Having the Right Attitude        

Impetus e-magazine, Spring/Summer 2008

Jo Tomazou, joint managing director of Gordon Yates, is a regular contributor to Impetus, the e-magazine of European Management Assistants (EUMA). As the recession bites, and less high quality secretarial jobs are on offer, Jo considers the market and what employers see as an exceptional candidate.

For the past few years the employment market has been buoyant and top level PAs have been greatly in demand. But the market has changed: there are less high quality secretarial jobs on offer and greater competition amongst candidates. PAs may therefore find it harder than they anticipated to find a new job.

 ‘Report on Jobs’, a report used for economic forecasting, recently reported the first fall in the number of permanent placements in the UK for almost five years. Sectors cutting back more than others include banking, property and retail.

The picture is not all gloom. From our experience, exceptional candidates will still succeed in finding a new job, even if this takes a little longer. However, it is important to be aware that the much publicised ‘skills shortage’ may be less prevalent.

In this challenging job market, what constitutes an exceptional candidate in an employer’s eye? Relevant industry experience is high on the list and tends to impress more than qualifications. Computer and other hard skills tend to be taken as given, but it is essential to convey that you are capable of further developing your IT abilities.

From Gordon Yates’ annual survey of secretaries and employers, we know that employers place a high priority on PAs with the ‘right’ attitude. Words most frequently used to describe this attitude are:  common sense, a positive attitude, enthusiasm, flexibility and initiative. Employers claim that this is where the real ‘skills shortage’ lies.

In the current market it is vital to approach job hunting more professionally than ever before. Thoroughly research the best agencies, or companies, to approach. Then prepare carefully; think about what you have to offer and what your objectives are, and be prepared to discuss these eloquently. Demonstrating the ‘right attitude’ could tip the balance in securing a job.

Approach the challenge with a positive attitude and tenacity – perhaps the very attributes that employers seek – and you are sure to succeed.

Adapted from ‘Having the Right Attitude’
Impetus e- magazine, Spring/Summer 2008

www.euma.org/unitedkingdom

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