I'm being very honest, there are companies (from my experience, computer, marketing, and some nonprofit organizations) that ONLY hire through temp agencies for all positions. You'll be surprised how many companies outsource their HRs to temp agencies.

Sometimes temp agency placements lead to permanent jobs. Some companies like to test drive their employees before deciding to hire them full/part time.

Temp agencies administer office assistant/secretary tests and many actually have free online microsoft programs training to increase your skill and typing levels. If your scores are good, you'll definitely get some calls from the temp agencies' clients.

In your statement since you had some experience in software application and knowledge of office equipment. Also those positions you had as well would help you get a position in administrative work. However, with the job market, do not knock working temp agencies. I am currently working from a temp agency as well since being laid off 2 years ago.

Keep your options open and good luck in your job search.

Okay, we're almost on same boat.I think you should really take my advice. I'm also working as an administrative assistant without experience and having really hard times.

I was studying Management and Information Systems before I leave university. Nothing I've studied in my Business Management classes applies at my office.

There're tons of times that I apologized about mistakes I haven't made. There's no certain line between the situations that you'll need to take an action or wait for your managers advice. Unfortunately, without experience you'll suffer a lot like I do right now.

You can start with something different than administrative assistant job. Don't go for an assistant job before having at least a year experience, otherwise, being accepted could be the worst thing in your life.

I'm speaking on experience.