How do I get a job like a receptionist/secretarty/office type work???

Question

I am a stay at home mom and have been for almost 10 years. I would like to start looking for a job, but I don't kwow where to start. I am looking for an office position but I don't know if I just need to walk in and ask for an application, or just give them a resume..or what?!?!?!? I don't know very many people so I don't know of many places that are hiring. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

try monster.com and careerbuilder.com... they have lots of clerical jobs listed, well depending on your area. good luck, i'm searching for the same thing! :)

Answer 2

First off I would work on strengthening my clerical skills. You can do this anywhere, even at home with the right software. There are some really great programs that can help you learn everything you need to know about office work. Once you have become well-skilled at typing at least 55 wpm, you can start looking into temp agencies. You should always have a resume, it looks so much better to have one even you have no experience in the field. Believe it or not, being a mom helps, you can highlight your organizational skills!

If you are trying to get a clerical position right away, there are some things to keep in mind. There are a lot of people who are looking for the same work, what do you have to offer an employer that more than qualifies you and sets you apart for the job? Be prepared for interviews b/c you may be going to quite a few before you land something. Don't be shy or show lack of confidence, practice interviewing with friends or family. Take this serious and don't give up, just keep learning what you can to get yourself to the next level, whatever that may be for you.

Other factors you want to take with you, being out of the job market may look like weaknesses to an employer, however if you are honest and can explain gaps in your employment well, then it won't be a big deal. I went through a similar ordeal many many times b/c I am a single mom of two and I took a year off for each child when they were born to be with them, then I went back to work. I took time off again to just go to school, then went back to work. You just have to be honest, but also convince them that you are really ready to get back into the work force and that there's not anything else in your life that might get in the way of your commitment to your work. I always found that just telling an employer the truth seemed to actually help and even impress them b/c I always did what I said I'd do. I said I'm taking this amount of time to do this and then I'm going to do this and it's exactly what was reflected on my resume.

#1 Take your life, goals, and career serious!
#2 Be honest with yourself and others
#3 Work on your strengths and weaknesses
#4 Don't take your personal life to work, and vice versa
#5 Be the employer you believe you'd want to hire!

hope this helps, good luck kiddo!

Answer 3

First you'll need to type up a resume. You can search your local papers in the classified/help wanted section to see what jobs are available in your area. You can also try www.careerbuilder.com or www.monster.com and you just type in what you're looking for and your zip code. You can also post your resume on those websites for free. You'll want to look for Admin/Clerical or Office Support or even Data Entry. It may not land you the ideal job you're looking for, but it can get your foot in the door. I started out as a receptionist and worked my way up to admin. asst. where I've been for the past 8 yrs. (Yeah, I know I need to move up further, but I don't want the responsibility of having my own staff! Too much stress!) Most places will probably start you at around $10/hr b/c you've been out of the workforce for a while, but as long as you do a good job, most places don't have a problem w/ giving you a raise if it's well deserved.

Answer 4

Try a temp agency. Around the south there are different ones like ManPower and Randstad. You will go in, fill out an application, take a drug test and then take an exam to asses your skills such as math, alphabet (for filing purposes) and other tasks. Make sure that you already have a resume typed and ready and take it in with you so they can pass copies along to places looking for to fill that position. This will help get you some experience and it could eventually lead to a permanant position. This worked for me when I moved to a new state.

Answer 5

Look in the newspaper and look for jobs that are hirining for a receptionist/secretary. Also you should create a resume' because most jobs require that, so that they can see your work history. If you want to walk in and ask for an application that is fine or you can even apply for jobs on line which is quicker; but sometimes it's could to actually pick up the application so that they can see your face.

Answer 6

First, if you have any previous work experience - make a resume. Then, go to your local craigslist.org and search for a job, also use Hotjobs.com or Monster.com.

All of those sites are excellent resources for job finding and have many listings. Also, check your local newspapers classified ads, those have a ton of job listings. Good luck.

Answer 7

go to craigslist.org and look under jobs. There is an administration section. Make sure you are in your city though. If you click on the link I gave you, you'll go to Chicago's craigslist. Otherwise, just go to businesses that are around you and hand out your resume and a cover letter would be helpful too.

Answer 8

Try indeed.com. But why a receptionist job so you can sit at a desk all day and make next to nothing in salary. Try a good temporary agency and that often times leads to a permanent job. Go for a trainee job at a mortgage or title company.

Answer 9

I would try any job site:
monster.com
careerbuilder.com
craigslist
yahoo hot jobs
indeed.com
see if your state has a website or your city and check that.
Check your local newspapers
Check local hospital websites for openings, etc

Search for keywords like:
receptionist
secretary (not usually called that anymore)
front desk
assistant
office assistant

See what comes up, there has to be SOMETHING! People are always looking for that type of work...

Answer 10

try Snagajob.com