Help Please With Cv For Mature Person

[themorrigan]

I am going to apply for a job . I've been a stay at home mum for 15 years but now circumstances have drastically changed and I have to go back out into the workforce. Everything has changed since the last time I applied for a job. I am looking for jobs in Admin as I've been doing 'the books' for my soon to be ex hubby, admin and advertising,updating web-site, liaising with customers etc. I can put all this down on the CV but what do I do about references? I can hardly ask hubby for an employer's reference and my previous employer was over 15 years ago, he's now retired anyway. What can I put on my CV that reflects the experience I've had and gets around the fact I haven't an employer's reference. ?

[Yorky Lass]

Can't you say you were self employed in the family business.

[themorrigan]

yes I can 'say' that but need to know how to say it professionally and back it up with a reference of some sort. Thought there might be someone on here who has had experience of this or is in recruiting.

[jackthehat]

To get your foot in the door, simply state, "I am able to provide references at Interview".

At which point, you'll have had the opportunity to explain your circumstances and provide 'Personal references'.

[The Builder]

Just a couple of ideas, Morrigan.
As you've been involved in the accounts, perhaps your accountant could help with, not just a personal reference, but maybe an acknowledgement of your bookkeeping abilities.

Also, approach a couple of your clients for their endorsement.

As they're "outside" your business, their comments should carry even more weight than an employer.

[Octavius]

Unless you are applying for work in an authority in my experience on both sides of the interview process, references are rarely taken. And when they are its usually just to confirm that you did actually work there rather than any subjective performance measure.

To put 'references are available on request' or to state as jackthehat has said above is perfectly acceptable. You can explain the situation and demonstrate your perfect suitability to the role should you be fortunate enough to get to interview.

[Sparkles62]

I would say the same as Yorky,
Tell them that you have worked for the family business, if you get to the interview stage, you could always explain the circustances if they ask for a reference.
Could you contact your employer ( from 15 years ago ) and possibly ask for a character ref, then keep it and take some photocopies for future use.
Give details of the type of book-keeping that you have done, Sage, payroll etc.
Good luck with the job hunt. X
.

[boxtops]

I agree with all the above, except that I would never take a pre-written reference on face value - I'd always follow it up with a phone call.

[themorrigan]

Thank you for all answers.I've another question but will start a different thread .