I am a single mom (three year old) who just earned an associates degree.  No big deal, I know.  I need to find a job now and have been running into several snags.  I have not worked for the past three years and all of my previous jobs are no longer in business.  I usually have not had problems getting interviews, but know I am being told that I am overly qualified, lack of stable work history (always moved into better or equal position--12 yrs retail management and 3 yrs restraunt front management and throw in there 9 years freelancer), and lack of references.  I do not put references on my resume and use a functional/skills format.  When I show up for the interview, I usually get the "oh, I expected someone else" look.  How can I create a better resume/application that addresses the issues?  Especially when it comes to me working for myself; that is really frowned upon where I live.