Are you prepared? Times are tough and I am sure many of you have been touched by it in some way, shape, or form. We have been getting calls every week, sometimes daily, from experienced executive assistants at the top of their game that have been let go from their companies. Companies they have been with for 10, 12, 25+ years! Companies they have a stellar track-record with that came to the point where they had to let them go. We had a success story come to our attention recently that we wanted to share with you. At Office Dynamics we care about and keep in contact with our clients after they have completed their courses with us. Please see the story below on how one executive admin handled a recent job loss in today’s economy.
Dear Joan,
A quick note to you as I know you're on business in Houston. I believe Jasmine filled you in on my predicament here. My executive suddenly and unexpectedly resigned from the company, and I'm locked out of the company until they decide what next to do with me after a successful 24-year history. I want to control my own destiny, so I've put on my sea legs, spiffed up the resume I left with you, put together a dynamic resume kit packet and a teaser including my brochure (developed at World Class Assistant Part 2), hoping to get through the door of a company I've been eying. One day later, and they bit! It looks like I have a chance to interview for an EA position to the president & chief executive officer. Joan, for the past 2 days, I've glued myself to your web casts (dynamic!), reviewed materials from WCA I, II, III and I am pumped and ready to go! Regardless of the outcome, I know that I can succeed because of what you taught me this past year. I'm ahead of the game, my resume is at the top of the stack, and I have the edge! I credit you with any success I might achieve. I just want you to know that someone is thanking you for the critical role you play in EAs lives. Jasmine was quick to help me gather some materials here at home, since everything I have is locked up at my present office until I am allowed back in.
Fondly,
Jane Admin
CWCA/Executive Assistant
Joan & Jasmine,
I am a walking billboard for why executive assistants, who are fogged in a state of complacency in their workplace, can be jolted into reality and should be furthering their own development and be prepared for anything. In good times when I had all my senses engaged, I prepared my career portfolio, resume, brochure (what a gem of an idea you had Jasmine), and now a strong cover letter, you are always ready for whatever comes your way. I have only 30 days to make a miracle happen, and I am not struggling with any of the logistics of pulling a resume together. My goal is to get my resume on the top of the stack. I will keep you posted on the outcome of my job hunt in these tumultuous times, and again thank you so much for your help.
Jane Admin
(Two weeks later)
Jasmine,
I am hanging in there. I have had an interesting week, with 2 telephone interviews and 1 aptitude test. You would have laughed; you and Joan were with me during that phone interview. I had all my WCA materials + Joan’s 2 books, with dozen of reference tabs on pages all spread out in front of me. I took a brief moment beforehand, and laughed out loud at what lied before me. I was so over-prepared that I believe I aced the phone interview, and the company is taking me to the next level of interviews so we’ll see what happens. Thanks again for your support. It’s carrying me through to better times ahead.
Jane Admin CWCA
Dear Jasmine & Joan,
I wanted to drop you a note to let you know that I was successful in my job search. I’ve been offered a position with (a very wonderful company). I will support the SVP/Chief Financial Officer, a young dynamic visionary leader. I finish my job at XYZ Company next Friday and begin with (the new company) the following Monday, no rest for the weary! This has been an exciting journey and because of you both, I was prepared. My portfolio and resume packet with that leaflet that was Jasmine’s idea brought me to the front of the line and got me in the door for interviews. From that point, I used my WCA skills to carry me through. Joan, you gave me the confidence to succeed. I remembered the Rule of 12 (discussed in Joan’s WCA courses) as I walked into the interview. Those cognitive thinking skills and synergistic partnership came through! I can testify that the market is very slim, but there are a few good jobs out there, with tremendous competition. I had the edge, thanks to my WCA training. I can’t say enough good things about where it’s brought me. For all the seasoned executive professionals out there who believe they don’t need training and it can’t happen to them, need to re-think. It can happen, and it happened to me, but I was prepared.
Sincerely,
Jane Admin
The admins name & company affiliation have been changed to maintain her privacy.
Do you have a story you would like to share or tips on how other admins can land on their feet? Please leave a comment for all readers to benefit from your advice.