How can I get an office job after 17 years at home?
Asked by capecodscrapper
I've done a few odd and end jobs but basically have been home (SAHM) for 17 years. I have applied for office jobs but now they are all looking for Excel or Word or some other kind of expertise but not the same for all jobs. I feel like I was just thawed from a deep freeze! Any suggestions on how I can become more computer savy to an employer regardless of what programs they work with?

Best Answer:
You can go to local Staffing Agencies, and they will find the ones that fit your profile. Honestly excel and word are so easy you can learn them online at www.microsoft.com or click the links below for tutorials. they do take some time but its well worth it if your looking for a job that requires it.
http://www.usd.edu/trio/tut/excel/ http://www.learnthat.com/courses/computer/word/
Answered by holly m

look up the web and try your best to get into it. all u need is ambittion
Answered by Raquel M

Check out your local community college for classes. You WILL need to know these programs, and most companies will not take the time to teach you how to use them.
Answered by Stacy

Since your skills are rusty, I would try a temp agency for now, so they can place you somewhere. Then, I would look at local community colleges or learning centers to find classes/certifications to update your skills.
Answered by berkshire1043

most of the time local colleges offer refresher courses for people who need to be brought up to speed with the latest computer programs. you can speak with someone at the college and they'll point you in the right direction as to which classes you would benefit from most.
Answered by **STARR**

Getting back into the work environment after a 17 year absence is tough but not impossible. You will need to determine what skills are in demand and take training in them. As an office worker, that usually means lots of computer skills such as Microsoft Office and so on. Take some computer training courses at a local school or business training college. As for the job search, always start with networking. It's the most effective way of finding work. As friends, neighbours, relative who they know and keep calling around. Someone should be willing to give you a try.
Answered by almcneilcan

When I changed career tracks after the computer revolution, I took free courses in Word and Excel at the nearby employment office. Our town also received a technology grant to teach citizens Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. I reviewed the first two, and added the second two to my arsenal and resume. There was no charge for any of the classes. The employment office also offered training using business telephone systems and other topics, at no charge. The public library's computer lab also had free classes on using various programs. I also recommend finding / taking a class in Access (data base). If you become skilled in its use, you will be in even higher demand. I know it may seem overwhelming at first, but you will catch on. If you start with a small company -- maybe as a receptionist, you can grow gradually into increasingly responsible roles as positions become available. I hope that this will prove helpful, and that you will find a fulfilling job with a great employer in a field that you love.
Answered by reap100

For office work today, you will need to learn Word and probably Excel. You can find classes in those - check with your school district to see if they have any adult ed programs, or your local community college. Once you know Word, if the company you apply to uses some other word processor you'd be able to pick it up easily - and Word is by far the most commonly used. Many jobs also want Excel, but usually just require the basics, not the more complex capabilities of the software. See if your kids will show you the basics of Excel - they might be familiar with it. In an interview, be sure to point out the skills you used as a SAHM that are very important in business - things like organizing, prioritizing, multi-tasking - anyone who has survived as a SAHM for 17 years has developed a lot of skills that are very helpful in the business world. Don't sell yourself short. Good luck.
Answered by Judy