Clerical Career Guide and Counseling

Question: What do I need to know before starting a home based clerical business? I am a jack of all clerical skills but want to work from home. I would like to offer virtual and freelance clerical. Rent a secretary kind of thing. I live in a small town within 30 - 60 minutes from larger cities that may need a secretary once in a while but not all the time. Freelancers, home based business people, or possibly professional people who need a personal assistant. How do I get started and what is the best way to market it?

Answer: http://ecommerce-times.blogspot.com

Question: What is the best way to get a clerical job? Im turning 19 in June and have only been working for a year. I don't have much work experience because of this (I've only worked in a restraunt and as a nurse assistant). How can I get a full time job doing clerical work?

Answer: Well when I started, all I needed was to know my alphabet so I could do filing, be fast at typing, be polite to greet clients, nowadays you need almost a university degree, thank god I have 20 years of experience, so when I look for a job, that has enough weight to get me the job, but those who are now starting need some studies, and some experience. But it depends where you go looking for jobs, if you are starting with no experience at all, but have good people skills, and some knowledge of with Microsoft Office, you can start with receptionnnist jobs, some place give you some clerical work to do while you answer the phone, then once you're in the company for a year or two seek for other opportunities for administrative assistant and clerical work... You can go to recruiting agencies, and do part time or short contracts, and build your experience from that. But you need at least a good knowledge of Microsoft office, because agencies will make you do tests for them so they can see your level of knowledge, and know they can count on you when they send you somewhere...I've used agencies a few times, and I liked doing short contracts, it help me gain a very vast experience and I help gain some confidence, that I could adapt to any situation...good luck!!

Question: What do I need to know before considering a clerical or office job? As of now I work at Blockbuster but I'm only seasonal so after the 15th I have no job. I've worked at a restaurant for five years as a cook, waitress, baker and cashier. Then I worked at CVS for almost a year as a cashier, photo tech and pharmacy assistant. What things should I know or learn before applying for a clerical job, also any tips to get hired would be great. Is it also possible that I could get paid more than $6.50 an hour, I live in South Texas. Thanks in advance.

Answer: There are basically two kinds of office jobs - receptionist and skilled assistant. Some things you will want to be familiar with are: operating a multi-line phone, operating a copy machine, operating a fax machine. basic computer and word processing skills, you should be able to type 60+ words a minute. The most successful clerical workers are well-organized, and able to work well on their own. For reception work, you need to be pleasant and patient. For skilled work - it really depends on the type of office you are working for. For example if you work in a law office, you would need to become familiar with the legal procedures and specific filing methods. For success in getting hired, I recommend you make sure your resume is neat, well organized, and has no errors. You will want to gain a potential employer's confidence that you will be a good assistant. Emphasize your experience that requires attention to detail (pharmacy work), and also ability to work independently, and also to work well with others. it wouldn't hurt to take some assisting classes at a local community college, or to volunteer to work at a place to get some experience. Good assistants can certainly make more than $6.50. You probably will need to prove yourself though before getting a higher pay.

Question: What is the right interview outfit for interviewing for a clerical position? I'm interviewing for a clerical postion at a hospital. Would it be a bad idea to wear Business Casual for the interview? Black Blazer, Black Slacks, and a White Shirt. If so what should I wear?

Answer: That sounds just great to me. Office appropriate shoes and accessories too. Good Luck!

Question: How can I move from a clerical healthcare job to a technical one? I have started a clerical-administrative job in healthcare. I would like to do more hands-on work than administrative, and I want to make at least 12.00 per hour.

Answer: Training. Medical Assistant might be a good choice since it is a job that is part clerical and part clinical. Good luck. Here are some clinical health care jobs that can probably be trained for in 2 or less years at a community college or vocational school: LPN/LVN RN EMT Paramedic Phlebotomy Nursing Assistant Radiology Technician Pharmacy Technician Physical/Occupational Therapy Assistant Respiratory Therapy EKG Technician Ultrasound Tech Surgical Tech Dental Assistant Optical Technician Activity Coordinator Medical Assistant

Question: How difficult is it to get a clerical position in Nursing Homes? I have lots of clerical experience but no nursing home experience.

Answer: Nursing homes will look for people with lots of clerical experience. You may need certain checks to see if you have a criminal record and that your health is good. Look at the local newspapers in the area where you wish to work or approach an Agency who will find you work.

Question: Any good paying jobs in Michigan for customer service or clerical? I lost my job this morning i work for a company with a pretty high turn over rate and it turned over me also well at any rate i would like to continue customer service clerical work. I live in Detroit Michigan. Any suggestions would be great.

Answer: Nina, Sorry to hear you lost your job. I lost mine in 2003. Just remember "This too Shall Pass" The State of Michigan Talent Bank may have something in your area, I cannot say about the pay. Remember, to keep your resume available to employers you must refresh it at least once a month. I found that out the hard way. If you are using any of the other employment search services I suggest you create a hotmail, gmail, or other free service email address and forward it to your real email. I'm still getting spam from "amazing" jobs. what a waste... I would also see if you qualify for the No Worker Left Behind program with the State (or a State of Michigan Job)

Question: What is the best way to get an administrative assistant/ clerical job? I am a college student and I have 6+ years of office work experience, plus I have some customer service and telemarketing experience too... However, it is friggin' impossible to land a clerical job... It's rediculous! Anyone out there have any advice???

Answer: its impossible to get anything at the moment be prepared to be on the dole i have 11 years experience

Question: How can I get a volunteer job doing Office admin/clerical in Mississauga city.? I want volunteer job doing Office Admin/Clerical in Mississauga. I want Phone number and Address in Mississauga offering volunteer job

Answer: If you can't do an Internet search or use the phone book, you won't be much good in an office. Sorry.

Question: Volunteer work history on a clerical resume important? When writing a resume for a city clerical job; is it necessary to include your history of volunteer work? Does it help your chances at all??

Answer: Yes it's important if the volunteer work is similar to the job you're applying for. Yes it will help your chances of landing that interview. It shows you have previous experience working in that field. In my resume, I include my volunteer work under work experience. I don't tell them it was an unpaid position unless they ask me during the interview (which they never do)

Question: How can I make a successful career change into the administrative field from a clerical position? I do data entry for a company and I would like to move into the administrative field how do I market my clerical skills so that they will impress future employers?

Answer: You make sure that your resume is one that highlights your skill sets first, then your education, and work experience. Go to http://www.monster.com and look at a wide variety of administrative assistant jobs and look at the skills that they are seeking and make sure that you have those skill sets. If you don't have them, get them. Many of the skill sets required for admin jobs you can teach yourself at home in the evenings until you have acquired them.

Question: What jobs can I do that are more creative and not clerical? I graduated with a BA in English, and I have been stuck in a rut of one clerical job after the next. I have always been a creative person and enjoy writing. I recently got into a job that turned into something completely different and budget based because someone unexpectedly left.I NEVER wanted to deal with balancing a budget as part of my duties. What kind of jobs should I look for that make at least around $40,000.00 a year? Thank you!

Answer: I would never try google my opinion But there are many things. Really it depends on what you call creative or fun! I myself have always wanted to get kids from my city and creat a baseball little league! Alot of parents will pay good money for sports and just to get the kids out the house..hahaha Hope that helps

Question: How hard is is to get a clerical job in Houston Texas? I have been looking online at jobs in Houston. I'm moving there in July from a small town in Alabama. I am going to be looking for a clerical job that pays at least 10.00/hr..anyone know any good places?? That aren't temporary?

Answer: You should be able to get a job easily by reading the big classified pages in the Houston Chronicle on Suday http://www.chron.com/ Do not go to a temporary agent. (been there done that) $10 and hour is not very much for the Houston area. You can get a lot more if you are really good. I would try to get a job with a legal practice. Houston is so spead out you will want to try to find a job near the place you will live. There is no real mass transit system in Houston, so you will need a car for work.

Question: How can I get clerical/administrative work with little experience? I am looking for some clerical/administrative work. I have no general office experience, but I do possess basic knowledge of MS Word & Excel. I like working with computers & organizing things. Where & how can I start this job search?

Answer: A good way to get a foot in the door is through a staffing agency. Most of them (Kelly services, Aerotek, ManPower, etc, etc) will give a typing test to determine your typing ability. Others have tests that check your skills with Word, Excel, Power Point, etc. Temping is a great way to get started. Many places will hire temps in order to "test drive" administrative assistants before hiring full time. If the place you go to likes you, expect a full-time offer. (Oh, and if the Temp aganecy doesn't work, try a shorter skirt and a lower bust line.) JOKING!

Question: Can I get admitted to an MBA program with only clerical work experience? I have a few years clerical experience in many industries including financial. Would this be enough if I have a high GMAT score or would I need to have experience at a higher level position?

Answer: Assuming you already have a college degree, your work experience will be helpful. Most MBA programs want students with work experience, and it does not have to be high level work. Search in the Official MBA Guide for the most suitable MBA program. They list over 2,000 and the service is free.

Question: What can I do to get an office/clerical job? I have been trying to get a job in the clerical-administrative area for months now. I have never had a problem getting a job in the past fairly quickly. However, I have been doing domestic work since 2007, and I am trying to get back into the clerical field. What will increase my chances? I have excellent typing and computer skills and data entry skills. My appearance is above average. Any pointers?

Answer: Well if you have those skills then you should try walmart.