!) on a second interview. I would bring it up when you call if you're determined to only work part time.

2. On a resume or in an interview, don't be shy about being a SAHM. Address the skills that you've developed in those years (multi-tasking, problem solving, organization, people skills, etc).

3. List your previous supervisors. Prospective employers will understand that the info won't be available now, 12+ years later. They don't keep the info that long either! Listing the supervisors, etc, shows diligence on your part (even if you no longer have phone #s)

4. Don't forget exceptional expertise you've developed as a mom. Especially if you end up applying for something in pediatrics.

5. I don't think they would hold it against you if you get a bit emotional, especially if you let them know how long you worked with her and all. Try not to completely loose it (I'm sure you know that anyway), and I think it'll be fine.

6. Tell them you are registered for a class, and the date of the class. They know what to expect, but also see that you are being proactive about it, not waiting for them.

Just relax and smile, and be yourself!

1. It's worth a shot to go to the interview and find out what the hours are. Most likely they will ask if the hours would work for you and you can either discuss it then or if they offer the job to you you could discuss it then. Also, if they found to part-time candidates that they liked, it could work out well.
2. All the things you do as a SAHM can be listed as household organization and management, schedule coordinator, and transportation specialist
3.List you employers, your managers at the time or HR department, and the office numbers. Try to pick references that know your work ethic (especially if you have only friends to list.
4. List anything you have beyond the basic training in. Any that you are more comfortable in then others could be listed as exceptional.
5. Don't talk about that one patient if it is too upsetting. Discuss them all in a general category even if in your mind you thinking about a specific one or two. If you can't think of her without crying, maybe just say "and there was one I was especially close to and was quite upset when she later passed away".
6. If asked (or maybe if not asked) state you are "scheduled for CPR certification on May xx". It will show you are actively working on what you need. Also, if you were previously certified you could say that you unfortunately let your CPR certification lapse but are scheduled to change that in May but getting re-certified.

Best of luck to you.

Yes, you
1. Address issues such as part time work and flexibility in the interview. Odds are, they have a full-time position, but may also have a part time, or may even know a different clinic looking for a part time person and will refer you.

2. This link will give you lots of information on women returning to the workforce:
https://www.ldsjobs.org/ers/ct/job-seeker.jsf?name=return...

3. You can look up references for facilities you have worked for, even if your managers are no longer there. Likely they have a list on hand to simply state that you worked there or not. For friends references, choose ones you have worked with personally on a project, maybe in PTA meetings or neighborhood associations or whatever.

4. For your strengths, talk about areas in which you are extremely proficient... you are attentive, extremely dedicated to patients, thorough with tasks... then list the trainings you have that go beyond the basics. In the meantime, look up refresher courses and take them, attend local seminars, do all you can to try and prove that you are serious about reeducating yourself and returning to the workforce. Let the interviewer know that you are in the process of becoming up to date.

5. Talk about your care and attention to homecare patients. Do not go into detail on the child if it's upsetting. State your situations generally and maintain that you are very passionate about serving those in need. When/if they ask if you have any weaknesses... tell them that you can become attached to patients.

6. Tell them you will have your CPR certification in May. Let them know that if you are hired sooner, than you will certainly take a course they provide.

My church offers free employment counseling, they help you on interview skills, power statements and "me in 30 seconds"... things that are necessary in today's interviewing and networking process.

You can do the workbook here:
https://www.ldsjobs.org/Static%20Files/ERS/English/Career...

Or, you can attend the career workshop:
https://www.ldsjobs.org/ers/ct/stakes---wards.jsf?name=th...

if you don't go to a workshop, much of the advice is here:

job search tips (me in 30 seconds/ power statements/ interviewing/ how to negotiate...):
https://www.ldsjobs.org/ers/ct/stakes---wards.jsf?name=jo...

making a dosier/ curriculum vitae (highly recommended):

To answer a few of your questions
#1 - As you've discovered jobs are difficult to find. If you knew the position was full time and you only want part time, why did you apply? I'm not trying to be rude, just practical. An employer does not need to be flexible in today's economy, the employee needs to be flexible. If there is no way that you can work full time, then you shouldn't waste their time. When you call back be honest, tell them I would love to work for your organization, however, I have obligations on xxxx and would not be able to work during these hours.

#3 - If your completing an application, you should list who your supervisor was at the time and you should provide them with a phone number for the company. However, if they are asking for references, do not list these people.

#4 - I wouldn't consider 2 years to be exceptional. However, don't leave this section blank. Yes, you do need to market yourself.

#6 - If your answering the question on a form, write something like, in the process of getting recertified.

Good luck.

Can't tell you much about the specifics of how to fill out the applications, other than to keep it positive and truthful. But three things I hear over and over from the younger women in my life who are trying to re-enter the world of outside-the-home work:

Whether you get the job or not, look at every interview positively – as learning opportunities. Think about them afterward; how did you present yourself; were you satisfied; what feedback did you get and how can you incorporate that into fuiture interviews. And don't beat yourself up if you think you made mistakes. Be grateful you noticed, and keep moving forward.

Second, sit upright but relaxed. Don't let your shoulders or lower back sag – you will look defeated An experienced interviewer will recognize and expect nervousness. Good posture will mark you as a woman in control of herself, and that looks great to anybody. A mental exercise that I have used in many situations to keep myself grounded is to imagine myself suspended from my ears (keeps the head nicely poised) and take an occasional deep breath.

Finally, send a thank you note for the interviewer's time immediately after the interview. Use tasteful stationery. Don't email a thank-you – it just won't cut it with all the other job-hunters who are sending nice paper notes.

If you truly want PT, then only look for PT. You'll be spinning your wheels trying to get the employer to change their wants and expectations. Not sure what your experience is, but I would consider front desk at a dental office or dr. office.