Job advice

[missyc]

Hi guys
i need some advice:
I've been working in the public sector as a secretary/administrator for the past three years. I have recently completed a Legal Secretaries Diploma, i have loads of relevant experience and skills , however im finding it  impossible to find a  new job.

What am i doing wrong?

[JessW]

I have increasingly come to the conclusion that it is not so much what you know as who you know.  That being said you are more likely to be able to get a new job by using your internal connections (inter-departmental and regional connections where applicable) if you troll through the non-public domain sections at work.  This was told to me by my brother who works within the NHS who is having to learn it all for himself (Therapist heal thyself! LOL).

Don't give up just yet.  Remember you are not the sum of your qualifications - there is the rest of you to count on.  If anything try reasoning that maybe it is not you so much as they are daunted by your good qualities / qualifications.  Their loss either way.

Just a thought!

Jess

[gee4]

You are a specialist in a particular field.  Don't worry though I got told this when I attended interviews also.  I left NI to go to England after working in Education/pubic sector for 7 years.  I worked for a software house as a PA and then got a job back to NI with a similar company.  I have been in (and out) of IT/technology companies ever since and am now working for one of the largest global companies in this field.

You will have to take this one step at a time - don't expect to move into something else overnight.  You will have to prove on application forms and at interviews that you are capable of change in career and that you have transfereable skills to do so.

Where is it you want to work?

G

[beaintheuk]

Believe or not!  I know a PA who got a job by networking at her gym!!!  She got chatting to someone who knew someone who was looking for a PA, two interviews later, she got the job!!!

I always got my jobs by crawling through adverts on websites on the internet...  I thought there was loads of legal secretaries jobs available.  Are you in the UK?

Sorry I can't really help.

Bea

[sburks]

I've been searching for a permanent job since mid March.  I've felt that way too - but I don't think it's something "we are doing wrong" necessarily.  It's finding the right match for the skills we have to offer to a company - and also, knowing someone with influence is probably a big factor.  When I go to interviews, I show a portfolio with examples of work I've done in the different software programs (Word, Excel, Publisher, Access, etc.) and it makes an impact because they can see what I can too (not just hear it) - but I still haven't landed that job yet.  

I wish you much luck!

[gee4]

It takes a while sometimes to find the "right fit" and also bear in mind there are others out there just as qualified who are applying for these jobs also.  You have to remember you are not the only applicant.

In the past year or two I have had interviews where I have been down to the last 2 or 3 candidates and got quite confused when I was told I had not been successful.  It all comes down to the right fit and if you are suitable for the company.  I find experience and qualifications are sometimes not the deciding factor.

G

[missyc]

Thanks for all your advice guys,

Im just getting fed up with all of it- Im in a job i no longer enjoy and i cant seem to find a way out.

If anyone knows of any fabulous agencies please let me know.
Mx

[gee4]

Most of my temping before, during and after my time in England was with Reed.  I found them very professional and they have contracts with some top companies.  Not sure if any of the other temp agencies here in NI have branches in the mainland.

G