To become an admin assistant / receptionist

[buddy2012 0]

So I worked in the bank for 8 years and in that time worked as a cashier and then on the front desk, account opening, doing expenses for the regional office, general errands. I then went on to be an investment / mortgage advisor so being good at paperwork was essential. I then was promoted to a financial advisor whereby I did investments, pensions and life policies.

When we relocate i would love to do something like an admin assistant and work up to exec assistant. I have seen some jobs that I would love but I am assuming that the competition for these jobs would be stiff... I have references and good ones at that.

How hard is it to get this kind of job in CA?

Thanks!

ps... I make a great cup of coffee!! lol!

[LeftCoastLady 441]

So I worked in the bank for 8 years and in that time worked as a cashier and then on the front desk, account opening, doing expenses for the regional office, general errands. I then went on to be an investment / mortgage advisor so being good at paperwork was essential. I then was promoted to a financial advisor whereby I did investments, pensions and life policies.

When we relocate i would love to do something like an admin assistant and work up to exec assistant. I have seen some jobs that I would love but I am assuming that the competition for these jobs would be stiff... I have references and good ones at that.

How hard is it to get this kind of job in CA?

Thanks!

ps... I make a great cup of coffee!! lol!

Once you move, you should look into visiting an employment agency to get placed on short-term gigs for an admin assistant. Lots of larger offices use placement firms since they vet candidates (drug testing, background checks, etc.) and also provide capability tests for typing, software skills (MS Word, Excel, telephone, etc.).

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Agree with the above. DEFINITELY start looking at some good agencies. Most jobs through agencies will be "temp to hire" meaning you'll be a temp until (and if) they decide to hire you on directly/permanently.

You're right, the competition is stiff. One thing I've found with these types of positions is that a bachelors or associates degree is preferred. Your overseas references and experience usually won't count the same compared to someone with US experience. I had some luck with my first position in finding a job that was willing to give me a go (and I did quite well if I say so myself) but since that temp job went away I've been unemployed for over 6 months and finding it hard to compete with people here (even though my experience and references are also pretty darn great not to mention I test extremely well).

Also my SIL used to live in CA and found that being bilingual was a BIG selling point and something a lot of places there were looking for (Spanish/English that is)

[buddy2012 0]

Thanks for your replies. I am starting to worry that I will end up jobless for a long time and would hate not to be working. A temp to hire job would be idea. A good way to get in the door of a place anyways.

Fingers crossed.