Returning to work after a 10 year absence - Advice Please.

[Robw73]

I find myself in a position where I am looking to return to full time employment after 10 years of being self employed.

10 years ago I set up a small shop (home interiors) and although this has been OK and growth has been good even in tricky trading conditions, now, due to various reasons, I feel the time is right to return to full time employment.

I am now 41 and based in Hertfordshire. I have a Buying / Procurement / Project Management background, and would like to return to a buying role if at all possible, as this is the part of my previous employment which I got the most enjoyment and satisfaction from.

However, I am fully aware that many things have changed in the 10 years since I was last office based, and, I guess, if I am honest, I am a little nervous at prospect.

My fear is that potential employers will view a 10 year absence in the negative, that I have been out of the corporate world too long...... even though I have probably learnt many different aspects of many different things whilst running my own business.

My CV has been completely re-worked, and I have a comprehensive covering letter that I can adapt to each individual role which I will apply for.

Has anybody else been in a similar situation?
If so, how did you approach it?

Any tips, advice or suggestions would be hugely appreciated.

[ajf]

Went back to full time employment after being self employed for 20 years
Biggest hurdle I found was employers only took interest once I had stopped trading as most were worried if my work picked up I would have gone back to working for myself

[Soir]

Agree with above poster in that you need to justify wanting full time employment and iron out any concerns they may have assuming it could just be a stop gap for you while business picks up etc...

Do you have CIPS or part CIPS by any chance?
10yrs ago only really BUPA and Barclays insisted on this for any candidate applying for buying/procurement related roles, now 80% of companies insist on it (even if you are part qualified)

Target companies in your geographic area and either contact their HR/in house recruitment team, or contact senior PMs via linked in and also register with 3 or 4 supply chain & buying specialist recruiters

Good luck!

[Robw73]

Soir said:

Do you have CIPS or part CIPS by any chance?

Many, many years ago (about 20!) I studied and passed 5 CIPS modules.

I would like to think that any new potential employer would acknowledge the varied tasks I undertake daily as part of running a business as a positive, and out-weigh the actual 'qualification' part of the modern day world.

[liner33]

Temping can often be a way back into work after a long period, my mum did that after running her own business for a number of years.