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Office work - Admin Jobs

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b>MICHAELA PIEHL talks to a recruitment expert to get the lowdown on office/admin jobs.</b>

Are there many office/admin jobs available?
There is always a regular stream of temporary office work for people who present well for an interview, are happy to help out where needed and, when they commit to an assignment, see it through. Work may not always be aligned alongside your skills base but if you are flexible you will always be busy.

We specialise in providing high calibre and experienced office support staff for administration, EA/PA, secretarial, customer services and data entry positions.

What kind of people are you looking for?
We are looking for experienced office professionals who are reliable and can sometimes work at short notice. We would expect a minimum of 12 months experience.

What advice do you have when it comes to interviews?
We expect all candidates to dress corporately for interviews as the majority
of our clients are corporate. That means a simple suit, clean top or well- ironed shirt and closed toe shoes. Ladies, try not to carry several bags. You need to get the edge on other candidates and presentation will help you achieve this.

What’s the best way to go about finding work?
The most efficient way to find work is to register your details with a recruitment agency. Remember, the interview starts from the time you make phone contact with the agency. You should touch base with your agency at least a couple of times a week if you are still looking for work, otherwise just keep them posted on your next available date.

What are the rates of pay?
Anywhere from $18 to $28 per hour depending on experience.

Why is office/admin work such a good option for WHV holders?
Office/admin work is great for WHV holders who have previous office experience as it allows them to work standard hours Monday to Friday while still having time to socialise and see the sights. It is also a great way of meeting people from a broad range of backgrounds and extending your network of friends -- many a great friendship or long-term work opportunity has come about from temping!

How long are the work placements?
Work placements can vary from one day to a six-month contract.

What are the advantages of signing up with your agency?
Cox Purtell is a boutique agency that specialises in providing office support staff, working with Sydney’s most prestigious and respected companies. We offer a range of vacancies with excellent rates of pay to match. Our experienced and professional consultants take time to get to know you and your employment expectations.

Thanks to Vicky Williams. For more information on Cox Purtell, see below.

Agency Details

Blackadder
Ph: (02) 9321 7800

Cox Purtell Staffing
Ph: (02) 9231 3300

Exact Recruitment
Ph: (02) 8338 0500

Freespirit International
Ph: 1300 FREESPIRIT

Geoffrey Nathan
Ph: (02) 9290 1311

Hamilton, James and Bruce
Ph: (02) 8248 7000

IPA Personnel Pty Ltd
Ph: (03) 9252 2222

Legal Personnel
Ph: (02) 9252 0345

Porterallen Hendren
Ph: (02) 8247 5700

Quay Appointments
Ph: (02) 9251 7339

Interview with an... EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Natalie Nokes, 26. (England)

What did you do at home?
I was a medical sales representative.

And what are you doing at the moment?
I’m currently working as Executive Assistant to the MD of an advertising agency in Melbourne.

What qualifications did you need to get this job?
I worked as a Personal Assistant in the UK a few years ago. You really just need confidence, good Microsoft Office skills, and to be able to cope with a high workload.

What’s the money like?
Personal and Executive Assistants can earn anywhere from $21 to $35 per hour, depending on the city (tends to be more in Sydney) and company they’re working for.

Best points of your job?
It’s so busy I never get bored, and it’s a reasonable distance to commute from home. There is a fridge full of soft drinks I can help myself to, and there are lots of good freebies.

Any bad points?
Sometimes I struggle to keep up with my boss -- she works at 1000 miles an hour and I have respect for that. I don’t always work quite so fast though!

Three words to describe your job?
Hectic, interesting, varied.

Is sponsorship a possibility?
There is potential, but I’m not ready to settle in Australia -- just yet.

Why would you recommend office/admin work to other travellers?
It pays more than bar work or fruit picking, and has sociable hours. There also seems to be a lot of work available, for all skill levels.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to find work?
Send your CV to as many agencies as possible the day before or the day you arrive. Get a mobile phone so they can contact you. Most will ring to ask you for an interview. Register with as many as possible to maximise your chances of jobs. It gets boring filling out the same forms, but persevere. Even if you’ve got basic computer skills, you can often get reception work – it’s usually a very cushy job.

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December 12th, 2007

mics

Member since:
6 June 2007

Author of:
16 articles

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