Hi all! I left my position this past June, as an executive admin. asst. and I didn't exactly have another position lined up waiting to go. The issue is that I want to work part-time now and not at the "executive" level, so I have been applying for PT admin.asst. postions.
I have yet to receive a call back on my resume and I've sent out dozens. I'm wondering if employers may feel that I am applying for a position that is a "lower grade" because I couldn't handle the work or they feel I'm over-qualified.
I probably am over-qualified for most of the positions and I'm wondering if there is a way to squash the issue, perhaps in the cover letter, so at least I will finally get a call for an interview.
Has anyone else had this problem? I apologize for the errors in this thread but I'm typing pretty much in the dark.
Thanks so much!!
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Thank you all for your help! It's now the middle of November and I'm still looking but did use all of your suggestions!
Here's wishing you all health, happiness and success in the coming year~
Dena
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Dena on
11/19/2008 12:37:48 PM
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We had someone in a similar situation apply for a part time position here, as assistant to somebody with the same position she had at her previous position. She became a grandmother recently and wanted to spend time at home and less at her job, she wanted something less challenging so that she could concentrate on her personal life more. We understood that it made total sense, and at the same time got somebody overqualified who we can use as a mentor. Everyone is happy to take advantage of her experience and to hopefully keep her as long as possible. No big deal.
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marlo on
9/4/2008 7:28:11 AM
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I looked within the local school district for admin positions and got hired - much more flexibility, less stress, less pay but it is working well for me. Some of the jobs are 50, 60, 70, 80 or full time. Good luck in your search. I found I was overqualified when I tried to re-enter the job market after leaving the Exec Admin Asst/Office Administrator position I held.
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Anonymous on
8/29/2008 12:02:47 PM
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A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just reading your messages gave me a terrific boost! I've decided to try to find full-time work and if ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY apply for an exec asst. position.
My brother and his friends have a running joke now. It started because each time one of his friends would call they would discuss that the CUBS had won and then the next topic would be if I was employed yet. (And of course my Brother would say no.) So now everyone believes that as long as I am out of work, the Cubs will keep winning! I don't know whether to wish for a job or for the Cubs to become the World Series champs!! (For those of you who know about the goat curse, I am the "anti-goat.")
I'm going to keep plugging away. Besides the income, I really, really need insurance! COBRA is costing me over $600 a month and no one will cover me unless I am covered within a "group." I don't suppose there is an Admin. Asst. organization that offers benefits, is there? I once had to join a union to work as an Admin. Asst. but I don't think that they even exist anymore.
THANK YOU to everyone for your suggestions. I just have to keep believing that things happen for a reason.
Take care and be well!!!
Your friend,
Dena Solomon
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Dena on
8/22/2008 1:31:20 PM
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Hi, I am from Illinois originally (now in Wisconsin)! I would say that they feel you are over-qualified. The same thing happened to me. Sometimes they think you would be bored. All you can do is call and follow up within several days about your resume. If you are lucky, you will get through to the right person and they will be upfront with you. It may be a good thing to address in your cover letter. Don't give up!
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Peggy Heck on
8/20/2008 4:22:11 PM
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We have had a somewhat similar case here. A Manager came back to interview for an entry level admin assist/receptionist. We all asked why a level 14 would want a level 8 job. Her answer benefits and too young to just sit at home and why work with the stress of a management position she just wants to work help the business and go home.
Yes do state why you are applying for a position that is below your previous job level and requirements. In your letter state that you are retired and want to work only part-time in a capacity with little or no stress and want an entry level job. You will be able to tell your story in detail once you get the interview. But without stating why you want or maybe need to only work part-time they will think you are overqualified. Now retiree’s come back to work part-time due mostly for medical benefits if that is the case tell them that. We have been ecstatic with our choice of giving the job to the retired person!
Good Luck!!!!
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Anonymous on
8/20/2008 10:10:06 AM
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I went to a temp agency. They can get you in the door and you can see if you like the company and the work and if they like you, it’s an easy way in most companies.
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Anonymous on
8/20/2008 10:08:56 AM
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I was just watching our local news this morning and there was an interesting story on a report released by the California Employment Development Division. In essence, it reported out that job seeking on the internet really is a substantial industry that produces very little. It is inaccessible for the job hunter - providing staffers a huge influx of options with no accountability for reporting back out to applicants as is the case when we have a name and number to follow up with.
If you are going online to search - I would encourage you to check out craigslist.org - which are smaller postings with less established companies - but also provide a little more intimacy in the communication perspective. Additionally, as you are in Illinois, and proximal to Chicago (or at least many companies that probably exist off of relationships with companies in Chicago by virtue of that same proximity) - consider freelancing yourself.
Identify 20 small to mid size companies (especially transport which are currently laying overhead positions like administration off due to the rising cost of fuel) and present a package to their CEO about how you can start handling their ordering/AP-AR/timekeeping/bookkeeping services at a fraction of the cost of an employee.
Good luck. I have done the walk outs and had them bite me in the patutty directly following the decision. It makes you wonder if you made a mistake - and YOU DIDN'T. We deserve respect - as administrative professionals and as people - regrettably the universe doesn't always line up to reward us in timely fashion. It will come and this is a great new opportunity for you.
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Jaisend on
8/20/2008 7:54:29 AM
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Hi Dena:
I was out of work for 7 months after losing my position because of cut-backs.
I also sent out loads of resumes. I finally found the best way to get the attention of HR was with a cover letter explaining my situation.
I also got several temp positions while I was looking for fulltime. My most successful temp positions were not with Admin/Clerical temp agencies. I found them on sites that provide other type of contract employees. Such as medical, legal and engineering. Small staffing companies doing a niche work in an industry. Sometimes the employers they work with will ask if they have someone with clerical experience. Since they trust the staffing company already with their other staffing needs they are more likely to request all contract employees from the same staffing company.
See what small companies are in your town and send your resume and cover letter. I found they wanted all types of skills in their arsenal of possible contracts.
Good Luck
Jan
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Janice Demblowski on
8/19/2008 9:18:23 AM
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Have you considered going through a Temp Agency.
They offer Temp to Permanent Positions which allows not only the potential employer but the employee as well, to make sure it's a good match.
I know that companies like Kaiser Permanente utilize this service.
Good Luck.
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Sherrie Koimn on
8/19/2008 7:57:23 AM
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Dena, I was unemployed for 4-months when my executive administrative assistant position was elimintated "effective immediately." I was devastated! After the initial news, I decided I'd like to work part time for awhile and with my resume, was not receiving any callbacks. Have you checked the temporary agencies in your area? Depending on how you are defining part time (x-hours Monday through Friday, or no more than x-hours per week), it's possible to register with a few agencies letting them know that you do not want long-term full-time assignments. A day here, 2-days there. It's great! And generally whoever needs your assistance for a day or two is very appreciative of your assistance. I do work full-time now, but I would not hesitate to go back to temping for part time work. Good luck!
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Claudia Hodges on
8/19/2008 7:55:10 AM
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Currently the job market is slow in many places. If you are intent on pursuing part time positions and those meet your needs; great for you! I agree with the suggestions above. Another suggestion is to present your abilities as a partnership with the firm; how hiring a seasoned professional for a part time position is in their best interest. Saving on benefit costs, saving on training costs, experience, etc. Approach it more from a business deal angle.
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Anonymous on
8/19/2008 7:19:35 AM
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Dena,
I know exactly how you feel.
I left my job as an Admin Assistant in November, & am still looking for work.
Like you, I have applied for numerous positions, some of which I felt I was "overqualified" for, without any response from the company.
I am glad to see the suggestions listed as it might help me get back into full time work. I wanted to find a work at home job, as I have a five year old daughter, but most of the things I am finding on the internet are not legitimate.
I am currently working as a newspaper carrier to try & help make ends meet until I can find the right job.
I wish I had a better answer for you, but I guess we will all have to "hang in there" until we can find the right company where we will be a good fit.
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Bonita Smith on
8/19/2008 7:06:53 AM
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Somehow I don't think the problem is 'overqualification'. Managers like hiring someone that will be efficient in the office with little or no training involved. I believe the problem is the part-time. Most managers need full-time assistance. I know that in this organization part-time positions are very hard to come by. Maybe you should re-think the part-time or try another field.
Good luck!
--Paula
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Paula Kelly on
8/19/2008 6:30:45 AM
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It sounds as though you might have too much information on your resume, and really only need a simple outline of the work you have done. I had the same trouble in the past and ended up with three different resumes, using which ever one came closest to matching the outline requirements for the job I was applying for. I also recommend using employment agencies or just calling companies directly to get a feel of what there might be in your area. Good luck!
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Anonymous on
8/19/2008 6:25:46 AM
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Don't get frustrated. There are so many possible reasons...but I would most certainly address the issue of why you are "lowering" your position opportunities in your cover letter. Being on the receiving end of those letters, I know I wonder if someone will get bored and leave soon after. However, I might ask someone else, if you haven't already, to review your resume and cover letter with an objective eye. I'm assuming that there are no typos (although they do happen to the best of us), but you never know how it reads until you get an unbiased opinion. Good luck
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Susan Donovan on
8/19/2008 6:20:06 AM
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I went through the same thing from November-February this past year. I think there are several factors operating here:
1. The economy is bad, so employers are wanting as much experience for as small a salary as possible. If you have experience, they probably figure you need a higher salary, so in that case, you need to find a financially secure corporation who is not afraid to hire.
2. Because of the economy, a lot of employers are doing without part-time employees and instead dividing up extra work among the present employees.
3. Be sure you have a very clear, sharp answer when they ask why you left your old job without anything new lined up. A lot of employers wonder why one would do that, so be prepared for that one!
I had my resume posted on Monster and as many different job boards as I could find, local and nationwide. I finally got a great offer for a local company and am flying high now. It takes time but your skills will be discovered eventually. In the meantime, to make ends meet you might wish to "temp" and that will fill in the gaps on your resume.
Best of luck!
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Elizabeth Engelson on
8/19/2008 6:17:58 AM
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My guess is your using CareerBuilder or Monster.com. These sites get hundreds of responses to job requests, so many good candidates are simply overlooked because of the amount of responses received. Did you try an local agency or "pounding the pavement". Good Luck.
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Diane Lowe on
8/19/2008 6:06:55 AM
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Dena, I was unemployed in 2003 and had a very difficult time finding a job in the suburbs (didn't want to travel downtown everyday) as an administrative assistant since my prior job was that of a Sr. Exec Assistant. I understand your frustration, what I had to do was include a cover letter each time stating why I was looking at Administrative Assistant positions and not Executive Assistant positions, I finally did get an interview after sending the cover letter with the resume.
Good luck!
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Anonymous on
8/19/2008 6:06:10 AM
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