Why is it so hard for me to get a job like this?

Question

I work interdepartmentally (is that a word? :-)) as a Technology sales associate and a print specialist in a Retail store (Office Depot). I have only Retail experience going for me right now. My desire is to get out of Retail and get a Clerical job. A desk job, basically. One of those jobs that most people consider to be 'boring', where you sit behind a desk all day and deal with paperwork or whatever. That's fine with me. I don't have a good phone voice and I'm terrible with answering phones, so definitely not 'administrative'. I'm good with computers. I don't have any specific training other than classes I took in high school. I didn't go to college after high school, because I'm simply not interested in it. I'd rather work my way up, regardless of what this and that person thinks I should do; and most people do the "you should go to college!" comment.

I'm simply look for an Entry-Level Clerical job where I don't have to answer phones and such. What's the best way to find these?

I have training from my current job, of course. I do filing, faxing, typing, editing, working with copiers, answering 3 phone lines, etc. I have learned a lot of things since I've been there. Depending on the day, I type anywhere from 60 to 80 words per minute. I'm teaching myself 10-key by touch, and currently do about 6,000ksph numeric only. I guess my question is...what's the best way for someone in my situation, to go about getting a simple Clerical job? It seems that a lot of places don't think that my current experience suffices, even for 'Entry-Level'. What gives? It's like places would rather have someone that types 30 words per minute and knows nothing about their computer they are working on...than someone who does twice that and knows about it. The only experience the other person has is working for x amount of years at such and such company. But they apparently never tried to improve those skills (such as typing, computers, etc.) If I have some decent basic

skills like these...why is it so hard for me to get a job like this? It's also rather hard to try to find such a job in between working my current job. Because I know better than to quit a job before I have another lined up. I've tried some temp agencies...funnily enough, a lot of them seem to want a 'minimum of 2 or more years of experience' even for entry-level positions. I know people don't just pop right into a job instantly...but these companies make it seem like there is no 'door' to employment without years of experience. But the catch is, you can't get hired with them, without experience. And you can't get experience without having experience to begin with. The endless cycle of paradox...

Actually, mr. "blah blah blah" who couldn't even take the time to come up with a decent name for yourself - I likely do more work in a day than you do. And I'm certainly not fat by any means, I probably weigh less than you do, as well. Think before you type. Your name says it all...and you only comment because you have something stupid to say.

Also, in case people didn't READ...I answer 3 incoming lines of phone calls just about every day, at my current job. I'd rather not do it, but I ALREADY do it...so that's ridiculous for so many people to act like I'm 'running' from it. I also do tons of customer service every day with hundreds of people...that works very well for me, and I have no problem with it.

Answer 1

Those are about as easy to find as getting a job in retail. Look in your local paper for just that: Entry level office clerk/data entry type things. However, just know that they don't pay a whole heck of a lot and most small businesses aren't going to have a lot of room for growth. You'd be just as well working your way up at the company you're at. There will be more opportunities than office jobs unless you get hired for city/county/state office clerks. They have entry level positions in govt. offices - and you'll have more opportunities once you have your foot in the door to even move into a different area than what you start in. For instance, I had a friend who worked for the county in HUD area, she did that for a few years, and now is working in probation offices.

Answer 2

Most office jobs you have to deal with answering phones at some point so if you cannot do that then I suggest looking for something else. The least amount of dealing with answering phones would be a general office assistant/data entry type job where you dont really need experience. Consider night shift office work. I have worked as an office assistant/PA and never answer phones but it really depends on the company. Go ask a company whether they need assistance with archiving or all the boring jobs, you generally wont need to answer phones. Stay away from human resources, Receptionist and Customer Service.

Answer 3

Is it me, or do most of these replies sound like idiots and people just rattling off something mean to say?

It seems that you have no problem with customer service and multitasking. Your current job is, as you stated, answering 3 phone lines, customer service, etc. I've been in Office Depot stores a lot, actually. They are VERY busy...and you have a lot on your plate in your current 'lowly' position that you want to get out of. I have no idea why so many of these people seem to have something dumb to say about that. There is nothing in your description that says anything about wanting to "sit on your butt and get paid for it". There's nothing wrong with trying to find something that doesn't require answering phones constantly all day. Retail stores do get a ton of calls, and of course, a lot of offices do too. However, there ARE positions that don't require answering phones. They are just rather hard to find. You obviously answer the phones a lot at your current job now, so again...I see no reason for the absurd comments made by other people here. Absolutely uncalled for.

Don't listen to a lot of these big shot people on here that boast over how much they make or what job title they have. A lot of them are unqualified for it, regardless of their college degree. In fact, a lot of government workers DON'T have a college degree. They get the job by knowing someone in a higher position who helps them get on with the state/government. The big shots also weren't always big shots. So they will try to boast how much they make and compare it to you - when you would be just starting out. Entry-Level never pays a lot. That's why it's Entry-Level. Duh people...what's up with your crazy answers?

Anyway, hopefully you'll find what you are desiring.

Answer 4

Maybe you are more of an analytical person. I have an extremely high paying job in a field I worked my way up in. I have an degree, but it never entered into it. I used to work in sales and HATED it.
Take one of those myers-briggs tests and find out your personality type, then look for jobs in those fields. I'm best suited for scientific work (labs, etc) rather than working the front office.
School can help you get more ahead, it can also get your foot in the door AND in many companies can help you get a better job internally or a raise, so don't discount it.
Good luck.

Answer 5

Unfortunately , this is NOT 1970 and most high school is NOT adequate for business needs today .
If you really want those jobs ,
You'll suck it up and get training , because offices do not do OJT . ( On the Job Training ) .
They want you trained and ready to function .
OK , the military will do it , you can enlist .

Entry level from high school might be some business your family starts .
Established business , don't think so .
But maybe we're wrong . . . .
Go to a temp agency and see what they have for high school people .

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Answer 6

The best way to get one is to look in the paper or go to a temporary agency. I hate answering phones too because it is always bad news or an emergency. you dont have to go to college, go to a shorter school and be a data entry clerk in a few months.

Answer 7

If you have friends or family that work in an office they could put a good word in for you or tell you when there is a job opening.

Answer 8

no one likes to answer phones, which is why all entry level jobs do it.
I can't think of any job that does not have this task.

try working for a college instead of going to one.

Answer 9

Sounds to me like you want to do very little and get paid very little. All I can tell you is to get in shape and make sure you look good in a mini-skirt and high heels, because with your motivation that's about all you will have going for you.

Answer 10

So what you're saying is you want to sit around letting your butt get fatter and have someone pay you for it. Good luck. If you are successful at this, please, let me know how it is done.