Administrative Human Resources Assistant Career Guide and Counseling

Question: Administrative Professionals' (Assistant) Day?...Who's included? I am an assistant to the finance department. Today at my job the Executive Assistant, Human Resources Assistant, and Programs Assistant all received gifts. Myself (Finance Assistant), the Development Assistant, the IT Assistant, and the receptionist didn't receive anything. Not even as much as a "have a good day." Are our job titles/duties not included in administrative support professionals?

Answer: That doesn't sound fair. I think you should have definately been included. It is extremely bad manners to give gifts to your co workers and not include you. I work at a bank and the president had lunch brought in for everyone.

Question: What is a typical day like for these occupations, which is better? Bookkeeping, Accounting Clerks, Account Collectors, Human Resources Assistant, Executive Secretaries, Administrative Assistants, Customer Service Representative, Insurance Claim/Processing Clerk? I have an opportunity to further my education (I already have an AS) and get a certificate of completion. I want something that is very flexible to move between states (unlike something that requires a state certification). Which would be most useful in a small town?

Answer: Here is a website from the US Occupational Outlook Handbook that provides general info on various job field: www.bls.gov/oco and can type into search 'bookkeeper', 'human resources assistant' and whatever else piques one's interest. Good luck to you in your career search and any endeavors!

Question: I am receptionist and would like an administrative assistant position what should I do to get the job? I have been a receptionist for 3 years and I'm thinking of going to college to get a business degree but I'm not sure what I should take in order to be considered for administrative positions. I think I would like to work in Human Resource..

Answer: You can do any degree after which you should qualify as an MBA as it is having an edge over the non MBA persons. MBA in HR for a new comer is like a passport to travel, and knowledge of work, skill and competence is like a visa for acceptability in a profession.

Question: Administrative Assistant? What are the functions of an administartive assistant (in human resources)? Is the work hard? Or is it fun and interesting?

Answer: I’m an Admin Specialist. I love it! It's so much fun. I have 8 years experience. Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities for providing administrative support for program areas and support functions, or serve as an assistant to, or provide administrative support to an administrator or an official. This may include supervising an administrative or clerical unit, responsibility for an administration program providing various services to agency customers, and similar duties and responsibilities. It may also include responsibility for supervising an assigned staff of administrative technicians in performing duties involving the processing of applications for various types of permits or licenses, maintaining various records, preparing correspondence or other materials, and similar activities. Typical functions within this job family will vary by level and organization, but may include the following: -Trains new hire -Assigns projects to staff as needed; develops and places in operation special procedures. -Initiates correspondence requiring knowledge of agency or program procedures and policies. -Develops and maintains confidential or complex files. -Interprets and advises internal and external customers on departmental or program rules, regulations, and laws. -Prepares invoices and payments of claims, requisitions, purchase orders and other fiscal duties. -May supervise subordinate staff. -Represents agency, supervising official, or program area at meetings, conferences, or civic organizations. -Coordinates activities with internal and external customers. -May establish educational and/or training programs. -Interviews callers, arranges appointments, and handles office details. -Enters and retrieves information via PC or other data processing equipment and receives and reviews coded and uncoded source documents; reviews data and makes routine corrections.

Question: How do I become part of the human resources department it the military? I would like this position or any type or receptionist, secretary, or administrative assistant position. (I just am not sure how to go about it)

Answer: Talk to your recruiter, there are plenty of administrative positions in the military. You will still have to learn basic soldier/airman/sailor skills but your main job can still be administrative.

Question: Penn Foster Human Resource Management? I wanted to know is the penn foster college online in the Human Resource Management program worth it in my situation? I want to become a Human Resource Assistant. I love doing administrative work! I could also become an administrative assistant as an option. I am not planning on going to get a bachelor degree, although a few colleges might accept them since there approved by ACE. The reason why I don't want to go to college is because in a couple more years from now my family is started a business and I'm going to be working at the business. The thing is I just got out of debt and now I am debt free in 2009. And if things don't fall through with the family business I would want to gain an education and make a career to support myself. What is your suggestion? Thank You!

Answer: Penn-Foster is little more than a degree mill. They won't even let you preview the material (you have to cancel within 7 days after applying). I would look more toward your local community college. They are usually inexpensive and have flexible and online classes.

Question: Is it possible to get an administrative assistant position when you are 62 years old? I was pushed out of my last job because of my age. However, I was paid severance pay of 6 weeks; I think this was for my boss to cover himself legally. I have applied for at least 300 jobs and still no job. I was not asked why I was quitting my job, and I did not put the reason in my resignation letter. On my Human Resources form I put the reason as opportunity for learning & advancement. When asked in an interview why I left, I give that reason because in my last conversation with my boss before quitting I reminded him that in my initial interview he said there would be promotion possibilities. He said he did not say that. I don't know what he is saying when he is called as a reference for me. I did a great job which was reflected on my reviews. I have had at least 15 interviews and have applied for at least 250 jobs, but still no job. I am a very fit 62 year old; 118 lbs, in great shape physically and mentally; continually wanting to learn new things. Please help!!!

Answer: Keep trying and you will get a job.

Question: I feel like my life isn't going anyway? Any suggestions? I am 24 i am a Human Resources Administrative Assistant making 25000 a year. I have an associate in accounting and can't seem to find a job to hire me in accounting. I transfer to a four-year college and the work got hard and my GPA went down to a 2.0 and i didn't get into the business school so now i have to transfer school again to finish. i live in my father house and most of my money goes to the house and stupid stuff. I live check to check. and i am kind of in a relationship with this guy and i liared to about job title and how much i make. Honestly i can't wait to for him to call me and come see. But now i want to start changing my life Any Suggestions

Answer: Take ownership of the problems you have created for yourself. Sit down with a pen and paper and figure out where you want to go and what you want to do. Then start doing it.

Question: i feel like my life isn't going anyway? I am 24 i am a Human Resources Administrative Assistant making 25000 a year. I have an associate in accounting and can't seem to find a job to hire me in accounting. I transfer to a four-year college and the work got hard and my GPA went down to a 2.0 and i didn't get into the business school so now i have to transfer school again to finish. i live in my father house and most of my money goes to the house and stupid stuff. I live check to check. and i am kind of in a relationship with this guy and i liared to about job title and how much i make. Honestly i can't wait to for him to call me and come see. But now i want to start changing my life Any Suggestions

Answer: First off, stop lying. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You went to school, have a degree, have a job and a steady income. Second, I have the same type of degree and it seems like I am either over or under qualified for a lot of jobs. What are the chances of you heading back into school? I know it was rough the first time...but could you start you four year over? Maybe even in a different major? What are your passions? Can you study something you are passionate about? Good luck to you!!

Question: Am I hirable as an Administrative Assistant? I graduate in 1 1/2 years and I'm worried about how my resume will look. I worked a couple part time jobs in high school and full time my senior year in high school (I enrolled in an alternative school). I had a couple positions in college (some temp and some I had to quit because of conflicts of scheduling with college). Basically here is my experience by the time I graduate: 6 months at a tutur center as a tutor/front desk (should I even list this?) 10 months at a salon as front desk/receptionist/general help (didn't leave on good terms, they didn't always pay on time, not sure if they are even still open) 6 months as administrative assistant (promotion was in the works, but I quit to move out of state for college) 3 months as a sales assistant at newspaper (i'm leaving it off, because I got let go) 8 months as an accounting assistant (temp) asked to stay on to sub for accounts payable and payroll lead for 3 months 2 years as a full-time college student/part-time nanny/part-time executive assistant for Dad's company (mostly to keep up my office experience, computer skills and to help my Dad out with his small company. I won't put him as a reference, since he's my Dad. Does it look bad that I worked for a parent?) I will also spend 1 year interning in Human Resources before graduating. I will graduate with a BA in Human Resource Management w/minor in Business Administration. Can I use my experience and degree to make me marketable after graduation? Cumulative I have 5 years administrative experience in different parts of the office (sales, marketing, accounting and human resources). Does this look good? I know people may ask why I changed jobs or worked for my parent. I would assume that it's good I managed to work full-time my senior year in high school and worked as much as I could during college and it would explain job changes/gaps. Is my experience, bad experience? Also, should I leave my first job and the job that I only worked for 3 months off my resume?

Answer: You are hirable but (sorry to say), no one needs your skills. I read something the other day and it mentioned that this Recession is worse than we thought. The redcution in the workforce was no TEMPORARY, but PERMANENT! Here is the good news... Unlike many in the workforce, it sounds like you can afford to work for FREE (um i mean do an internship...)! you said: Can I use my experience and degree to make me marketable after graduation? Cumulative I have 5 years administrative experience in different parts of the office (sales, marketing, accounting and human resources). Does this look good? I say YES! However, you should specialize in one. 1. Sales - get a job with drug company (if you are ugly you won't get hired. Don't believe me, see "17 Again with Zach Efron") 2. Marketing - Get a job/internship with a marketing firm 3. Accounting - get 30 hours, pass cpa exam and do public accounting for a few years. 4. Human Resources - Uggh, it should be against the law to offer a degree in this field. I mean, who does the hiring? HR? So how does HR hire? From the outside? Not out of University. If you want a job in this, show up at the office and tell them you will work for free for 3 months.