New Job!

[supergirl]

An exciting and terrifying thing has happened to me.  Two weeks ago I received an email from the v-p of a smallish firm I interviewed with quite a long time ago.  At the time, he was looking for an admin to support him and some others.  I didn't get the job, which went to someone with "greater technical skills."  (Remember, I'm the former stay-home mom who went to work when the kids were in high school--I have worked very successfully as a school secretary for the past 2 1/2 years).  He and I had really hit it off, though, and he had been impressed with my writing background, communication skills, organizational ability, etc.  But the technical part tipped the balance in favor of another applicant.  

So this email came out of the blue.  The person he hired didn't work out in the long run and he had decided to hire someone to support him solely.  He remembered me from the previous time, and wondered if I might be interested.  To make a long story short, I've taken the job!  It's an exciting opportunity for me to stretch, professionally.

My family is supportive, my current employer and co-workers are sad but understanding, my new boss is happy, and I am SCARED!  I'm stepping out of the comfortable school environment, which I know inside and out, and into the business world, which I recall vaguely from temping in college.  I am still no technical whiz, but my new employer knows that and doesn't mind a bit.  He feels that I will learn on the job.  His attitude is, computer skills can be learned; work ethic, communications, organization and people skills can't.  

I should add that I am not a computer novice--I work with Word, Excel, Outlook and FileMaker at work (although on a Mac), and am comfortable with our PC at home.  But I don't do high-end stuff (no need) and I certainly don't know how to use all the bells and whistles.  

Since accepting the new position I have been using my spare time at home to prepare.  I started with Outlook Calendar, as I will be managing my new employer's schedule.  Tutorials have helped, and I am playing around with it to get a feel for using the calendar.  I plan to move on to Excel and Word, maybe Powerpoint.

Does anyone have any advice for me?  

Thanks!

[gee4]

Either get enrolled on some night classes/refresher courses or see what this company can offer.

I have passed 3 exams as part of MOUS (now MOS) and am due to sit Outlook very soon.  It will add to your CV and show you are more than just a PA.  

Well done and good luck!

G

[blufire21]

I'm so happy you've found a new job!  My only advice is to be honest.  If you don't know how to do somthing in a program, say so and add that you'll find out how to do it.


Ellen in TX

[Jackie G]

Congratulations.

One thing I will add to what's already been said - your very use of your screen name shows you have extreme and supreme faith in yourself - so go girl!

Jackie
www.iqps.org
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