Sahm Returning to Work & Can't Get Hired

Updated on February 18, 2007
M.C. asks from Richardson, TX
16 answers

I would like to vent a little, if you don't mind. I have been a SAHM for 21/2 years. Prior to motherhood, I was a Security Director for Macy's. I have been considering getting back into the workforce (not as a manager, but just a basic employee) Due to my children I only have a few options, I was looking for an overnight position. I have applied for several positions one of which was a Wal-mart postiton and I can't get hired. I used to be a Director, I think I can handle a basic associate job. No one seems to want to hire me, I don't even get called for an interview. Is it because I am overqualified? Wouldn't people jump on the chance of having an experience person in a basic postion? Have other professional had a difficult time getting back into the workforce? I am very frustated and I just want to vent, I know God has a plan for me.

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M.G.

answers from Dallas on

Are you still looking for a job? If so, what about working in a small office 8:00 - 5:00? Computer work, answering phone, etc..... This office is located in Keller. Let me know - thanks!

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D.S.

answers from Dallas on

Yes, it's definitly over qualification! My husband has a little side job where he revamps resumes, He is amazing. If you're interested let me know.

1 mom found this helpful
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E.T.

answers from Dallas on

my best advice is to have multiple versions of your resume based on what you are applying for. Yes, you may want to downplay your previous Director work because I can pretty much guarantee that when they look at your resume, it probably goes in the trash if they think you're overqualified.

The other thing I suggest is to start networking. If you have a friend of a friend who knows about a position, they will actually have a chance to tell them your story. That might help.

Good luck!

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C.B.

answers from Dallas on

Hi,
I was just hire by a temp agency, after being home with my kiddos for most of the last 4 years. ( I did try to return to work 1 1/2 years ago, but the hours were toooo long!) I had been in business sales, and knew that I was not willing to sacrifice my family for any job. (business to business sales is very demanding) I will need to pay for day care, which sucks, but right now, it is my only choice. I would be open to the ides of shift work, should it arrise.
I would suggest you at least look at the temp agency's. I used to be dead set against them, but they have worked really well for some people.. including me.
I can understand how frustrating it might be to be overlooked because you are too qualified, but consider if you will truly be happy working retail, with your background. Employers might just feel you would get bored and quit. Good luck

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J.I.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I have a good friend who got an overnight position at Kohl's after she had been a SAHM for nearly 8 years with her 4 kids. She really enjoyed working there. She was working in management before kids and has a college degree, so being overqualified wasn't a problem for her there. Good luck!

K.M.

answers from Dallas on

What scares them is that you will get bored as an associate and try to take over the upper level jobs, I may be going back to serving for a few months part time and i was a rest. manager I am expecting a hard time of it.

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T.C.

answers from San Antonio on

I know your frustration. I think maybe it is the overqualified thing sometimes. I have a college degree and have much experience but, have tried to get a part time position at Lowe's or Home Depot a while back and never received a phone call back either. Try The Container Store I am applying for a position their and at least they call or email you!! Also, they are consistently in the top 5 of best companies to work for in the US. My friend gave me a website that I have found some things on it's: www.indeed.com. Hope this helps!

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L.G.

answers from Dallas on

Hey M.! I have the perfect thing for you! This is a website to review on how to make enough money in the next 24-36 months to walk away and BE DONE! Go to www.TheBestOnlineSystem.com and enter access code 125740. Then call us as soon as you're done, toll free, at 1-888-258-3155!Timing is CRITICAL, so it's important we talk to you right away!! Talk with you soon!

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J.W.

answers from Dallas on

Hi M.,
I don't know how close to Ridgmar Mall you are, but they are ALWAYS hiring security and they have an overnight shift if that is what you are really looking for. I don't know that I would be able to do that and then be with the kiddos all day to, but whatever works for you. Anyway, check it out.
Best of luck to you.
J.

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K.J.

answers from Dallas on

I work at Children's Medical Center of Dallas. Of course hospitals are always open 25 hrs a day and have lots of positions available. We have a huge Security Department. All of the jobs are online, also. You could also look at other hospitals in the area. Lots of administrative jobs and/or patient care areas. Usually decent benefits, too. Some hospitals even have onsite daycares if that becomes an issue. Childrens does not, but one is in the works.

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C.K.

answers from Dallas on

I don't exactly know what it is. I'm' having the same problem. I've had my own part time biz for the past 2 years and before that was a Business Analyst with Bank One. I've been looking and applying for jobs since mid-August and keep coming up empty. It is very frustrating and depressing at times. I've been told that many large companies do so much hiring from within and that's part of the problem. I've also been told to hand in there until after the first of the year when many newly budgeted jobs will open up. I am considering doing temp work until something more permanent becomes available. Trouble will be being allowed to go on interviews while I'm working. Good luck!

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S.B.

answers from Seattle on

Sometimes it is over-qualification, and sometimes they just may not have a position open at the time. Also, when they look at your app, they will see you have been out of the work force for more than two years. THat is a long time to be gone for most employers. I would be sure to put something on there about the time spent being a SAHM, like the new skill set you have from being the CEO of your household. The organization skills you may have acquired, or the mulit-tasking, that kind of thing. And, yes, it would certainly help if you networked. Having an "in" is sometimes all you need. Do you still keep in touch with anyone from your old job? Did you have a boss there that you were close with that you could call now to see if he/she knows of anything? Also, when you apply, if you can meet the hiring manager in person, that goes a long way. Then, you are not just a name on some app, you are a real person. They will be able to pull your app and remeber meeting you and, you can talk about the reasons why you are ready to go back to work. Be specific about what you are looking for and why.

Also, it never hurts to call the manager or HR manager and follow up. Sometimes, they will pick you over the others, just because you cared enough to call.

It has been some time since I have been in the workforce as well. But, those are the points I remember from my days as a manager.

Good luck!!

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D.A.

answers from Dallas on

Whay city are you in?

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M.F.

answers from Dallas on

Yes, over-qualification can make employers not want to hire you They don't want to invest time in someone they believe will take off to look for something bigger and better pretty soon.
As far as an overnight position, not sure that's the best bet. But there may be certain shifts that would work out. You don't want to be too tired during the day to enjoy the kids!

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A.B.

answers from Dallas on

M., I KNOW WHAT YOUR GOING THRU. I WAS A SAHM FOR 3YEARS AND IT TOOK ME FOREVER TO GET BACK IN THE WORK FORCE. I FINALLY TRIED A TEMP. AGENCY ITFOUND ME A TEMP. JOB THAT TURNED INTO A FULL TIME POSITION. HOPE THIS IS HELPFUL. A.

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R.

answers from Dallas on

There's a job opening at my flight school. Skymates, in Arlington, TX, right off I-20 and Collins. Tomorrow, after 9 AM, call ###-###-#### and ask for DeAnn!!! You'll be my replacement. I'm trying to get through flight school and can't work, meaning I can't do both. I've only flown twice since Christmas, so I need to focus on getting my commercial pilot license. No time for work. LOL! That's a good thing for you though!!! :o) They have a website at http://www.skymates.com. Good luck!!! - R.

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