how do i get the job?

Question

it's my first job... i'm still in high school... no real employment experience... i have great computer skills and experience... i want an administrative assistant position... what do i put on my resume? do i need a cover letter? i need some serious tips!

Answer 1

You need a good cover letter and resume...if it is professional and lists your skills and experience, it can get you in the door. In your cover letter explain that you are looking for a first job, but that you have developed excellent skills through volunteer work, school clubs, homework prep, etc. (whatever applies to you). If you have a good grade point average, include that. also tell them your long term goals and what you are hoping to get out of this job. People are often impressed with young, focused people and are more than willing to give you a shot. DO NOT use cute phrases/symbols or pink paper!!!

There are also programs that hire college students through work study programs and/or internships. You can find out about this through your school's counselor or business teacher.

Answer 2

Be honest about your skills on your resume. It never helps to fudge. Employers do all sort of background checks and you do not want to end up blacklisted. If you have any internship experience highlight those prominently. It would show some real world equivalent experience. If you are really confident on your ability and want to be really daring - go ahead and tell the employer you will work on minimum pay for the first 2 weeks, and if the manager feels you are really worth it bump you up to the standard pay grade for the job. If the recruiter is enterprising they might just do that. Good luck with your search. :-)

Answer 3

read the want ads in your local newspaper, go to employment agencies with a resume stating your skills and abilities---prefer to start at an administrive level in order for you to excercise your strenths. Definitely, do a cover letter and post everywhere you can. Don't forget to state that you are a student and wish to acquire employment for the summer, evenings or weekends, and are willing to be trained so that you will gain experience. Hope that helps you and Good Luck!

Answer 4

First don't put all your eggs in one basket by focusing on one job. Think BIG. This is the start of your wonderful career. Get some library books out on resumes for young people. Make a checklist of the 10 places that you would like to work and go visit them with your resume. Check them off one at a time. Don't be afraid the be your true self. With energy, enthusiasm and persistence you can do it. Good Luck. PS: Always send a little thank you note!! Always.

Answer 5

You will definately have to start at the bottom, but the harder you work and show you're willing to do anything... apply for part-time reception work, which should be easy to find for after school at a small business.

Definately get letters from teachers. Research for some good resume examples at the library. Cover letter always helps but keep it brief.

Good luck!

Answer 6

You probably should include a cover letter. On your resume, you should mention skills/training/experience that you've had that would help you get the position. That's all I know. Hope it helps.

Answer 7

You might want to set your sights a little lower until you finish a college course in business. Start by going to the local temp agencies, and getting a few months experience in keyboarding, or reception. Then take courses, and you will be able to put all that on a resume.

Answer 8

Administrative assistants normally have a college or certified training today? Not sure what to tell you, but you will need a cover letter and how many words you can type per min.
I would try real estate agencies- they normally need someone to answer the phone and take messages.

Answer 9

Spend 95% of your time NETWORKING!

It makes little difference that you are still in high school. In fact, for many business-people, the fact that you understand how important networking is at such a young age will likely be a big plus in their eyes.

TALK TO PEOPLE.

I'm sure you know adults who work in a variety of businesses. Speak with them at your church/mosque/temple/etc. Speak with them at school, and in any other extra-curricular organizations to which you may belong. Ask your parents or other family members to give you referrals.

Take the time to contact these people ON YOUR OWN and *ASK* them (in a polite and professional manner) if they would be so kind as to spend a few minutes advising you in your career pursuit. MAKE IT CLEAR that you are not asking them for a job, but simply for their advice.

(The whole point of the "networking interview" is to seek feedback and input, not jobs.)
I can almost guarantee that if you start working your way through a list of twenty or so (genuine business) contacts in this manner, you will have job offers very quickly.

It is very important that you act, speak, and DRESS as a professional! You expect these people to refer you to business contacts because you are seeking a professional position. If you do not present yourself as a professional to them, they will NOT be referring you to anyone!

If you are uncertain as to your ability to present yourself in a professional manner, then you should begin the networking process by seeking advice on HOW to do this properly. Once you are confident you can provide the right impression, then proceed with your networking.

Sure type a resume ... keep it honest ... but don't invest more than a couple of hours in it. Most of the time, the resume is NOT even going to get you an interview, much less a job. But good contacts and networking will get you dozens of interviews without anyone even having SEEN your resume.

Once you have scheduled some interviews, if the opportunity absolutely requires a cover letter, FOR PITY'S SAKE get someone who really knows what they are doing to proof-read it for you! I cannot tell you how many applicants (with grad-school degrees, no less) get their resume's chucked in the trash-bin because they leave misspelled words or incorrect grammar in their cover letter!

If you follow these guidelines, you will already have separated yourself from 90% of the job-applicants with whom you will be competing. If you think that sounds like hyperbole, just *ASK* a few of the business-professionals with whom you will be networking. (But only ask them this question if they have more than ten years' experience in business.) People who can master these points are not only rare, they are priceless!

Best of luck to you!

Answer 10

Yes, you need a cover letter , , , it's one of the jobs you would for your employer. Try to find someone specific to address your letter to, and deliver it in person (be sure to dress up). It will take a little work, but that connection is what will get you the job. And, don't forget little things like checking for spelling and typos.