What is meant by "Administrative experience" when listed as a job requirement?

Help! I'm starting to apply for jobs now, and I'm so nervous to even start more applications until my mom gets home from work!

Also, would it make sense if I take an entry level job as an administrative assistant at a medical clinic if I have a Bachelor's in Biology? I figure I can start there and work my way up since I'll be around medical jobs. Right? HELP!

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sighmeupforthat · 46-50, M

just walking in. not saying much other than administrative means anything higher up with obligations to the company, org and to the employees and possibly high tasks such as records, employment conduct, hiring and any other "administrative" duties that are assigned to you for that department or such...

this can vary depending on the situation. you'll find out more as you apply and are interviewed.

then if hired they'll lay out a plan for you whether fiscal, hiring, HR (oh no god no!) security in records and distribution (if you have to be in charge of handling articles of importance.)

just associate that. the rest comes when the assignment is given to you to "administrate".

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now sits back and watches a rather interesting transaction of communication here. i like this kind of 'chat chat where knowledge is diffused accordingly to help someone associate prior to output'

hiddenkitty · 26-30, F

Okay, thank you for this information. So, a person who likes to be organized and maintain schedules can manage to hold a administrative job, yes? I just looking at a general job search in my area and I see a lot of administrative assistant jobs.

VeronicaJane

What do you want to do with your Bachelor's in Biology? It would make sense to point in that general direction.

If you are looking for experience, have you considered a professional temp agency? You talk to to them and they help you find positions that might be a good fit for you. It's in their best interest, since when they place you, you are a reflection upon them. You go to work for a certain period 30-90 days and then go to another position. You get to try out various positions and companies. Its not considered job hopping since you are the temp agency employee and those were your assignments. Great way if you end up someplace you can't stand.

Temp agencies can offer mini classes to help you in weak areas too. It's their job to fill vacancies for employers, so they have open jobs to fill.

Just a thought...

hiddenkitty · 26-30, F

I have found a temp agency actually. I've looked at some of their openings already, so if my application to the lab assistant position is denied, I'll turn to the temp agency.

VeronicaJane

Just a thought. Some of the agencies even offer health insurance and some time off benefits like sick and vacation days. It seems many companies fill positions through temp positions. Sort of a try before you buy arrangement. they see if you are a good fit, AND you get to see if you'd like to work there. if you can't stand it, then when being interviewed for another position and asked about it, the simple answer is that it was an assignment that you completed (no mention of how lousy it was.....)

Good luck and best wishes :-)

hiddenkitty · 26-30, F

@VeronicaJane: Yes, I was aware of this process, and I think it is great that the company I found does have stuff like this to help me find a job. :)

Mondayschild · F

Have you had experience in supervising other people doing their jobs, or delegating work to others? This can be a pretty tough job.

hiddenkitty · 26-30, F

Really? The jobs I've looked at said I would be told what I need to do, not so much that I'd need to be in charge of others. I saw that one of the jobs had a slightly high wage ($17 USD/hour), but I figured it was because it was at a university.

Mondayschild · F

@hiddenkitty: All my admin jobs have included what I mentioned above. The title of administration come with a lot of responsibility.

hiddenkitty · 26-30, F

@SBelle: Oh. Okay, I'll consider this.

badassgent · 46-50, M

administration is in managing field, has nothing to do with your profession. you better keep looking for more related to your education

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badassgent · 46-50, M

there are so many openings means there is a huge circulation, means it is a low profile job. so what kind of jobs are related to your major?

hiddenkitty · 26-30, F

lab assistants (which I am in the process of applying to), tutoring (which I'm starting to look in to), lab technician (but that needs work experience, so I'll look into that later on)

badassgent · 46-50, M

i'd say for the first 2 years of your business life, stick to your education related jobs, cause that's where your specific diploma is welcomed. and then you will know exactly what to do and where to go and which path you will choose.
but, don't wait so much to find the right job. just get yourself in, it is way more easier to find a job when you have a job. good luck.

jjoe01

If you have a bachelor degree, administrative assistant is too low of a starting position.

hiddenkitty · 26-30, F

But what if it's just temporary so I can gain work experience?

jjoe01

@hiddenkitty: Sure, as long as you intended to keep it that way.

Goralski · 51-55, M

Secretarial work.....there's people with masters degrees working at Starbucks

hiddenkitty · 26-30, F

Yeah, I'm thinking that I could just start with a low administrative job just to get work experience so I can move up later on.

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