Looking for secretarial work

[gilliflower]

My daughter is looking for a p.a/secretarial job. Is it a good idea to enrol with several agencies? She has signed up with eleven. Too many? Not enough? Should she keep on ringing them or are they supposed to get back to her? They don't seem to bother once she is registered. It is difficult to know what is the best way to look for work. Most positions seem to be accessed through agencies. Is there another route?

[Maydup]

I'd try every route possible in this climate; especially recruitment websites and websites where you can publish your CV. Have a search around.

If she's new to the world or work she might try looking for an apprentiship. If not consider every sector and widen the search geographically. Its hard to recommend actual sites as they vary from region to region, but I wish her luck.

[MarkRae]

www.jobserve.co.uk

[ChuckFickens]

Http://www.jobserve.co.uk

(really, Mark?)

[MarkRae]

Yes, really.

[China Doll]

She should also apply for roles so she gets used to completing the application forms, and hopefully interview practice if not an actual job. I would not rely on agencies, I have worked in admin for the NHS since 2002, I didn't get one of those jobs via an agency. I don't rate agencies particularly highly, (especially given some of the temps we've been given from agencies who frankly appeared to have had some sort of lobotomy prior to coming to the office).

[ChuckFickens]

I'm just shocked you wouldn't make a link clickable (sp?) :)

[MarkRae]

I'm in the pub - couldn't be bothered...

[tamborine]

Check out local newspapers. Agency fees can be too excessive for some businesses.

[Eve]

Has she got experience? If not this could be a reason for her not getting many callbacks as yet.

I got my first job as a PA through an agency, I had no actual secretarial experience but had some sector/industry knowledge and had to go in and do various tests in the agency for them to assess my typing speed, accuracy, spelling, knowledge of applications such as Word etc...

If she makes the agency grade then she could try temping agencies as well to get more experience and if she gets a good reputation as a temp she is likely to get more work and longer assignments which could become permanent.

I've used Office Angels a couple of times in the past for temping and have got two permanent positions through them and found them great.

They will usually get in touch if they have vacancies but she should keep in touch with them, at least every week I'd say. Email is a good way too. It usually becomes clear who the agencies with good work are.

A lot though depends on the work and experience needed for the positions they have and the skills and experience your daughter has.

[naomi24]

If she's competent, and you have access to a big town, temping is an excellent route to getting a permanent job.