getting jobs you're overqualified for?

I had this a couple of times when I was looking for a local, part-time position now the kids are a bit older. I'm not as qualified as you at anything but was a PA for a good number of years in a large law firm so in my field, I knew my onions, so to speak ?

I started applying for stuff through the NHS jobs website particularly the local, part-time ones but a lot of them were effectively a step backwards. After not even getting a sniff at a couple, Receptionist/Clerical Officer that sort of thing, I started mentioning on the application form in the "other information" section that I had had a break from work to concentrate on looking after my family and now that they were getting towards school age, I was seeking to return to work locally and part-time. Lo and behold I have three interviews in the next few weeks ? I don't think you need to mention your illness but maybe putting something along the lines of a break from work to care for children/family members might just explain it a little more to the people who are looking at the applications. I think sometimes they just look at the application and write you off straight away unless you give them a bit more to go on.

Good luck.

Could you just not mention your further qualifications?

I suppose that would mean giving a work history could be tricky though.

That's what a cover letter is for. I'd leave out the illness bit as you want to keep it positive and explain you want to get back to work doing something that fits with the children etc.

Hvae you thought of trying a recruitment agency? (obviously this depends on the sort of work you are looking for) I had problems getting anything in the past because I had to interrupt my degree after a car accident and it looked like I had been mucking about doing nothing for the past 2 years. It's so much easier if you/someone else can explain your situation to the employer.

Mmm, I can't really leave my qualifications off, as it would look as if I was doing naff-all from 16-24 and all my work experience is in professional/graduate jobs.

Agencies are a good idea, I'll have a look, thanks! I'll put something in the personal statement section of the ones I'm going for now about being at home with family.

Good luck I hope you get something.

I think you definitely need to include your qualifications as lots of offices will snap up graduates for admin roles (my H's are a huge US based company and that's always their first request to the agency).

I don't know where you're based but I had good experiences of Adecco and Spring Personnel and I ended up being offered permanent contracts from 3 different employers at different times.

hth