What office qualification should I go for?

[Curiousmama]

I'm looking to go back to work. Have already tried one thing but it isn't going right. I can touch type fast and did well in typing at school but I only have a CSE in it.
Which course should I do to help me get office work? Or is it not such a good idea nowadays? I just think it may be a good thing to have?

I know it's hard enough getting a job anyway even for those with skills and experience.

Any advice much appreciated.

Can you demonstrate that you can use Microsoft Office? Good excel and word skills can be useful.

What kind of office work are you after?

What about customer relations experience? I don't think there's a course which can teach you that per se, but any work experience like working in a shop, cafe, or even a call centre, can just demonstrate that you can deal with customers.

Just a thought, might not be what you're after.

Thank you MMOC some good ideas. I worked in a salon for 14 years but haven't done that for eons. Think I may need to try to get any job just to have something on my CV? There's a huge Morrison's being built nearby so may try for that?

Probably sounds dumb but is there an online course in Microsoft Office? Or should I say a reputable one, I can always google but sometimes it's overwhelming.

Have you thought of voluntary work? Lots of places want help with admin.

I do voluntary work at the local school and have offered to help the deputy head (my ds's teacher) with typing seen as she has lots to do. Hopefully she'll take me up on it?

Good idea though POP I'll look into that. I've not lived here long but am getting to know the locals.

Hi there are online Microsoft office courses in word 2007 and excel. They are called Microsoft office specialist courses.

thanks M1

There is something called the European Computer Driving Licence (EDCL) - silly name - but it seems quite a useful general computer qualification.

Thanks BranchingOut

I was also thinking the EDCL - it can mostly be done online and you go into a FE centre for the examinations.

As a Careers and Guidance Practitioner I highly recommend ECDL followed by Advanced ECDL if you can. Employers recognise it, understand it and scan through CV's looking for it first.

Google LearnDirect for providers. Depending on where you are and your financial circumstances, you may be entitled to an ILA or help with costs.