How can I get a job with out experience or schooling?

Question

I am 46 years old and have been out of the 9-5 world since my children were born in 1991. I have 2 years of college but no degree and that was almost 30 years ago. I have experience gained from serving on committees, etc. that were voluntary positions but positions even thought not paid. I am very organized and capable of many tasks. How do I persuade someone that I can do the job, etc.

I forgot to add that I have worked as a substitute teacher and substituted as receptionist for about 1 year for my local(SC) school district. I was not the sub who let the class do what they wanted. I taught based on the lesson plans. I did not sit reading, etc. I have tried applying to the school district but it seems that you have to know someone who knows someone to be taken seriously.

Answer 1

First of all, never, ever, ever lie on your resume or application. If they don't find out in the interview process, when you get hired, and you say that you can do this or that skill, and they put you to the test, then you are out of luck. Don't do it.
So, how can you get a job without experience or schooling?
Well, you will want to prepare a resume even though you have been out of the 9-5 world. You say you have served on committees, so list those experiences and what you did. Were you in charge of fundraising, hospitality, or something else? List that. Even though it isn't paid, it shows you're a hard worker (and not being paid at that!)
Also, you will want to list any skills such as Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc. And obviously you are Proficient on the Internet, or you wouldn't have been on this website! If you speak a foreign language, that is great too! If you're First Aid or CPR certified, list that, too. List your college experience even though it's been a while. The ability to multitask is seen as a very strong asset in many positions such as Clerical, Administrative Assistant, Call Center, Customer Service, and more.

You may want to consider taking some more courses to sharpen your skills. Community colleges are a great place to make this happen as they are geared toward working individuals - plus they are cheap compared to major universities!
Additionally, because you have served on so many committees, are your associates and friends aware that you are interested in employment? This is a great way to find your next employment opportunity. If a friend can give you the scoop on a job, rather than you just interviewing for a job with a company where you only know what the interviewer tells you - that is an advantageous situation.
Sample interview questions can be also found on the internet, so search for them, and think of how you will answer.

As for how to get back into the workforce, one option could be temping, if you do not need quality health insurance from your employer. A friend of mine temped in his chosen field for several months, and it gave him the opportunity to get some experience. So, for you, since you've been out of the workforce for a while, you may want to consider temping to see what you like - there's always 9-5 office jobs provided by temporary staffing firms, and many of them do not require lots and lots of experience. Plus, since there's minimal committment involved in it - you can see if you like the work you're doing, or you can explore other options, and have experience under your belt.

And above all, remember to stay encouraged during your job search! Best of luck to you!

Answer 2

First persuade yourself, it is scary going back after a long break but you must believe you are the best they can find for the job they have available. Really work at seeing why you would be a catch for them. If I were interviewing you and 5 others why should I pick you? How are you better than a 25 year old fresh from school? How are you better than another 46 year old that has been working all along? What can you do for me? Until you know that you won't be hired.
I landed my current job the week I turned 54. I was mature, I knew things kids didn't. I had been doing bookkeeping and accounting software for 35 years. I knew bookkeeping before computers were in use and knew computers before MSFT was started and knew MSFT software before Windows 95.
Part of my employment test was old fashion DOS commands from the command prompt, kids that matured after 95 can't even change directories. Old classes in Sequal Server 7 aren't needed by bookkeepers but when I down load data to Excel I use the same sort of scripts to get what I want. I also know things like not to make personal phone calls at work, not to come in late, not to tell company secrets, how to handle harassments. Many ways simply being old helps since we grow up with work ethics.
If I were you I would go take a few classes in your career subject then go get some temp work so you have some new things on the resume then go out and explain why you would be a good hire, believe it you are a good choice. No little kids at home to make you use sick leave when you aren't sick, free to travel if needed, no daycare problems, not planning your wedding on company time and no sense of entitlement to the job so you will be grateful and might never quit if treated right.

Answer 3

You could always check into Direct Selling. It sounds like you are resourceful and outgoing. do you have a passion for anything in particular? I for example love monogramming and personalization. I came across a new company that specialized in jewelry, accessories and items for the home that can be personalized. I love it, do I enjoy building a business and yes you can make money. The key is to find what you are passionate about. I am not pushing what I do on you. I am just suggesting to check into party plan business's that offer things that you enjoy. You can even do this on the side of another position. I hope this gives you something else to think about. Have a great day

Answer 4

i am not sure where you live but i am from the U.S. in ky. i have been in the same situation yet found nothing unless you venture out to you own business or check out what the board of education has to offer. i got on as a teacher's aide that turned into a full time position. all i had to do was take a test and make the 90%. other than that try something such as tupperware, avon, ect... hope this helps and good luck.

Answer 5

Go ahead and get the job. Don't worry so much about the car just yet, they are very expensive (gas,insurance,maintenance,etc). Getting a job might cut into your social life a little, but that is just the way it is. Good luck getting nice hours, low man on th totem pole usually gets the worst.

Answer 6

Believe it or not sometimes you have to add some white little lies on your resume, And sound enthusiastic on the interview.