Need advice applying for jobs after time off (tips, interview, application)

[magusat999]

I haven't worked for three years, but I am considering going back into work. I previously worked for 30 years at the same employer, so my application skills are a little rusty. I have a few areas that I could use some help on:

1) I had a temporary promotion on my last job. On an application (not resume) how would I list that? Would it be a separate job?

2) I had several assignment changes on my last job, which meant I worked in vastly different facilities, with totally different staff and supervisors. It is difficult to explain that on a standard application without being wordy - how do I list that? Should I list them as separate positions or what???

3) In the duties section, should I be brief with each duty? Should I avoid explaining things in that section (like my changing supervisors and locations?)? Or should I only list duties and refrain from anything else?

4) I am running into applications that ask if I ever been fired - do they really mean "ever"? I was fired once 32 years ago - is that relevant? The company doesn't exist anymore - I am conflicted as to whether an employer even cares about something that happened 32 years ago.

5) I am suspecting automated kick-bots in some applications (specifically government). Any tips on getting around those would be appreciated - I know at least one was rejected by a kick-bot because it got rejected on a Sunday after a holiday! Apparently I need to tighten up my skills so I get past the automated systems.

Thanks for your help in advance.

[Hemlock140]

1) I had a temporary promotion on my last job. On an application (not resume) how would I list that? Would it be a separate job? If you had a different title, yes, list it separately. If not the last job there, indicate that it was a temporary promotion so it doesn't look like you were demoted.

2) I had several assignment changes on my last job, which meant I worked in vastly different facilities, with totally different staff and supervisors. It is difficult to explain that on a standard application without being wordy - how do I list that? Should I list them as separate positions or what??? Just list the various duties, and include the words "at various locations."

3) In the duties section, should I be brief with each duty? Should I avoid explaining things in that section (like my changing supervisors and locations?)? Or should I only list duties and refrain from anything else? Don't be overly wordy, hiring managers will ignore it and move on. Just list the important duties related to the job you are applying for.

4) I am running into applications that ask if I ever been fired - do they really mean "ever"? I was fired once 32 years ago - is that relevant? The company doesn't exist anymore - I am conflicted as to whether an employer even cares about something that happened 32 years ago. Typically we are looking for the last 10 years. In your case with the gap, I would go back 15-20 years. Skip that firing.

5) I am suspecting automated kick-bots in some applications (specifically government). Any tips on getting around those would be appreciated - I know at least one was rejected by a kick-bot because it got rejected on a Sunday after a holiday! Apparently I need to tighten up my skills so I get past the automated systems. Not a valid assumption. As a hiring manager at a public agency, when I have an opening I will always check for new applicants on the weekends, holiday or not, and on our system I will rate them as maybe, not interested, or schedule interview immediately. We do not use screening bots.

[magusat999]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

1) I had a temporary promotion on my last job. On an application (not resume) how would I list that? Would it be a separate job? If you had a different title, yes, list it separately. If not the last job there, indicate that it was a temporary promotion so it doesn't look like you were demoted.

2) I had several assignment changes on my last job, which meant I worked in vastly different facilities, with totally different staff and supervisors. It is difficult to explain that on a standard application without being wordy - how do I list that? Should I list them as separate positions or what??? Just list the various duties, and include the words "at various locations."

3) In the duties section, should I be brief with each duty? Should I avoid explaining things in that section (like my changing supervisors and locations?)? Or should I only list duties and refrain from anything else? Don't be overly wordy, hiring managers will ignore it and move on. Just list the important duties related to the job you are applying for.

4) I am running into applications that ask if I ever been fired - do they really mean "ever"? I was fired once 32 years ago - is that relevant? The company doesn't exist anymore - I am conflicted as to whether an employer even cares about something that happened 32 years ago. Typically we are looking for the last 10 years. In your case with the gap, I would go back 15-20 years. Skip that firing.

5) I am suspecting automated kick-bots in some applications (specifically government). Any tips on getting around those would be appreciated - I know at least one was rejected by a kick-bot because it got rejected on a Sunday after a holiday! Apparently I need to tighten up my skills so I get past the automated systems. Not a valid assumption. As a hiring manager at a public agency, when I have an opening I will always check for new applicants on the weekends, holiday or not, and on our system I will rate them as maybe, not interested, or schedule interview immediately. We do not use screening bots.

Thanks you for your response - very helpful to an old rust goat returning to work like me, lol

[lovely40]

Originally Posted by magusat999

Thanks you for your response - very helpful to an old rust goat returning to work like me, lol

More importantly, stop using self defeating language like this. Instead, you're a highly qualified blah-blah-blah looking for a new position doing XYZ. Good luck!