May I help you? Please?
July 17, 2009 7:30 PM Subscribe
Thankfully I have a job. However it was a job gotten at a time that I just needed a side job because I was planning to go to grad school. Grad school didn't work out 2 years in a row so now it's time to move on. I don't know where to start in my new location based on my previous real life work experience...
I relocated to VA and left behind a career in the entertainment industry in NYC. I had the intention of going to grad school, but didn't get in 2 years in a row (despite working with a professor who promised me a spot but lost his right to have a student due to budget cuts). Now I work in retail, but I need to move on. I got this job because I needed a temporary job while getting through school.
Now I need a real job. I have no idea where to start. Given my entertainment based resume (post production, story assistant, office manager, executive assistant, actor) I have no idea where to look in my current location.
My fist obvious start is assistant/ executive assistant positions. But every search engine I check with those keywords just give me 'Work at Home!' results.
I am the perfect assistant. I really am great in that position. However I have no clue how to find a position like that in a company that is stable and could be a lifelong career.
I was quietly considering moving back to NYC until my mother said to me one day that she had a nightmare that I moved back to the city.
So... any thoughts on where to find a good stable w/ benefits assistant type position in the Richmond, VA area?
I relocated to VA and left behind a career in the entertainment industry in NYC. I had the intention of going to grad school, but didn't get in 2 years in a row (despite working with a professor who promised me a spot but lost his right to have a student due to budget cuts). Now I work in retail, but I need to move on. I got this job because I needed a temporary job while getting through school.
Now I need a real job. I have no idea where to start. Given my entertainment based resume (post production, story assistant, office manager, executive assistant, actor) I have no idea where to look in my current location.
My fist obvious start is assistant/ executive assistant positions. But every search engine I check with those keywords just give me 'Work at Home!' results.
I am the perfect assistant. I really am great in that position. However I have no clue how to find a position like that in a company that is stable and could be a lifelong career.
I was quietly considering moving back to NYC until my mother said to me one day that she had a nightmare that I moved back to the city.
So... any thoughts on where to find a good stable w/ benefits assistant type position in the Richmond, VA area?
Response by poster: Not really looking for aggregated websites, more individual company websites in the area. Or even ideas about companies that would fit my work experience. I should mention that I am willing to relocate to the DC area if needed.
posted by MayNicholas at 7:55 PM on July 17, 2009
posted by MayNicholas at 7:55 PM on July 17, 2009
It is a lousy market to look for a job. Don't limit yourself. You need to be trying all the different approaches that you find. So, definitely check out the aggregated sites. You can also go to the library and ask the librarian to help you find a a list of the top local companies. (Probably available on-line too). However, what is most likely to get you a job is a personal connection or a friend of a friend. Tell everyone you know in Richmond what you are looking for. See if your college has an alumni career network. Good luck - persistence will eventually pay off.
posted by metahawk at 8:08 PM on July 17, 2009
posted by metahawk at 8:08 PM on July 17, 2009
DC Has a thriving news business. It might be a place where you can use your history to thrive in teh environment and build a career? There are also numourous advertising and political campaign houses around that area that may allow you to use your skills in an assistant role to help contribute to a larger political goal.
posted by elationfoundation at 8:13 PM on July 17, 2009
posted by elationfoundation at 8:13 PM on July 17, 2009
Okay, real quick this made me think of a few things, but first and foremost: Did you not see that final episode of Six Feet Under? You can't stay in Richmond (or anywhere really) just because you're afraid of what might happen to your mom.
Moving on to your actual question... I'd suggest you get yourself a copy of What Color is Your Parachute and focus on the beginning sections of the book, the actual going about landing your ideal job section. His suggestions work best if you're an extravert because networking is really critically important, but alas such is life. Also, don't hesitate to look up recruiters in your area who specialize in placing admins. At the very least they will probably give you some great free advice.
posted by ohyouknow at 9:59 PM on July 17, 2009
Moving on to your actual question... I'd suggest you get yourself a copy of What Color is Your Parachute and focus on the beginning sections of the book, the actual going about landing your ideal job section. His suggestions work best if you're an extravert because networking is really critically important, but alas such is life. Also, don't hesitate to look up recruiters in your area who specialize in placing admins. At the very least they will probably give you some great free advice.
posted by ohyouknow at 9:59 PM on July 17, 2009
The aggregated recruitment sites will tell you everything you need to know about what's happening in your desired field. You can search them by location, employer, recruitment agency, industry sub-sector etc. At the very least, they're an excellent resource tool for establishing what qualifications and experience you need for particular positions.
One thing to look out for is employers giving crappy jobs sexy job titles. Never apply on the basis of the job title alone. Make sure you read the job description itself.
In general, EA/PA positions (the real ones, not the reception ones given an inflated title) require extensive experience, formal admin qualifications, or both. Again, the ads on the aggregated employment websites will give you a good idea of what employers currently require for those positions.
Good luck!
posted by Lolie at 10:28 AM on July 18, 2009
One thing to look out for is employers giving crappy jobs sexy job titles. Never apply on the basis of the job title alone. Make sure you read the job description itself.
In general, EA/PA positions (the real ones, not the reception ones given an inflated title) require extensive experience, formal admin qualifications, or both. Again, the ads on the aggregated employment websites will give you a good idea of what employers currently require for those positions.
Good luck!
posted by Lolie at 10:28 AM on July 18, 2009
I am in the EXACT same position as you. Except, I haven't had the guts to leave LA. But when all that's on your resume is "industry" stuff, how do you translate that into a "non-industry" position? I've been asking myself the same question.
I don't have an answer, as I am in a miserable "inbetween" job and still looking to escape. But I will second the "tell everyone you know what you're looking for." And if you don't know anyone, find people, then tell them what you're looking for. Go to bars, dinner, drinks, bowling, whatever - and try not turn down any invitations. A lesson in networking is the one thing the industry gave you that can help you transition to another career.
Keep talking, keep meeting, keep telling people what you do, what you're good at, and what you want to do. But most important, be patient. Retail isn't your career, it's just a means to an end. Something good will happen in time, just keep plugging away.
Good luck!
posted by buzzkillington at 12:22 PM on July 18, 2009
I don't have an answer, as I am in a miserable "inbetween" job and still looking to escape. But I will second the "tell everyone you know what you're looking for." And if you don't know anyone, find people, then tell them what you're looking for. Go to bars, dinner, drinks, bowling, whatever - and try not turn down any invitations. A lesson in networking is the one thing the industry gave you that can help you transition to another career.
Keep talking, keep meeting, keep telling people what you do, what you're good at, and what you want to do. But most important, be patient. Retail isn't your career, it's just a means to an end. Something good will happen in time, just keep plugging away.
Good luck!
posted by buzzkillington at 12:22 PM on July 18, 2009
You might want to investigate becoming a recruiter, or perhaps a research assistant for one. It can be a tough field these days, but what isn't? As an actor, you probably have a gift of gab, one of the primary qualifications. You also probably have a reasonably high tolerance for rejection. I'm guessing you have the capacity to assimilate large quantities of (seemingly unrelated) data, and synthesize it into new ideas. Critical in a recruiter. Your experience in post production and office management tells me you are probably pretty well organized and able to deal with circumstances that can change in an instant (also important in a recruiter).
Seek out 3 or 4 firms and ask for an opportunity to come in and talk. Look for those that are members of NAPS (professional association) or, better yet, Pinnacle Society (cream of the crop). Watch out for the 'hard sell'. The best firms do not do that, and will take great care that you talk with their recruiters and observe them in action.
Most people seem to 'fall into' recruiting. I did. I find it rewarding in so many ways, and can't imagine doing anything else.
posted by John Borrowman at 1:09 PM on July 18, 2009
Seek out 3 or 4 firms and ask for an opportunity to come in and talk. Look for those that are members of NAPS (professional association) or, better yet, Pinnacle Society (cream of the crop). Watch out for the 'hard sell'. The best firms do not do that, and will take great care that you talk with their recruiters and observe them in action.
Most people seem to 'fall into' recruiting. I did. I find it rewarding in so many ways, and can't imagine doing anything else.
posted by John Borrowman at 1:09 PM on July 18, 2009
Another point to consider. You haven't mentioned your hard skills, but pretty much any admin position which is above entry level and which can be turned into a career is going to require advanced MS Office skills. If you don't already possess them, start acquiring them.
posted by Lolie at 1:15 PM on July 18, 2009
posted by Lolie at 1:15 PM on July 18, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
Careerbuilder.com
Indeed.com
posted by jschu at 7:37 PM on July 17, 2009