I need support

Question

I'd like to find a job in web design and am having trouble getting an interview. I've been a stay at home mom for 20 years. I went to the local community college last year for 3 semesters and took classes and earned 3 certificates. It doesn't seem to be enough. I am learning some on my own as well. I do have my own web site. I am divorced and need to find work within 6 months, but would like to find something sooner. I live on the Eastside in the Seattle area and would like to find something on the Eastside. I'm not good at networking with people. I have some social anxiety, but I'm friendly, can speak up when I need to and have pretty high emotional intelligence.  I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and worked in the field for a few years before having kids, so tech is not new to me. This whole process of looking for a job is overwhelming and I'm sure once I get one, that will be overwhelming for a few weeks, before things settle down. I think I need a supportive work environment and reasonable deadlines. I read these job descriptions about multitasking and lots of pressure. Um, that doesn't sound good. I think I have a lot to offer. I guess it's just about finding the right position for me. How do I get someone to give me a chance?

Anonymous · Answer

If you think the issue is that you haven't had recent work experience, I'd highly recommend trying to take on freelance work while you are interviewing. Not only does it build up your web design portfolio and chops but it will help your piggy bank through your job search period. There are even sites like 99Designs and elance etc where you can pitch yourself and/or bid for work. I know you are looking for a full-time job but if you have social anxiety, this will help build up your confidence levels and help ease yourself back into the workplace after a long break caretaking for your family.

Anonymous · Answer

Use your community college resources. The instructors probably work for various companies, ask for a referral. The college has career counseling and placement services, use them. Get on LinkedIn, update your profile with *all* your job skills. You can do other things besides build websites, yes? You have run a household, so you can manage competing priorities, coordinate schedules, manage budgets?

Know what work environment parameters you need. Teleworking? Flexible work hours? Use those to filter job search results. Be honest (but not restrictive!) with headhunters and recruiters. Honest - I have been out of the paid workforce for [number years] but during that time I [volunteered for PTA, ran a scout group, supervised athletic activities] so I am very good at [fundraising, maintaining compliance with organizational regulations, event planning.] Restrictive - I can only work from 9:05 AM to 1:45 PM and am not available outside those hours for any reason, and I will only perform the following [list of limited tasks.] Some positions are designed to be done remotely, some require FT on-site, some a combination of both. Figure out what you're comfortable with, and filter accordingly.

Anonymous · Answer

Have you heard about The Mom Project? It’s Chicago-based, but I believe they have a lot of resources, as well as job opportunities. Great ladies and a good place to start.

Pete · Answer

Ditto on the freelance/build your portfolio. Not comparing you to an intern but I’m always way more impressed by the candidates that show a love for what they do by building sites and experimenting with projects on their own. It shows initiative, ingenuity, and passion that without experience can give you the edge.

Melissa Myerson · Answer

I totally understand about being anxious about networking, but it's going to be your greatest resource!  People hire people they like, and it's hard to like you if they don't know you.  Find what type of networking is going to be the most manageable for you.  If big groups intimidate you, don't go straight for Meetup.  Do some research on companies that hire developers (hint, most are not software companies) and reach out to some devs on their teams to ask for an informational interview.  They don't need to be senior, in fact, it can be better if their junior to mid level.  They'll understand how their hiring process works, and can talk about the type of work they're doing and the code they're seeing.  Buy them a coffee, and let them talk!  Don't use it to push getting a job, just to find out about them and they're roll.

Also, take a look at your resume.  You've been a SAHM, but there are a TON of transferable skills to be had from that.  You just have to market them right on your resume!  Also, make sure you're showing that you can do the work when they see the resume (have an active github so they can see you've truly coded the projects you talk about, etc.)

Chapenroe · Answer

I agree with Amanda’s freelance suggestion- and I may know of a potential client since my husband’s small business’ website could use some work. Send me a direct message with your contact info?

Anonymous · Answer

themomproject.com

Jessie D'Amato Ford · Answer

This is the best time to find a career as part of the gig economy. Less pressure and more options to do something you love. Try our community - Topcoder.com for freelance web design or other gig economy sites. It may be just want you need to boost your confidence. Being a part of my community can definitely help you there. We are even doing Design Month this month! Check it out and feel free to connect with me for more info :)

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you all very much for your suggestions.

Vandana Gundumalla · Answer

Hi I am part of Women's Global Leadership initiative (WGLI) Talent Team, and we hire volunteers for different teams. We are constantly looking for web developers and I would love to connect up with you to see if we have anything that will help you upskill yourself. We have peer to peer mentors and professional women who can help you build your confidence .  Feel free to send me your resume at vandana.gundumalla@wgli.org

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