Feminist Pub 17: The Bluestocking frolics in the fells and fens of feminism

I know who Steve Strange was. I was rather shocked when I heard the news. I feel old now.

Not feminist at all, but Steve Strange is dead. He's not much older than I am. Fuck.

And now you're all going to ask who Steve Strange was.

Well, it was less that the conversation moved on, Chunky, and more that your important feminist point got buried in me whining about moving house.

Oh goodness yes - that's the difference between a secretary, and a really good secretary you don't want to lose. Initiative and getting stuff done.

No need to apologise Annie I know we all think it's important, conversations move on

I was a kick-ass secretary. I should have skipped science and stuck with it. I'd probably have been earning an absolute packet by now.

Hoppy - I'd want to know that you were capable of being organised and able to prioritise. In addition, I'd like you to give examples of your ability to learn - I'd want to know that in 6 months time you would have picked up our ways of working and be autonomous for any 'standard' tasks. In addition, I'd want to know that you'd tell me about any difficulties/problems/mistakes ASAP to give me the maximum amount of time to find a solution.

an employer who couldn't handle an employee going on parental leave would have to discriminate against anyone who might be likely to become a parent within the next few years. for a man that could be the whole of his working life!

I did read the guest post too and like it.

Oh, and chunky, I'm sorry your question above about the paternity leave guest post is being ignored - I do need to read that post. Getting men and employers more on board with extended paternity leave is a huge issue in my mind. More men taking it, and there being an expectation that men are just as likely to take it as women will help to balance various inequalities in both the workplace and the home IMO. So it's a very important issue.

Having previously worked as a secretary for many years, and having recently interviewed for related roles: there will probably be questions about how you would prioritise a set of work requests from different people. And how you make sure the daily set of tasks gets done. But I won't suggest any answers to these questions since I seem unable to land a job. Aside from mentioning initiate and proactive and useful words like that that tell the interviewers you won't have your boss having to tell you how to do your job every minute of the day like poor OublietteBravo above.

ooh also, if it's a big organisation, if you're good at making contacts and developing relationships with people internally who can help you solve problems and answer questions is really helpful. so "if i don't know the answer i know who will" iyswim

hoppy good luck! i don't know about others, but the ability to anticipate, mitigate against and solve problems, as well as putting in place strategies to avoid them happening again, is hugely valued in admin staff in my organisation

Yep, husband is going to help me with that (he's spending the next two weeks at work interviewing people, so it's a bit of a busman's holiday).

Annie I'm doing the same with a 'sharing' bag of minstrels. As if sharing was an option.

Can I ask for help please? Following the conversation the other day about secretaries, I have an interview next week for what is essentially a secretary position (though different title). I really want the job, and I know I've got the skills and experience they need, I'm just cacking it a bit as haven't gone through the interview process for a few years now. So... what would you like to see at an interview for a new secretary? Anything you would be looking out for in particular?

Thanks Puffins. Though this house is a scruffy stop-gap rental while the sale on our proper oasis of peace and warmth goes through! But we love our new village and I can't wait to get there and start making friends. This may be the last place we ever live! Which, given how often I've moved in my life, is a mind-boggling concept!

I am currently mainlining mini eggs.

Anyway, enough horror stories, I hope your move goes smoothly and without incident, and that you and your family settle quickly in your new home. May it always be an oasis of peace and warmth for you.

Ouch, Puffins! That's lot of moving!!

Even though we're ruthless with clutter because our house is so small, there is still loads of crap. And I can tell you, Chunky, with great smugness, that I have spent the last 2 weeks going through every cupboard and room in the house and throwing away all the crap. So nyah!

Then you have my sympathy. I have packed our house up 6 times in the last 7 years. It sucks. I would recommend wine, or mainlining gin.

You always vow that you'll take the time to throw out the junk while you do it, but everyone breaks on the 3rd day and just chucks things randomly in boxes

Well, we're too cheap to fork out the extra £200 for packing, and I'm an unemployed layabout with nothing better to do than pack boxes for the next few days. So while all the heavy lifting will be done by Other People, I'm afraid I can't just sit and drink tea all day. Today I am Sorting Out the Kitchen Cupboards. Ah, don't I live the life of Riley!?