How to gain experience when limited by kids/childcare?

Tory

Hi everyone,
I'm a stay at home mum with 2 young kids, I've just finished my level 2 via distance learning but i'm now struggling to find a position as I lack accountancy/bookkeeping/office experience.
Has anyone been in a similar position and could give me some ideas how to get in at the ground level?
A major hold back for me is that I need part time - there's no way I can afford childcare full time.
Just keen to get some hands on experience.
Thanks in advance

Jan

Have you thought of starting with voluntary work? Do your children go to play group/nursery/primary school/clubs. They are usually desperate for someone to look after the books, unpaid I know but it would be a start. Would also give you a feel for the real world.
Jan

MarieNoelle

I agree with @Jan ; be involved with the school PTA and offer to shadow their treasurer if they already have one.

There are also part-time jobs out there, but they are rarely advertised. So it's a good idea to send some letters to local companies and even if they don't have a job to offer straight away they may keep you in mind when something comes up.

Tory

Great, thanks. Yes my one of my kids is at pre school and starts school in september, I'll speak to them about helping out.
Will also send out some letters.
Thank you ladies.

KarenMustardTutor

Hi Tory
there are a lot of accountancy firms who employ part time book keepers. You could email your cv to local firms.
Also if you look on aatcomment there is an article about how to write your cv when you don't have a lot to put on it (!!!). That might help you to structure your cv to highlight all the skills you do have.
Karen

StuartW

The article @KarenMustardTutor refers to is here: AAT Comment - How to write a CV with no experience

@Tory you might also find this useful: 5 ways to get work experience through volunteering.

Best of luck - let us know how you get on!

KarenMustardTutor

That's the one @StuartW
I thought it was an excellent article. People often have a lot of relevant skills, they just need to relate them to the job they are applying for.

StuartW

@KarenMustardTutor Yes, it's easy to overlook skills and experience not acquired in the workplace/main job - we need to remind people they still count!

We often hear from members who have used volunteering as a 'way in' - here's an example:

StuartW

Overnight we received news of another member who has taken the volunteer route to get experience: