Constructive advice wanted pls

Purdy_1

I have recently completed a diploma in CLAIT Level 1 and I am about to complete a diploma in CLAIT level 2. I want to work in admin but most of the posts I have seen want experience. Any suggestions what I can do? I have been a volunteer in my local library which did involve some admin, but this was very limited.

My CV looks pretty grim too. I have tried to concerntrate on my skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office but it lacks "pzazz".

Any suggestions?

lynzpower

well one thing you could do is simply rewrite your cv. Working in a library I would have thought would need a lot of admin skills, after all its one big filing system isnt it

happy to look over it for you ( having a quiet day at work ) if you like.

are you working at the moment? If not I wonder whether you might consider another volunteer job with more of an admin focus, such as working for a charity, they are always looking for people.

Purdy_1

I am not working at the moment. I have not worked in 14 years due to having a family . I am, I have to say, a little embarassed at my CV. It has nothing significant in it. I started doing CLAiT courses last yr. My school exams results (from what I can remember) were appaulling so I do not include them.

hex2

Purdy,

What did you do pre children? Is there anything useful there?

I recruit admin people, and I cant say I ever read the exam results from years ago so I agree with excluding them.

I would miss out any reference to your age, or married with two children stuff, it just isnt relevant and puts (stupid and discriminatory) people off. Always keep it to under one page for an admin role. First section on name, contact details etc. Second section on skills - so co-ordination, computer literacy, etc. Final section on experience. Like Lynz says use the library thing, expand it out to show the type of work you did.
They used to do a lot of stuff via the job centre for women returners to get some experience, has to be worth asking them.

HTH

Purdy_1

hex2 wrote: »

Purdy,

What did you do pre children? Is there anything useful there?

I recruit admin people, and I cant say I ever read the exam results from years ago so I agree with excluding them.

I would miss out any reference to your age, or married with two children stuff, it just isnt relevant and puts (stupid and discriminatory) people off. Always keep it to under one page for an admin role. First section on name, contact details etc. Second section on skills - so co-ordination, computer literacy, etc. Final section on experience. Like Lynz says use the library thing, expand it out to show the type of work you did.
They used to do a lot of stuff via the job centre for women returners to get some experience, has to be worth asking them.

HTH

I find that because I am not on benefits (such as job seekers, imcome support ect) it is difficult to get help getting back to work. Before I had children I did mainly shop work, cashier etc. I had one agency turn my down because I had no experience and they were inundated with people who had.:(

hex2

offer to do a day for free? show them what you can do? Might convince someone to take a chance on you.

If I think of anything else practical I will come back to you. In midlands there is a scheme called driven women that helps women returners get back into work in the transport industry, I am sure that there are other schemes about elsewhere, they just dont seem to be that well advertised.

BrunoM

I don't know how well this works "in the real world", but if you do a skills-based/functional CV, I have heard it suggested that you can justify all kinds of transferrable skills from your parenting experiences.

E.g. conflict resolution, juggling tight deadlines and balancing priorities, relationship management, all that good stuff! Not to mention all kinds of admin!

"Sole processor of all administrative issues for family of five over twelve years, dealing with governmental agencies, acting as first point of contact for dissatisfied minors, aiming to resolve all complaints and issues within 24 hours. Prolonged high satisfaction ratings from my stakeholders, leading to many occasions of reward and recognition for my service - both in writing and gifts." !!!! (ok tongue in cheek but maybe a kernel of truth?)

Savvy_Sue

It is certainly worth listing skills gained through any voluntary work: PTA, playgroup etc. I got a very good admin job mostly through the skills picked up in those areas!

crazy_guy

I'd be tempted to go along the volunteer route, there are plenty of places that need some admin staff - off the top of my head victim support and childline usually need admin staff and i've done some volunteer work in both which was admin -

Though its hardly the best website in the world this may help

http://www.do-it.org.uk/

Once you got some experience under your belt there are many opporturnities to work in admin, i know round where i live there is a great demand for them

Just had a look at that website - it does have several admin jobs in the north west but i dont know where abouts you are, but as an example this one would be suitable

George House Trust - Admin volunteer
The opportunityTo support with mail outs, prepare resources for events, helping with general office tasks.

Hope that helps

LittleVoice

As you are not claiming JSA, you can do as many voluntary hours as you want.

Although not claiming JSA, you can still use the services of a Jobcentre adviser. They may be able to put you in touch with independent advice given in the jobcentre on CV-writing and applying for jobs. (I've done this work in jobcentres but do not know whether it is now available nationally.) Go along to the jobcentre and ask. They should help.

LittleVoice

Regarding CLAIT.

I've taught applications for CLAIT and administered and marked tests. One thing about these is that you have more than enough time to do them - they are based on accuracy rather than speed. As an employer I am interested in both aspects, though more concerned with accuracy to be honest.

It would be good if you could also get some evidence on your CV of speed in using the applications. If you go to a recruitment agency to be tested, then they are likely to use a system that times you out if you take over long or start not being able to do what the tests want you to do. Success in those tests could also help the agencies to promote you to an employer.