Message #1160

[goldenearring]

Hey, there, Admin2Geeks:

There is nothing wrong with you!  I think most people go through most of the contortions you're going through under the circumstances.  The first thing to do ::seriously:: is take a deep breath.  Remind yourself that, yes, this situation sucks major, but while you are still sucking air on this planet, you CAN do something about it.  You don't have a lot of time, but certainly there must be *something* / *just about anything* that you can do to keep some income rolling in while you search for ideal positions.  And, pray.  God is still in the miracle-working business, and He is looking for someone to bless today:  why not YOU!?!



** Don't hesitate to go through all the hoops with the agencies.  (I recommend going to at least 3.  Most of them are a lot of b.s., although some are actually helpful.  By going to 3 and not telling them about each other, you increase your odds of getting an interview.  They tell you you shouldn't do this in the event that two companies send you to the same prospective employer.  My stance on that is "hooey!"/they just want to be the one who makes the commission off me.  Hence, whoever says that, mark them with a little red flag in the back of your mind and focus on working hardest with the others.)

** The only modification I would make to your resume is to show accomplishments, not just responsibilities.  (e.g.  Before:  "Personal assistant to major geek."  After:  "Organized the business activities of a major geek and saved her one hour per day formerly spent looking for things."  - - something to that effect)  If you can shorten it to one page, that would be great.  Bring the supplemental stuff, but don't show all your stuff at once.  Pique their interest, and then you have materials available to build on that.

** It is a GREAT idea to bring your "show and tell" book along.  Skills portfolios are the latest rage from what I've heard.

** I don't know exactly what you mean by "over" confident, but always "assume the sale" while you're interviewing.  "Yes, Mr. Geek.  And, when I am working with you, what will be my first high priority task?"



I've been in your position only once, and it was memorable.  You don't have time to freak out; you only have time to pull yourself up by the bootstraps and go into MAJOR MAJOR action mode.  Don't fritz out.  Don't give up; don't give out; don't give in!!!  AND, MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL (YES, I AM YELLING, NO, I AM ****SCREAMING**** THIS AT YOU AND AT THE WORLD AT LARGE:  Before you go out looking for a position, write down EXACTLY what you are looking for:  salary, location, hours, type of person you'll be working for, environment, general nature of co-workers, do you want an office or a cube, any perks/benefits?, etc.  You don't have to mention this to anyone with whom you're interviewing, but by doing it you will be far more likely to get what you need.  Put the list in your own handwriting and read it at least 3 times a day, and most especially right before you go to bed at night and when you wake up in the morning.  (Let me know if you want more information on a part of your brain called the reticular activating system, which will help you if you choose to work with it.)



I do remember my favorite "pull myself up by the bootstraps" chant every morning, said in the mirror, before beginning the pound-the-pavement routine:  "I'm good enough. I'm smart enough.  And, doggone it, people LIKE me!!"  Remember, they like you, too, Admin.  Just go into the interview to find out what it is THEY need, and let them know how YOU can fill that need.  Keep us informed!  P.S.  I have taken all of my own advice in the past, and my result was 11 interviews set up in a 2-week period, 5 second interviews in the 3rd week, with 3 job offers/1 close call.  (I had only 2 knock 'em dead business suits at the time, and I labeled one "first interview," and the best one "final interview" suit.  You really don't need to spend much money for a job hunt, is what I'm saying.)  The end result was the job of my then dreams (as written down on paper) which I still hold today.  (Just remember:  MAJOR ACTION, not major thinking/worrying about doing something about it!!!!!!  Whip out your yellow pages, get on the phone.)   (Got to go before I get out my "GO GIRL pom poms!  lol)