Help finding work please.

comics

(Sorry in advance for yet another person seeking advice with a long read. )



I have been out of work for almost a year, but only been actively looking for work for six months since I took a break. In these six months, I search every day and probably applied for about 3-4 job a week, but have yet to get one interview. I worked for three years in a role that is not relevent to my career, it was for the money.

I am an adult with a masters degree but no real experience in the field that I want to get into. The problem is that the degree is seven years old, so I do not think that the degree even makes that much difference now.
I want a career in accountancy/bookkeeping, basically working with numbers in an office, both my undergruduate and masters degree are related to this career choice. But a lot of jobs on offer want people with experience or have to use a computer business problem that requires you to have had done that type of job before (,basically experience). I am even looking for administration work since I do not mind starting from the bottom and just getting my foot into office work.

I'm am also looking for apprenticeships, but it seems the my degree is holding me back, as a lot of learning institute are saying I cannot do an apprenticeship course because I hold a degree.
I tried to get help from a work adviser from Job Centre Plus, but I was not seen, because I did not qualify for JSA. I guess I was not a priory because of that.
I look for work online using Job Centre plus, apprenticeships, some CV farming websites and graduate jobs local to me.
I even applied to volunteer for administration work at citizen advice bureau, but have not heard anything. That really got me depressed which is why I am asking for advice here now.

Is the position I'm in common, do I have to change?
Is there places that I can get the experience needed?
Are the job advisers that can help actually me instead of just farming my CV.
Any good job websites/actual places, that have office/accounting jobs vancanies that can be sorted by location?

DCFC79

Have a look at doing the books/accounts on a voluntary basis eg for charity or a church etc. Look whats local to you and ask around. You say for 6 months you have applied for 3-4 jobs a week but you must be doing something wrong with your application then if not getting interviews. Were you applying for accountancy jobs in this 6 month period or just any kind of job ?

If any kind of job then 3 - 4 jobs a week is a paltry amount, should be applying for that amount a day or even more.

Cant really answer your questions as im not in the accountancy field but there those on here who are that can help.

comics

I apply for trainee account jobs and entre level administration since I lack experience, but I am heavily restricted to my current location. I very rarly apply for a guaduate job.

I am a somewhat shy person, so I am not the type to ask for work, I apply if there is an opening. I actually also use the do-it website to look for volunteer work too, but a lot of them are mainly for the shop counter.

Horace

Use agencies such as Reed.

Look at employers' own websites eg. local universities, colleges etc.

Don't fret about not getting interviews - it is tough out there and I had an interview this week (did not get job but not that bothered as didnt like the job anyway) since I become unemployed in September.

There are loads of jobs listed on Indeed.co.uk

Rather than applying for apprenticeships which you are ruled of by age and qualifications? try tailoring your CV to the job that you are applying for. There are some qualifications I dont even put on my CV but if I was applying for a wedding planning job then my Diploma would be listed, if I apply for secretarial and they only want someone who has RSA Stage II Typing then I don't mention that I have Stage III as well.

comics

Thanks, I give indeed a go. I tried reed some time ago when I finished uni, but they said that I had no experience so couldn't help me.

Evilm

Its a hard market out there right now - especially for accounting! You are probably struggling to get noticed between people with experience but little formal eduction and people who are freshly out of education with little experience but more confidence.

Do-it around here have quite a few 'treasurer' type jobs so I was going to suggest that too!

Do you do anything socially that you could offer to do some accounting work for? For example we are part of a Sci Fi related group and if I wanted to I could stand as treasurer for that. Anything to get your confidence up and give you something to a) put on the CV or b) talk about in interviews.

Networking is the only other thing that I can think of right now.

Even shop counter work will be helpful on a CV - It will give a reference at least!

comics

Yeah, that is how I feel. I feel old with no experience and old qualifications.

I already tried looking for treasuer job on the do it website, but I loss a lot of confidence when I got no response back, but I will try again. I do apply for any admin work there since I think it will be better for me than working on the shop counter and give me something write on my CV.

Networking is the one thing I do not have, and I don't do much socialising apart from online.

Kynthia

You need to build up your confidence and social skills as it will be difficult to find opportunities and be successful in interviews without these. Try going out more, join the gym, take an evening class, find a social group, volunteer in a charity shop, talk to people more. Being out of work can really grind someone's self belief down so do stuff to combat this.

If you get the chance to study the AAT you should take it as it's very respected and desireable when recruiting. A job in admin would be much better than nothing as I started there and volunteered for every slightly financial task such as coding invoices, checking expenses, running the imprest, etc. I then applied to finance entry jobs and got one in an accounts payable team.

I too belonged to a social group that needed someone to be the treasurer and a friend of mine is the treasurer for a church group. Any club that takes subs or has a membership fee will need a treasurer and would look for one of their members to volunteer. So be proactive and look for clubs, groups and societies in your local paper, library notice board, etc. Give them a call and see if they need someone to assist.

heretolearn_2

Exactly what are your degree and masters in?

Do you have any professional accounting qualifications? for example ACCA part-qualified, AAT etc... You need these to get a foot in the door in accounts. An accounts-based degree isn't as good, I'm afraid. You need to look at getting some of these qualifications. Very few firms take on trainee accountants and put you through these qualifications now, you are expected to do it yourself.

Also do your posts here reflect your usual written English?

comics

My degree is in Accountancy and Finance, and Masters in Business and IT. I do not have any professional qualifictions. Wonder if that is what I need? Always thought the my employer would sponser me before.

Yeah, my written English is normally like this, any problems with it?

jobbingmusician

*sponsor* *treasurer* (I would not employ a treasurer, even as a volunteer, who could not spell this) *undergraduate* *entry* ..... need I go on?