*wibbles*

[teylaminh]

I'm meant to be doing my Pointless Damn Ramble (PDR :P) but need to vent.

The deadline for the act-up secretary job is the end of business tomorrow and I was going to send in my 'written expression of interest' this afternoon, but mrrg...

I know it's a good opportunity. Several people have said I could do it and even Gaynor seems to want me to go for it, but I was re-reading the job spec this morning and was reminded that I'm actually a little scared of secretarial work. Scratch 'little', make that 'a lot'.

I've said this before, under similar circumstances - just because I can type super-fast does not mean I'm a good secretary. It literally just means I can type. I lack phone confidence at the best of times and only got 'good' at answering the phone at Ladywood because I didn't have any choice in the matter - calls were put through to me whether I liked it or not. I mean, I sit opposite Gaynor at the moment and only have a vague idea of what her job involves...

Besides that, some of the reasons for going for it are purely to make a point. Sandra said she was (and I quote) "thinkin bowt applyin", and quite frankly I don't want to inflict that level of illiteracy onto the team. Not to mention the fact that they keep complaining about her standard of typing and turnaround. I suspect even if she does apply, that particular element will probably work against her.

One of the other WPOs is going for it, too, whom I wouldn't mind getting it. She's incredibly organised (more than can be said for me!) and would more than likely get it...

But on the plus side for me, I've worked in this team and I know the cases. I would also say I'm a pretty fast learner, and at least (I hope!) would get some proper handover / training, instead of being thrown in at the deep end as with so many other experiences.

At the moment the job is on a rolling monthly basis until at least September, when Marie is due back. It's a pay grade higher than I am at present and I have to admit, the money is very tempting and would be incredibly helpful at this juncture (it's £1K/year more than I'm on now).

I'm about 75% convinced it's the right thing to do; I just need to convince the other 25% to stop running around in little circles like a headless chicken.

Pep talk, anyone? Please? *begging expression*

Comments

[commoncomitatus]

What's the worst that can happen if you do hand it in? They decide you're not quite cut out for the position and you go away with, if nothing else, the knowledge that you actually found the courage to apply after all. Or, they figure you are right for the position, and you need to up your game a little. Which, frankly, you are way way more than capable of doing.

I hear you on the phone stuff, obviously; I try not to even answer mine if I can help it... but I'd imagine that's something that'll get better in time... and, honestly, with something like this, sometimes the hardest part is sucking it up and handing in that application. If it's as nerve-wracking as you expect it to be, then you're prepared for it... and, if it's not, you're in for a pleasant surprise.

[teylaminh.livejournal.com]

It's only an informal internal opportunity at present (there's a recruitment freeze on so they can't actually advertise it either within the rest of the Council or externally, so it's just been sort of waved at the WPOs instead...) so there's no application form, and I'm assuming some kind of formalish interview later on.

Most of me really wants to do it, if I'm honest, it's just - as you say - finding the courage to actually go for it. I mean, I decided to leave Ladywood in January of 2007 and it took a few months to pluck up the stamina to start applying elsewhere, so this is just a little immediate and terrifying. :)

[ebb.livejournal.com]

DO it.

I'm really badly organised at home and in my personal life, but make me a PA, give me secretarial duties? I lick it. Now, I realise this isn't about me but I struggled hugely at first. And I debated whether I could do it. You'll get there - honestly, you will. Being able to type up documents and do it quickly and accurately is a huge help. Calendar management is a nightmare but you get the hang of it quickly. Just make sure you come up with a system for yourself and stick to it - I hate using 'task' lists but am fine with emails. So I have 'to do' folder, with urgent items flagged, and as I complete them (so long as I don't need the info) I delete the emails.

Also, it's temporary - meaning if you don't like it, you don't have to stick it out for years and years. It's a great way to test the waters.

Be determined and strict with yourself re organising you (and other people), keep it simple, don't make any promises you can't keep and be realistic about what you can achieve - and you'll be fine.

And a tip - everyone hates filing. Get that done as you go rather than letting it stack up and your life will be much easier - not to mention, your peers will love you for it.

I find having a structured week, with 'booked' time each day for certain tasks, including a half hour 'get in, have coffee, review tasks, prioritise, start' works well for me. That way, I know what I'm doing and when, and my Directors do too! x

[teylaminh.livejournal.com]

I admit I am also somewhat better organised at work than at home - I mean, it's still a mess, but it's an organised mess. I ended up doing diary management and whatnot in my last job (which wasn't even in my job description) for 2-3 Reviewing Officers at any one time - admittedly within a team doing the same thing - and it wasn't TOO scary.

Also, I'm one of those strange people who quite likes filing. ;) Not enough to do it for a living, but yeah.

Thanks for the pep talk. :)

[jackiesjottings.livejournal.com]

I say- go with your gut reaction, which probably isn't much help really is it ;)

[teylaminh.livejournal.com]

Hehe, my gut is the bit that's full of butterflies, so...

[kht.livejournal.com]

Go for it! If you don't get it, it's still interview/application practice...

[teylaminh.livejournal.com]

Yes, that's true... :)

[flatline2010.livejournal.com]

Another vote for 'go for it!'. As already stated, whatever the outcome it certainly won't do you any harm. Even if you decide you don't like it/can't hack it, it IS only until September so you can always go back to your old job. As someone who is the most disorganised person on the planet even I've managed to organise my work life with the judicious use of Outlook. That software is a lifesafer, I use the calendar and the tasks section and I can't go wrong.

On an aside, why is it so rare to enjoy filing? I find it very therapeutic.

[teylaminh.livejournal.com]

Re: filing - exactly. You can just put your head down and get on with it.

I tend to be somewhat more organised at work because there are deadlines and things...

[herringprincess.livejournal.com]

GO FOR IT. A job with no application form? Hell, I'd apply for so many more things if I didn't have to fill in those bastard things.

I don't want to spout the old 'it'd look good on your CV' line but... you know that however fast a typist you are, you're too smart to do that for the rest of your life. A few months of something a bit more challenging will be an awesome thing to bring up when you apply for other things, especially within the council.

[teylaminh.livejournal.com]

Yes, it is a plus. Not sure if they'll make us do one retrospectively...

Originally I applied for this job BECAUSE it was less challenging, after the insanity of Ladywood, and if I stay here long enough eventually I can progress to secretary level anyway - I don't plan to be here that long if I can help it, so I suppose it would be advantageous to get that experience in now...

[joetimewaster.livejournal.com]

^^ Quite frankly, exactly what everyone else above said.
New doors, new opportunities, bit of extra cash, new skills, a change, something different for a bit and if you truely don't like it it sounds like you can go back to your old post with no worries.

What have you got to lose by trying it out?

Its good to get out of your comfort zone once in a while.

[teylaminh.livejournal.com]

Well, I've just written nearly 1000 words on why I'm ace to hand in with my 'written expression of interest' tomorrow, so here's hoping.