Question: “I feel that a new administrator doesn’t think I am right for my current position even though I’ve been in it many years. I’ve never had a bad review until he came. He micromanages everything I do and is never happy with the results. I hate to leave the company and give up the current benefits and start over. Age is a factor as I am near retirement age. How should I handle this?” -- Sandi

Question: “I was on medical leave, and when the doctor extended the leave, my employer was no longer able to accommodate my medical leave. When looking for a new job, how do I answer: "Why did you leave your job?" I really don't want a prospective employer to know I have a medical condition.” — Anonymous

Question: “I recently received a performance review from a new manager. I don’t agree with the results and received minimal feedback on my performance. I refused to sign the performance review, and I wrote my comments as to why. If called by the division head or HR to explain my comments, how should I respond?” — Anonymous
 

Question: “Our organization will start a performance-based management for all employees in 2010.  We are to select two goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely.  As an executive assistant to a senior-level executive in a large organization, I find it difficult to define specific and measurable goals. I schedule meetings, make travel arrangements and generally manage the people traffic for my boss's attention, but I don't see those duties as measurable.  Does anyone have suggestions for adding specific performance goals for an administrative support professional?” — Karen Bryant

Question: “What networking groups are best for someone with administrative support responsibilities that include a great deal of marketing? How can I tell which networking groups are best for me?” — Kathy Barnes

Question: “I am thinking about taking a two-day seminar for HR assistants. I have been an administrative assistant for 17 years and recently went back to school and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration. I would like to become an HR coordinator or administrative assistant in an HR department. Has anyone taken a SkillPath seminar and can you recommend it?” — Rick McCarter 

Question: "Does anyone know of a recurring administrative podcast that I could listen to during my daily commute?" – Anonymous

Question: “When called for a reference, my former employer tells prospective employers all of my strengths, but it also says I was terminated.  The reason given is that the position had changed from the time I was hired five years ago and I was no longer a good fit.  I believe  I was laid off because I got a generous severance package and unemployment.  How should I answer this tough question?  I already lost one job offer because I said I was laid off, and that did not match the employer's reason, so they thought I was hiding something.  What should I say?  I was never on probation, disciplined, written up or warned so it was a big surprise when it happened.  The company did not replace me, the other five admins split my responsibilities, and the company "terminated" three other people after me.” – Anonymous

Question: “I have to give a presentation to a group of administrative assistants. What topics/tips can I discuss that they don’t already know?” — Anonymous

Question: “I currently work full time, but I would like to reduce my schedule to 32 hours per week, working four, eight-hour days. (I am 65 years old.) I am able to complete my duties in this time frame, as I know what is needed and how to get it done in the shortest time. I have presented this proposal to my manager twice in less than six months, stating that I would be willing to "occasionally" work more hours or five days a week when needed. My manager has not responded.  Do you have any suggestions or comments?” — Anonymous

Question: “I have enrolled in a community college to obtain a project management certificate. Looking at job bulletins, I find that some companies are seeking administrative professionals with this type of training. Do you think this is an in-demand skill that will accelerate my career?  Do you have this type of training or are thinking about professional development in this area?” — Sharon

Question: “I have been trying to find an administrative manager job description, but I'm not having much luck. I would like to work with my company on changing my position to an admin manager. Does anyone have a sample that I can use?” — Anonymous

Question:  “During my annual review, my boss suggested a membership in an administrative professionals’ organization. I've found a couple of them so far but am wondering if one is more reputable than another or has better benefits and resources. Any suggestions?” — Amy

 Question: “What is the preferred (or most common) title for someone who reports directly to an assistant general manager: administrative assistant or executive assistant?” — B.J. Carroll

Question: "My company will be closing its doors within the next two years. I am 61 years old and have worked as a secretary here for 19 years. Our facility is out of the city limits, I have not had to interview for many years and I do not have the early-year career-drive that I did while in my 30s. Does anyone have any advice as to where or what I do to begin re-thinking my current job position and future potential? I find that the job market is keener on hiring the younger and more adventuresome admins. I had hoped to be able to work at this position until I could retire at age 66." — Anonymous

Question: “What is the best career path that an administrative assistant can take in the admin or facilities field, and what would the duties be?” — Sreekumari K

Question: “I’m retiring this month and would like to know if anyone has found honest companies that offer “work from home” jobs?” — Linda Sudbrock

Question: “I have been at my present job more than nine years. The work I do is very routine and getting boring. What can I do to make my job more interesting?” — Anonymous

Question: “I work really hard, and I have a lot of responsibility with my job. I received a promotion not too long ago, but it came with only a very small pay increase. I feel that my responsibilities outweigh the pay increase. How do I ask for more money now?” — Anonymous

Question: “I am an Administrative Assistant with more than 15 years’ experience working for an Assistant VP, an Executive Director, an Engineering Manager and a Director of Marketing. I was also responsible for their staff and assisting other departments when needed. Our company has gone through two buyouts in less than a year and the reorganization leaves me without a job unless an opening becomes available. I have applied for two administrative positions over the past nine months. I was not notified whether or not I was being considered. I’m not getting responses to résumés sent outside the organization either. My skills are up-to-date. The rumor is that the new CEO does not want anyone over a particular age in this company. Unfortunately, I fall in the age category mentioned. I know this is age discrimination that I cannot prove, so how do I get noticed and stay marketable?” —Sheilah Trigg

Question: “My company has just launched a ‘Career Ladder’ with various tracks and role profiles. The administrative track is the only one in which the levels are related to the status of the boss. In other words, you can be an Executive Assistant only if you support a President. As I was hired as an executive assistant, but support two senior vice presidents, effectively I am being demoted.  Does anyone else have a similar experience with Career Ladders and/or administrative rankings based on whom you support rather than your skills?” — Julie Thomas

Question: “My organization will be bringing in another company to conduct a salary survey.  Has anyone been through this? What can I expect? Can you give me some tips to maximize my potential pay rate?” — Karen

Question: “Are online degrees (from accredited institutions) being viewed as equal to classroom earned degrees by employers, HR professionals, hiring managers?” — Suzanne M. Williams

Question: “I have been in the same department for several years and would like to be sure that my salary is competitive with that of my colleagues who have recently joined the company.  These colleagues are in my department and have the same title as I do.  Any advice on a procedure for this? “ —  Emma

Question: “I have an interview for an executive assistant to the city manager, which is an excellent opening for me. I would like some input from others on questions that may come up in the panel interview, pointers, questions I should ask and any web sites that may be helpful. I know what to do after the interview, but it’s always the before that I have trouble with.”