www.iva.co.uk

As the title says, this is a silly question, but I'm after some advice. I've seen a job advertised in the local paper that really appeals to me - more interesting, within walking distance of home, possibly more money and definitely more holiday.

After reading the job spec it seems like I've got the experience they want, apart from one thing - I've never taken minutes before. Here's the silly question - is minute taking difficult, or is it something I could pick up? I don't want to waste my time applying if it's something beyond my capabilities!

Whats your shorthand like?? Not sure that matters nowadays coz you could record entire meetings and type up the minutes at your own leisure.

My shorthand is non existent which is what worries me, but that's a good point about recording the meeting. My typing's pretty good, so actually typing the notes wouldn't be a problem. I really fancy this job, so I might give it a go and see what happens!

I think it's just a knack and what you take down only has to make sense to you. I did a minute taking course a few years back (my boss booked it and then didn't want to go!), it was only a few hours and didn't seem that difficult - but I haven't tried it since!!
If you use a mobile to text you could always use a type of textspeak to make notes - I say give it a go, what have you got to lose?
Good luck

P x

Thats the thing with shorthand,you only have to be the one who can understand it,but like I said,get a cheap dictaphone and what you forget to write down you have recored,easy peasy.

Go for it,what have you got to lose?

Paul

Skip, it has to be worth a try and if they like you enough, they may just send you on a short couse.
Nothing ventured and all that xxxxxxx

Thanks both, you're right, I've got nothing to lose.

One other thing - if I got the job I would need to have a CRB check and it mentions Enhanced Disclosure. Would my BR show up on this?

BR wont show up on a disclosure check no. Streaking at wimbledon may,as would robbing a post office,but BR no.

Well I haven't done either of those so I'm going to fill out the application form at the weekend and see what happens!

Good luck, I hope it works out for you.

P x

I am a medical secretary, and got my shorthand and medical shorthand qualifications, it is not hard to learn shorthand although you do need to use it everyday in order to keep up. I had to do about an hour a day practising as part of my AMSPAR course. I have not really used it in a while, I would be very slow now, I think [:D]

I did shorthand at school and hated it! I got a CSE though, but couldn't tell you a dot from a dash now!

Typing I am really quick at - I did get an RSA in that and have kept it up over the years and now find it really useful.

There is also speedwriting as well Skip, if they still do it.

You go for it - and the very best of luck from me!

Skip, a bankruptcy really won't show up on an enhanced CRB. It literally is a Criminal records check to make sure you don't have any convictions. I think I've had about 8 done in the last year because of my job/activities!

RC

the skip NEVER asks silly questions ! [:D]
after nearly 7 months of reading your intellectual and often very thoughful postings i most definitely think you should go for this opportunity ok x
i think you would be an asset to them i think you can definitely do this [:)]

Hi Skip, hope you are kwwping well[:)]

I sometimes take minutes of a meeting and have no experience of shorthand at all. As long as you have the main points of the meeting and what was discussed and who is supposed to action any changes and by when. it really is not difficult at all and as long as you can scribble and read your own writing you will be fine!!

Also go for the job, nothing ventured and all that[:D]
Its always good to brush up on your interviewing techniques and skills from time to time anyway if nothing else!

Good Luck
Em x