'Target harder to get into than Harvard'

[Marley&Me]

Have you tried the supermarkets? Better for longer term.

Yeah, the big W site is for woolworths too. Do supermarkets accept resumes? Not entirely keen on working a grocery checkout, but if I can't find anything else....or I'll go back to hospitality.

[JLeigh29]

When I was in uni, I applied to Target, got to the interview, they asked me my name, then told me I didn't have the right 'personality' to fit in their team!!

Have you looked on Gumtree? There are lots of ads in my area wanting babysitters, nannies, cleaners etc...many are happy if you have a child in tow.

[Miss.September]

Yeah, the big W site is for woolworths too. Do supermarkets accept resumes? Not entirely keen on working a grocery checkout, but if I can't find anything else....or I'll go back to hospitality.

Depends on the supermarket. Get to know the staff at your local and be consistent in shopping there. Mum did that and they're forever offering her a job (not just in jest either). She's even friends with a few of the girls on FB.

[MummyNaomi]

The reality is that in the current economic market employers have a large potential employee market to choose from. There is nothing wrong with working in a supermarket, lots of human contact and due to retail hours you may end up with really suitable hours.
I think having realistic expectations is key, if you expect to re enter the workforce in a perfectly suitable job you will probably struggle, unfortunately you are entering at the bottom rung again if you don't have particular experience or qualifications (mind you that's no guarantee of anything either)
Have u thought of registering with some employment agencies and seeking some advice about what's out there that might suit your situation?

[OceanPrincess]

I worked for Myer, started when I was 15, through til when I finished Uni. I loved it and have often thought about returning now that the kids are a bit older but I expect that yes it'd be hard to get a foot back in because they tend to hire a huge bunch of Christmas casuals around September/October and then only hold onto a few once the sales finish.

I've looked at our local target and thought the same thing, but a friend from playgroup managed to get a Kmart position relatively easily. So I'd definitely suggest giving Kmart a go.

ETA flexible doesn't have to me with your shifts and hours, it can also mean flexible in a work situation, ie you will turn your hand to anything and you'll work well with anyone sort of thing.

[Deedles]

I agree with supermarkets! There are many different departments that you could get a job in.

I am at Woolworths and I started out doing checkouts and then after babies I went to nightfill. They really like when you go in and if possible talk to the store manager or the duty manager at the time.
You just need to be very confident and chatty and you are on your way!

[Marley&Me]

The reality is that in the current economic market employers have a large potential employee market to choose from. There is nothing wrong with working in a supermarket, lots of human contact and due to retail hours you may end up with really suitable hours.
I think having realistic expectations is key, if you expect to re enter the workforce in a perfectly suitable job you will probably struggle, unfortunately you are entering at the bottom rung again if you don't have particular experience or qualifications (mind you that's no guarantee of anything either)
Have u thought of registering with some employment agencies and seeking some advice about what's out there that might suit your situation?

I had an appointment with an agency on Monday to try and organise some short courses or similar. Unfortunately they weren't much help with that. But I e-mailed a copy of my resume to them and she will contact me if something comes up.

Thanks ladies, I actually contacted my old work and they said they were happy to give me a couple of shifts with set days. So if i can't find anything I will take the offer up. The pay will be crap because i will no longer be supervisor, but it's better than nothing and close to home

[trishalishous]

I work as a disability support worker, and its great. I do Tuesdays and every second Saturday, plus fill in shifts, and work around DHs hours and my uni (DH is the full time parent)