Getting in the admin door

[redapple]

Hello all,

I hope I've stumbled across a place where I can get some advice and get some questions answered.

While I was in college, I worked at my university as an office assistant.  I loved the work I did, and everyday I wish I could get back into that kind of job.  Right now, I own a retail business, and absolutely hate it.  I hope I'll eventually be able to sell the business and move on.  I would like to get a job as an administrative or office assistant.  Will I be able to transfer the skills I use to run the business to something that hiring managers would be interested in?  I also have a master's degree and I've noticed that many administrative assistant listings require a high school diploma.  Will my education be a hindrance?

I'm sure I'll have more questions later.  Thanks in advance!

[peaches2160]

Your qualifications and skill set should be reviewed by a good recruiter who can help you craft a resume to sell your skills.  I know in my role, technology is key. 

[Atlanta Z3]

If I were you I would look to an Office Manager position in a small company.  I'm guessing you have the accounting skills for accounts payable and receivable, play up the customer service angle from retail, in particular if the small company has walk in trade.  In a smaller company the om wears quite a few hats from admin to bookkeeper to kitchen cleaner!  The adverts I've been seeing lately expect their admins to at least have a bachelors degree but then I've been looking at C-level positions only.  I don't know what area you are in, but in my locale you degree would not be a hinderance.

[Katie G]

What is your master's degree in?  Is it in a business-related field?  You might be able to market that and your business experience into an upper-level position like an executive assistant to a CEO or other C-level exec, or an office manager.  To be honest, I think your experience would scare off lower-level managers, particularly if they're not very good managers. 

As Marie suggested, talk to a good recruiter, but be prepared.  I think a lot of recruiters will ask you tough questions about why you're interested in taking what many folks would consider to be a big step down.  (Not saying it necessarily is, just that many people think that way.)  They may be concerned whether you can handle going from being your own boss to an assistant.  You might want to think how you'll answer that....

Good luck!

[redapple]

Thank you all for pointers.  Katie- as a matter of fact, my degree is in business administration, so I am hopeful that I can spin that experience in my favor.  I feel like my experience in accounting, technology, and organization would crossover very well, but my biggest fear is exactly what you mentioned.  I don't want people to think I would be "taking a step down" because in my mind, I would be taking a step into a career I enjoy and I'm good at.  I realize I would have to work very hard to convince people that I love the multitasking, organization and "help everyone attitude" that relates to this occupation.

I had been thinking about looking at college and university level admin assistants, but it sounds like I could look at executive assistant as well.

Just out of curiosity, would any recruiter be able to point me in the right direction, or are there recruiters that work specifically with administrative assistants?

[gee4]

I would like to get a job as an administrative or office assistant.

I think now you have confirmed your degree is in "business administration", I believe you should be aiming for positions above that of an office assistant.

Like others have said, office manager or similar.  If you do apply for jobs at a lower level, your application may not get shortlisted, or you may be asked at interview why you are not aiming higher.

[Sunflower]

Hi redapple and welcome to the DeskDemon 

You sound like you have enthusiasm and passion for the job and a great attitude - which will come over well in an interview. Getting your foot through the door is hardly ever easy and I would imagine that Recruitment Agencies - if they are any good - will be able to help and advise you on how to position yourself. I would certainly give one or two a call - and you never know, they may have a retail business who is looking for someone like you - who knows the retail industry, but who thrives on organisation, administration, etc.

Also work on a good covering letter explaining why you want to make the change.

You don't know until you try! Good luck and do let us know how you get on.

Sunflower

[redapple]

Hi Sunflower.  Thank you for the welcome.  I do have a passion for the job, and I look forward to (hopefully!) getting back in it again.

I have another question I'm hoping for some advice on.  It could conceivably be another few years before I am able to sell this business and move into the admin field.  I have noticed that a local college offers some online courses on administrative assistant fundamentals.  Do you think it would be worth the money to take one or two of these courses to help beef up my resume?  Or is the experience I am getting right now enough?  Thanks again!

[peaches2160]

I would recommend this as well as a few books.  Check out Joan Burge Star Assistant series of courses and her books.  Wealth of valuable information.  Good luck.

[Sunflower]

I think before you part with any money - maybe research with agencies, online and libraries anything that you could do for free (reading, onlines courses etc.).

I am based in the UK and I am not sure what qualifications would stand you apart from other applicants. You could always contact the college where the courses are held to see if you can speak to the tutor. They may help and say it is best to do it next year or know of courses which build upon your current qualifications/knowledge. If you do decide to take a course, I would try ensure that it is relevant and won't date and doesn't cover what you already know. You don't want to waste your time and money on a course that doesn't add to your skills set and you find dull.

Also it seems like you have a lot of the necessary skills already - maybe check your CV (or get a friend) to see if there are any areas where you could learn more. Again, an agency would help with this.

If you have time, maybe you could volunteer for a charity doing their admin - which would build on your experience and also goes down well at an interview. Or what about learning another language - this would really set you apart - and you would be learning something new and exciting as well, that you could use in other areas of your life.

Good luck - it sounds like you have an exciting few years ahead of you - and do keep us posted on your journey :-)

Sunny

[redapple]

OK, thank you for the tips.  I will definitely go to the library and see what types of books they have available, and just maybe they will have the book that you recommended peaches.

I can't believe I didn't even think about volunteering my time!  What a simple solution to gain some experience.  I will contact my local humane society to see if they need any help.

Thank you, everyone, for the helpful advice and pointers.  I know I'll be popping in from time to time with questions, and I really hope that one day I'll be on here to say I got a job!