Hi Marion,

I worked 5 years in the UK, not London but Norwich. I worked in data administration, as personal assistant, secretary, etc...

The way I started was to register with many staffing agencies. First they used to invite me for some tests such as typing speed, Word, Excel, Ppt. Then according to my skills, they found some assignments for me. The web is in any case a good source to find out open positions, that it be temporary or permanent -

maybe try www.monster.co.uk - try the link:  http://jobsearch.monster.co.uk/Search.aspx?q=secretary&cy=uk&where=London%2C%20London&rad=20&rad_units=mi&qlt=1415000&qln=1798833&lid=802&re=130
Hope this helps.

Kind regards,

Sarah

Marion - I worked in secretarial recruitment and was a PA for 20 years in London so here's my two pennies worth. 

As Sarah says, you need to do the "rounds" of all the agencies and do all their tests over and over again.  Its a painful process but one that you have to go through. 

Avoid the big agencies (Adecco, Michael Page, Kelly etc) and stick with the smaller agencies who are more genuine and will try to actually match your skills with the employer. (www.heritagerecruitment.co.uk - central London W1 - is a classic example of a small agency who "cares").

Treat your agency visits like an interview.  Get smart, tie back your hair, wear a suit (yes, still makes an impression in London - especially the City), smile loads, and consider anything they get you - its a tough market so you need to stand out as professional.

Consider, "temping" for a while (short term cover usually to cover holidays, paid hourly) as its great for networking and even if the money is lower than you'd like, its more than you'll get sitting at home searching the perfect job.

If you apply for a job through an agency advertisement, don't be surprised if the job's "gone" when you get to the agency.  Agencies advertise just to get good people on their books for when the jobs come in.  Don't be put off by this - its standard practice. 

Two London-only websites are "The Times Online" secretarial website - "La Creme" - its where the best jobs are and they're usually genuine ads.  The other one is Secs In The City - can't remember the actual webpage, but its also really good - in spite of the cheesy name! 

Most importantly - Be Flexible and Be Available!! and Good Luck! :-)

Sorry - a bit fell off the end......Was just saying that most important is to be flexible and to be available and ready to work anywhere/anytime - and don't forget to SMILE!!!

Sarah,

Thanks for the informations. Really helpful. Have a nice week-end and maybe keep in touch through Glocals......

Cheers,

M.

Hi Carolyn C,

Thank you very much for all these informations really useful. Just have to go for it now. Maybe we can keep in touch through Glocals if you want to.....

Cheers,

M.

Thank you very much for all these informations really useful. Just have to go for it now. Maybe we can keep in touch through Glocals if you want to.....

Cheers,

M.

Hi Carolyn C,

Thanks for the informations. Really helpful. Just have to go for it now. Have a nice week-end and maybe keep in touch through Glocals.....

Cheers,

M.

Marion - please feel free to contact me anytime through glocals.  If there's any help or information/advice that you need, please don't hesitate to drop me a line directly, as I seldom reply to forum threads (this being an exception!!).

One other thing I missed - CV advice.  I don't know where you're from but a lot of Aussies, Kiwis and S.African's put their life history on their CV, try to avoid making it more than 2 pages.  Everything the recruiter needs to know should be on the front page in this order - name, contact details, status, work visa info, nice photo if you have one in the top right hand corner (why? think of how you would flick through a pile of papers if you were looking for someone :-)) then list your key competencies, then your job history starting with the most recent. 

Keep stuff off your CV that's irrelevant to the job you're applying for, i.e. don't mention the pole dancing training you did 10 years ago..... :-)