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You may have to start out as receptionist and work your way up. Yes, any job is hard to find these days. There is a lot of demand for part time office help, I found on my most recent unemployment stint. Most want Microsoft Excel expertise. Microsoft word. And any accounting skills, and business writing skills are good too. Medical and legal - legal requires a typing speed of 60wpm. I only tested 59wpm so they wouldn't hire me .
I was also seeing a lot of call for abilities with CRM databases and a program called ACT.
Good luck!
ACT is a contact management/CRM tool. Other popular ones are Oracle, SAP, Big Contacts, and GoldMine--they range from very complex to very easy to learn in 10 minutes or less.
Full proficiency in Excel, Word, Powerpoint, and Outlook are "must-have's" even for a clerk/receptionist, and if you want to be anything but junior level you'll also need Publisher, Access, SharePoint, basic html skills, and in some companies Lotus Notes and QuickBooks or even PeopleSoft, PeachTree, or Great Plains depending on the job. The more computer skills you have, the more likely you will to be hired.
Yes, the term "secretary" has all but disappeared. They've now become Administrative Assistants. I was a clerk-typist, clerical assistant and secretary for the federal government, and now they've become "Office Automation Assistants."
The best way to upgrade your skills is to work as a substitute clerical (Classified) for your local school district. I do it, and I work every day. It will give you the opportunity to work on your skills, and apply for permanent jobs if any open up.
Wow, this is such great information. It really helps to know what software programs are being sought after. Looks like I have a LOT to learn, but I have to start somewhere!
I did not know that - just checked it out, what great info gardener34 - Thanks!
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