Applying for jobs 101

[Anonymous]

Hi All:
I am a childcare worker, looking to start a new career. Or at least, start looking for positions outside of the childcare field- somewhere where I can get some office/admin experience, and either work my way up or at least get a base of skills that many people would have by now (I am 28 FWIW).
My resume is less than stellar. I did a marketing gig in college for 1.5 years (but that was 5 years ago), and have basically been in the nanny/childcare field since then. I am applying to any and all entry-level positions I see online. Craigslist, Indeed, Monster, and then specific businesses- museums, hospitals, general corporate environments, etc. I have no doubt, though, that every job I'm applying to has hundreds of applicants.
I spruced up my resume as best as I could, and have been catering my cover letter to each position (when I really just want to forward the same generic one to all the positions).
I am willing to make less than I am now ($42k) (but I don't really share that fact) if it meant I could get my foot in the door somewhere. I would love to work in the non-profit or education field, or work for the city/government.

What are some steps I could take to further my chances? What is the phone call etiquette- Can I call HR after I submit my resume? I just feel like I am in a sea of other applicants, and probably 90% of them have a better chance as me.

[Anonymous]

You might want to start by temping. That's a way to get your foot in the door, and good temps often get hired full-time for admin type jobs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You might want to start by temping. That's a way to get your foot in the door, and good temps often get hired full-time for admin type jobs.

+1. I got my first 'office' job by temping. I went on a couple of real 'crap' assignments, too. But I always showed up on time, dressed nicely and was the upmost professional (even when I had to deal with trolls- and trust me, there were a few). They all reported back to my agency how pleased they were. The agency then started to send me on the more ideal assignments and I ended up with a temp-to-perm position and stayed for 5 years. From that point on, I had the experience on my resume to start working my way up.

[Anonymous]

Where do you live? In DC, I would say that you would be great for the early childcare division at the Office of the State Superintendent of Education. That way, you can "work" in your field, but get away from a center. You can also build your other skills.

[Anonymous]

++ temping

I am not in the education field but I got my last 2 good longterm jobs by taking a crappy temp job to start. At one company, I lasted over 20 years and worked my way up into management a few years in. 2nd company started as a temp job for a few days. I've been here over 5 years now

[Anonymous]

NP here. Does anyone have any good temp agency recs? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anyone??

[Anonymous]

Randstad

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Randstad

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

OP here. I have a second interview on Friday for a position as a leasing consultant, as well as another interview for an admin position (receptionist at a dental office). Both are pretty entry-level. Leasing consultant position has a catty atmosphere, poor management, office politics, BUT it's a huge company with room to grow (and apartments all over the country, not that I plan any long distance moves, but good to know). I got all of this from doing lots of research online and asking around.
Dental office position is basically a receptionist, small office, family practice. Not really any room to grow. But the place has amazing reviews, warm atmosphere, and the dentist (there's only one) is very nice.
I don't know about the pay yet. I believe leasing consultant is around $35k and receptionist is probably the same, but again I won't know until I dig a little more and during the interview.
At my nanny position I am making $42k plus bonuses and I work overtime sometimes. It's laid-back, the parents are amazing, and I pretty much run the show as I please.

Thoughts on all of this? Of course I know just because I have an interview doesn't mean squat.
But, just playing along, is it stupid of me to take a significant pay cut, to essentially be a receptionist (in a nice environment but with no real room for growth) or as a leasing consultant (in a catty atmosphere, but potentially room to grow)? I really am happy with my employers and work environment now, but I am also really antsy to quit the childcare field.
Both of those positions have very good benefits which helps with the lower pay. Also, many people start out as admins right? I guess I'm just looking for more advice.