I was in the same boat as you - I dropped out of thw work force in June of 2000 when I got pregnant and didn't work again until well after I divorced in July 2003. it was impossible to find a job - but I had a harder time because I don't have any college education and I worked mostly in retail and daycare before I quit working (I was 19 when I got pregnant). I was 23 and hadsn't worked in several years - it looked really bad. I phrased it as "2000-2003, left workforce to concentrate on raising my family." I ended up at a temp agency on the advice of my stepdad, who was then (before he retired) a human resources director at a fairly large company. It took them several weeks, but they started finding positions. it was bad at first, I'd only work a couple days here or there, but then those companies started requesting me by name - because they had been impressed with my work ethic and skill. At the companies that had repeatedly requested me, I went to the hiring manager or HR director and inquired about available jobs at the company. If there werent any that I'd be qualified for (there wasnt), I asked them to write a letter of recommedation if they thought that they would hire me for the position I was temping for if it ever became permanently available. I usually made $8-11/hr working as a secretary, receptionist, data entry....I worked at one place for over two years as a temp and really liked it there. They didn't want to direct hire though and there were issues with the hours (2nd shift) since my son was starting school, so I looked around and posted my resume monster.com I went to many interviews, and I know I bombed some of them. When the companies called to tell me that I didnt get the position (or when they didnt call at all, I'd call them), I asked what I could have done differently that might have increased my chances of getting the job. Some were happy to explain my shortcomings to me, and others brushed me off. I took what I learned though and applied it to other interviews and got a couple of offers. I took the best one - it wasn't the highest paying though - but offered hours I could work with (830-530) and a great benefits package - with medical starting within 7 days of my hire date (which I needed to keep myself and my son on some sort of insurance!). I've been at this company hired on salary for about 16 months now.
My advice would be to go through a temp agency (I have used Kelly Services (didnt like them much), Crown Services (got the 2yr gig through them). I got some interview experience through Aerotek, but none of the jobs panned out. While you are temping (some income is better than none), continue to look for a full time permanent position. if you interview and dont get the job - asky why you didnt. Sometimes they will tell you, but usually they will say something generic like "we found a better qualified candidate" - it doesnt hurt to ask. Other moms suggested taking some sort on enrichment class and that could really help you. I know its hard finding time (and money!) to take classes when you're a single mom and trying to find a job. Some temp agencies offer classes for free if you're going through them looking for work. Also - many temp agencies do a lot of temp-to-hire positions. A lot of big companies only hire employees pre-screened through a temp agency (you get a background check and drug test as part of working for an agency). I liked it - I got to try out several different kinds of jobs working as a temp.
Good luck.... just keep trying - and try to apply anything you learn to your next interview... eventually something will come your way (hopefully sooner than later!)
