Little or No Work History

I'm not looking for a job right now, but jmo531's thread ("Why did they even call") made me think of a question that's come to mind from time to time: I'm 37, and my work history is poor. I've only worked about two months at the longest, and I've only had about three jobs, all many years ago. If I go back into the work force, 1) how do I get employers to not toss my resume aside when they see I have practically no work history, and 2) if they do call me, they'll inevitably ask for an explanation, so what do I say? I mean, I can explain to them I have a disability (although I've come to the conclusion that I'd rather not mention it if I'm able to function in the workplace again), but they always get a tone of doubt that I'll be able to be a good employee. Even though I haven't worked most of my adulthood, I had periods where I did submit resumes. How do I deal with this?

Maven, I can't say enough about how volunteer work can compensate for work history. Yes, it's not AS "good", but the experience you get can set you up for positions you wouldn't otherwise be qualified for, and it certainly doesn't need to be full-time. That, or temp agency work for a while.

Do you have a family? Can that be some sort of explanation? Or extended schooling?

voluntary work is an excellent way to fill the gaps. Also, i dont know if you have been in clubs etc where you have helped behind the scenes. This kind of stuff can be used to show that you are a team player, can organise things etc.

Good luck

Atg

Hi Maven

Up until last December 2005...I had never had a paying job. What I did was volunteered in the field that I was interested in. You might consider if possible to volunteer in an area you want to work in for awhile to build up your job profile.

Dubz

Excellent question and replies!

Thank you for asking Maven, and LoMo, Allthegirls, and dublin_75, for coming up with ideas about how to deal with this very important to one's mental health question.

Good luck with your search for a chance at appropriate paid remuneration, it makes a big difference for my sense of well being and hope for the future.

Ps- BTW, Perhaps this is a better place than the classifieds in diversions to discuss income and employment issues.

Mave,

This is a difficult question but I totally understand where you are coming from. I think the suggestions for volunteer work is excellent. I thikn it is something I will look into myself, although, I wouldnt even know where to start.
This is a good topic of discussion.

Please keep your head up.

Huggles,

Jen