AdminSecret

      I graduated from a four year university in December of 2007.  Since then, I have been in the work force for over a year now.  As a young, naive, recent graduate I have struggled to find my dream job with minimal work expereicence in a shaky economy.  I have been back and forth, tossed to and fro, job to job, trying to find where I belong and score as an Office Manager.  Along the way I learned many things, and eventually landed  a respectable position as an Office Manager for a worldwide non-profit organization. Below is a list of advice that I can offer to all aspiring admins at any level:

Know Yourself. Know what you can and can not handle on the job.  Know your stress and tolerance levels.  Make sure that your prospects are in line with your personality and values.  Know where you have been and where you are going.  Keep your eye on your ultimate goal. 

Don’t be hasty.  When it comes to making decisions about whether or not to accept a job consider everything.  Don’t ever be too desperate.  Set standards for yourself and for your prospective company, organization, etc. 

Do not accept a job offer until you have a face to face meeting with the individual(s) with whom you will be directly working with.  Do not allow Human Resources (HR) to influence your decision or do the interviewing for a position that does not directly affect them.  It is HR’s job to weed you out from the prospects and to forward your resume to the appropriate individuals. Don’t ever allow HR to do the hiring and make the final decision alone.  HR should not play matchmaker without letting you meet your match beforehand. 

Know the trend of the industry.  Industries such as Financial, Real Estate, Comerical Construction, etc. have the tendency to fluctuate depending upon the market/economy.  Know that the performance varies in such industries and the risk is greater for lay-offs in some industries more than others. 

Beware of unnecessary and over-the-top flattery from a boss. Do not accept routine courtesy lunches at the expense of a boss or coworker.  People do things for a deeper motivation that may not always appear right away. 

Do not expect a raise, promotion, etc. or any type of upward mobility.  Employers will hire you in a position that they expect for you to be content with-salary, working conditions, status, level, and all.  If you intend to work your way up make your intentions known as to what your ultimate goal is for the company.  If they do not offer you any real chance of reaching your goals, then do not waste time with that company.  

Do not accept shifty promises.  For instance, if you get hired for a position in a company to work a part-time job with the promise of becoming full time within a few months do not bank on this proposal.  There is a reason why the job is presently part-time.  (i.e. financial reasons). There are no guarantees so do not allow a company to lead you to believe otherwise.

Beware of “baby” companies that have not been in business for at least 3 years.  Often these companies have shaky policies because they are going through a trial and error period.  They often mismanage employees and the company suffers greatly due to inexperience.  Also, many owners tend to make bad decisions that can cause the companies growth to plateau, and eventually fall off completely.  Also because these companies tend to be smaller, employees wear multiple hats which can cause burnout.  Try to stick with companies that have credibility.  It will make you more competitive in a job search. 

Do not accept verbal abuse.  Do not accept it under any circumstances. Verbal abuse can have psychological effects as well as physical.  Do not feel like you have to become “thick skinned” and take unnecessary abuse.  Do not allow bosses, coworkers, clientele, or anyone to talk down to you in a condescending or disrespectful way.  If you allow this they will only continue to do it.  Address the issue with the co-worker that is verbally abusing you.  The circumstances are more complicated with a boss.  If you love your job then by all means address the issue with your boss.  If your boss is unpleasant to the point of being unapproachable, or if you hate your job, then look for another job.  Remember you can’t change people; they have to learn to take responsibility for their actions and change themselves. 

Keep Going. Stay Persistent. Never Give Up.  You will reach your goals. 

Great post. Thanks

This is great information!