Accounting grad with some experience getting rejections from everywhere

Braintrain1000 on 10/01/2017 - 00:18
Last edited 10/01/2017 - 00:19

I studied Bachelor in Accounting from NMIT in 2014. In 2015 I started a short 5 months placement as a procurement to payable officer (training) in an ASX listed company but they didn't hire me after the contract finished. No luck finding relevant work till April 2016 when i started a 6 months assistant accounting training.

Now, i am still getting rejected even for junior or entry level accounting clerical work although, I am applying work in all states and to keep myself updated and connected I have started a short credit control course.

I am a 29y.o Australian resident and living in Melbourne. Should i give up hope that ill get a relevant job one day?

Education & Work

Comments

  • xoom on 10/01/2017 - 00:25
    +4

    Should i give up hope that ill get a relevant job one day?

    NO.

    Keep at it. Just keep applying. My very first job wasn't till i was 22.

  • spackbace on 10/01/2017 - 00:26
    +1

    Have you worked much full time in your life?

    Are you getting to interview stages and failing that, or is your resume/cv failing you?

    Have you had someone look over your resume/cv objectively to see how it reads?

    • Braintrain1000 on 10/01/2017 - 00:30

      Nope I looked after our family business. i moved here as a student back in 2011.

      Failing to secure interviews. My resume looks quite good though I never had it checked by a pro resume writer etc.

      • spackbace on 10/01/2017 - 00:34
        +2

        At 29 and no sign that you've worked 38hrs/week would be a big red flag, especially up against younger uni grads who have worked while they studied etc.

        I read you also do uber? That's probably not helping in something as professional as accounting.

        Get someone to look at your resume, it's obviously the part you're failing at.

        • Braintrain1000 on 10/01/2017 - 00:38
          +1

          I have worked 38hrs a week but that wasn't something i wanted to do for long thats why i quit.

          My resume doesn't have my DOB mentioned so I'm suspecting my resume isn't good and needs to be checked.

        • spackbace on 10/01/2017 - 00:47

          @Braintrain1000:

          I have worked 38hrs a week but that wasn't something i wanted to do for long thats why i quit.

          Yet you're now applying for jobs that require it, as well as overtime…

          My resume doesn't have my DOB mentioned

          Why not?

          And what else is your resume omitting? Many gaps between jobs (on your resume)? Recent jobs that weren't long-term (in the job less than a year).

        • Braintrain1000 on 10/01/2017 - 01:01

          @Spackbace:

          Yes thats why i studied Accounting. We had a recruitment business overseas and hardly came through a resume with a DOB however I'll check the internet. Yes, I think putting labourer and uber experience to fill in those gaps won't help me either :p

        • Limitless on 10/01/2017 - 01:12
          +2

          @Braintrain1000: it shows you can get work though! And being an uber driver shows you are proactive

        • resubaehtgnolhcs on 10/01/2017 - 02:03
          +7

          @Spackbace: DOB is not required on a resume and under anti-discrimination laws, age is a protected attribute

        • spackbace on 10/01/2017 - 02:18
          +3

          @resubaehtgnolhcs:

          Yep, but when you don't get a call or interview, do you think they're gonna admit that's the reason?

          Stupidest law ever, you could ask a recruiter point blank if you didn't get the job based on your age, and they'd just lie.

          Really it's not necessary anyway, 99.9% of people could work out your age based on the year you graduated high school.

        • Braintrain1000 on 10/01/2017 - 07:11
          +2

          @Spackbace:

          Dob or previous nationality are not the strongest points of a resume and it kinda looks odd.

          We can assume that these recruiters figure out things which are ok to many.

        • holdenmg on 10/01/2017 - 09:44

          @Braintrain1000: If you don't want to work 38hrs a week, then you are looking for Part-Time or Temping contracts.

          How many hours a week do you want to work?

        • Braintrain1000 on 10/01/2017 - 13:02

          @holdenmg:

          No, i want a full time job.

        • holdenmg on 10/01/2017 - 15:33
          +1

          @Braintrain1000: No worries, well a full time job is defined as:

          Q.What is a full-time employee?

          A. A full-time employee has ongoing employment and works, on average, around 38 hours each week. The actual hours of work for an employee in a particular job or industry are agreed between the employer and the employee and/or set by an award or registered agreement.
          https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employee-entitlements/types-of-e…

        • Braintrain1000 on 10/01/2017 - 17:47

          @holdenmg: I think I know that already but thanks :D

        • jellykingdom on 10/01/2017 - 19:39

          @resubaehtgnolhcs: yeah Wtf no-one puts dob for a professional job!

        • jellykingdom on 10/01/2017 - 19:43

          @Braintrain1000: yes I'd be spending the money on a resume re-write. It must be something you're not doing correctly in that early stage

          It'll probably be something simple - more eloquent wording, some Buzz words, maybe a bit of padding or even just the wrong format.

          For eg are you posting your responsibilities, key successes, throw some numbers in there to back up your comments, etc?

        • jellykingdom on 10/01/2017 - 19:45

          @Braintrain1000: what??? You had a recruitment business and don't know a good resume…?

        • Braintrain1000 on 10/01/2017 - 23:38

          @jellykingdom: probably you are right. A few cases where people had someone rewrite their resume landed jobs within weeks.

        • Braintrain1000 on 10/01/2017 - 23:40

          @jellykingdom: if skills are strong and you got what a client is looking for then no one give a flying F about the quality of your resume and creativity of your cover letter. Sad but true.

        • jellykingdom on 11/01/2017 - 08:17

          @Braintrain1000: I think thats a bit of a glib way to look at it

          I don't even bother with cover letters anymore when job hunting, i either use a generic one or just don't even add at all, so I understand where you're coming from. But i still think a top-notch resume speaks pretty highly about the person - not just their skills but attention to detail, work ethic, etc

        • Braintrain1000 on 11/01/2017 - 22:46

          @jellykingdom: point to be noted. I am considering to have someone check my resume.

  • doweyy on 10/01/2017 - 00:51
    +1

    Don't give up hope OP, stick at it!!! I'm currently an undergrad in accounting and I feel your pain, applying for positions is a hard and can be a very annoying process. But stick at it, if it's your passion then stick at it, something will come!

    In terms of advice, just try and start making connections, that's honestly the best thing you can do in the business world. Try go to seminars, or anything, to get your name out there!

    • Braintrain1000 on 10/01/2017 - 01:02

      Thank you. I'll do my best. :)

      • doweyy on 10/01/2017 - 01:07
        +1

        Put 110% into everything you do! Just as an FYI, you're most likely not getting any junior or entry level work because they would most likely hire undergrads for those positions, I think if you look for actual accounting positions you will have a better search because at your age you don't want just entry level stuff, you want to be a full accountant!

  • Limitless on 10/01/2017 - 01:10
    +2

    Jobs are hard to come by these days with many qualified people looking to switch roles. I know a few CA qualified people struggling to get junior positions.

    Maybe see a recruiter? They can point you in the right direction as they have seen many applications come in so they know how you sit with your competition.

  • resubaehtgnolhcs on 10/01/2017 - 02:08
    +3

    OP, in the last two accounting related roles you had, call the companies that you worked for or better still the managers you reported to and ask for frank and honest feedback on what you can do to improve your employ-ability. If they tell you there was just no job for you at the time, ask what you can do now to make yourself more attractive to another potential employer. Dig deeper and find out if it's anything your doing or not doing.

    • Braintrain1000 on 10/01/2017 - 07:06

      Yeah i tried contacting them last year only to know my immediate supervisor and boss left the company.

      • resubaehtgnolhcs on 10/01/2017 - 12:45

        Ok, that presents a hurdle, but what about the persons your two supervisors reported to (i.e their bosses)? Surely your previous supervisors would have spoken to their supervisor/boss about whether or not to renew your contract and more importantly why or why not. I would try and contact these people.

        • Braintrain1000 on 10/01/2017 - 17:54

          When I left that company I called my supervisor on his private number after quite a few months and he told me he switched somewhere else. In other words, He wasn't able to assist me so I called the office receptionist Mike (his nickname) where a lady picked up my call and said he left and not working there anymore so I asked her if she could transfer the call to Mr.BOSS and she said he left too. lol Bad luck of the century.

  • Edsanwong on 10/01/2017 - 07:39

    OP are you CA or CPA qualified?

    • Braintrain1000 on 10/01/2017 - 13:03

      I am not but i am looking forward to start CPA this year :)

  • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2017 - 08:25
    +2

    Have you applied to $49 tax return places? What was the outcome/feedback?

    • Braintrain1000 on 10/01/2017 - 13:04

      Thats a good input but i think i haven't but i will, from now onwards. Thank you :)

      • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2017 - 16:56
        +1

        I would also target smaller accounting firms.

        Presumably (correct me if I'm wrong) you're an immigrant.

        Check your local ethnicity newspaper for accountants/firms run by people of a similar ethnicity. They'll tend to do lots of works for business owners of a similar ethnicity and have no qualms about hiring someone with a similar background.

  • pantsparty on 10/01/2017 - 09:02

    How do you present in interviews? I do not know your background but is your English good? You should apply for graduate roles with accounting firms or banks. This will be much better for your development than being an assistant accountant or payroll employee.

    • Braintrain1000 on 11/01/2017 - 22:49

      I can understand that. I have been sending my resume everywhere and seeking all roles from clerical entry level roles, grad programs, grad roles to accountancy roles. Same issue. Negative response.

      I have improved my linguistic skills in Au,

  • holdenmg on 10/01/2017 - 09:17
    +1

    I'd probably see if you can say your qualification was from Melbourne Polytechnic as a lot of people don't know what NMIT is or was… (When you said NMIT I thought you either meant RMIT (typo?) or possibly Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NZ).

    Try finding companies you can apply to before they advertise vacancies by researching potential employers, and ask about upcoming vacancies.

    • Braintrain1000 on 11/01/2017 - 22:52

      Yeah thats why its not NMIT anymore. They changed the name to Melbourne Polytechnic. What a pathetic choice of a name it is (honestly i hate it more now)

      • [Deactivated] on 13/01/2017 - 00:35

        I admit I don't know the ins and outs of accountancy study but is it worth getting further education in the field before looking for full time work? Are you able to get into a university and get a Bachelor of Business (Accounting)? This would get you a degree with a university with a better reputation than Melbourne Polytechnic. You could study and then work part time in some sort of business area which would get you work experience in an associated field as well as a degree in the in your preferred profession.

        You also mentioend studying for a CPA qualification. There are equivalents of a CPA recognition out there as well. Are you eligible to study for one of these qualifications?

        I'm just looking for possibilities for things that might help you get a job. You'll need to do research on these suggestions as I don't know the current conditions in your chosen profession. Good luck.

        I always wondered what Melbourne Polytechnic was. It seemed to pop up out of nowhere. Thanks for explaining the name change.

        • Braintrain1000 on 13/01/2017 - 01:18

          I was a full time and full fee paying student. Honestly speaking, I would rather go on a holiday or charity what I have now instead of giving a single penny to these unis. A semester in a reputable uni will cost me 12-14k and I, unfortunately, can't afford it.

          Yes, I am planning to study CPA but are you talking about CA or ACCA qualification? I don't know any equivalent qualifications other than these two…

        • [Deactivated] on 13/01/2017 - 12:48

          @Braintrain1000:

          Sorry I don't know the names of the CPA equivalents. I know there are two of them so it sounds like you are aware of the alternatives. Good luck.

        • Braintrain1000 on 13/01/2017 - 13:02

          @pointscrazy: i really appreciate your time and input. If you know any resume writers let me know.

        • holdenmg on 14/01/2017 - 20:46

          @Braintrain1000:
          https://www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2… offered these services at Counselling Services.

          I don't know if now you have Graduated you remain eligible, but you could ask. Check out the part that says…
          Job Skills appointments
          The counsellors are available for appointments
          if you are requiring assistance with applying
          for jobs.
          They can assist with:
          • job search skills
          • job applications
          • addressing the key selection criteria
          • interview preparation skills.

  • wolfazrael123 on 10/01/2017 - 16:11
    +2

    If you are good, I mean if you don't lose your opportunity because you are not good in writing resume or presenting yourself in interviews, all you need is patient and more importantly luck.

    It is painful to realise that there are too many people competing for entry level accounting jobs. As you may know accounting is popular because it helps people to get PR.

    After I got my PR in 2012, it took me one and half year to land a full time job. When I got that job, I already had 3 years' part time assistant accountant experience. And I was actually looking for any full time jobs including entry level jobs. God knows how many resumes were sent out, but I got only less than 5 interviews, excluding those recruit agencies.

    People have all sorts of suggestions about resumes and how to prepare interviews. Of course if you have any problems with your resume or interview, you need to fix it. You need to face the fact that there are too many people searching for the jobs you are after, and if you are unlucky, the waiting period could be very long, unless your are really different. But I know you are not different, just like me and most other people.

    You don't need to give up hope, but nothing is guaranteed. It is not wrong to keep trying like most other people, but if you have another opportunity which has nothing to do with accounting, go for it unless you don't like it.

    • Braintrain1000 on 11/01/2017 - 22:55

      Thanks for your input. Hope for the best :)

  • chickentaste on 11/01/2017 - 22:14

    I've had a lot to do with accounting graduates through my work and there is a massive oversupply of new graduates entering the field (13'000 a year I think), to the point where the vast majority of people I've known (Australian citizens as well as international graduates) are spending 12 months + trying to land any sort of job. It's essentially a buyer's market right now, so every little thing that you can do to finesse your application might just push you nearer the top of the pile. If you keep banging on the door and keep using the time you're searching for work to accumulate relevant experience and improve your quals you'll eventually find something.

    Two other things:
    I hate to even say this, but if you're a recent immigrant (like me) and happen have a name that sounds "foreign", you may want tinker with how you present your name on your resume and see if you start getting callbacks. I've got a friend with an Anglo mum and HK Chinese dad who uses his middle name as his surname because he can't get an interview in his field with his 'real' surname.

    Also start casting your net wide.. REALLY wide, and see if you can snag something in a smaller city where there's often a real lack of qualified staff. Think Darwin, central/far north QLD, etc.

    • Braintrain1000 on 11/01/2017 - 23:08

      My first, mid and last name, unfortunately, all sound middle eastern. Can't do much about it. I know that accounting is the first choice of international students followed by IT however, accounting bodies like CPA believe there is shortage of qualified accountants and want immigration to keep calling in Accountants from all over the world. So, we now have these international students studying accounting and on the other hand, skilled force moving to AU with residencies in hands. Situation is simply ridiculous.

      • wolfazrael123 on 12/01/2017 - 10:12

        Regarding the shortage, it is easy for senior accountants to land a job, also it is not too hard for say an accountant/assistant accountant from a big corp to find a job (especially temp/contract). But realistically the reason of the shortage is because it is hard for people to move from junior level to senior level if they are doing accounting. We don't really have a oversupply of entries level positions.

        It is also hard for people to move from small companies to big organisations. IT (especially excel/ ERP) skills block most candidates' way. If you don't get a job, you don't get trained. But if you don't get trained, its hard to get a job. Although big corps have graduate programmes, it only helps a small fraction of new graduates. You mentioned that you get trained in an ASX listed company as accounts payable and also trained later as an assistant accountant. I would say you already beat 90% of your competitors. You need a bit more patient, a bit of luck and at the mean time, you know maybe pay someone to check your resume. I have a few friends who got more interviews after paid resume check.

      • chickentaste on 12/01/2017 - 22:35

        CPA is trying to stem the flow of international accountancy grads and raised the English requirements for graduates a few years ago but the uni's and private education providers are putting a lot of pressure on the government to keep it on the skilled migration list as they make vast amounts of money from popular courses like It accountancy degrees, to the point where they effectively prop up other courses and subsidise the domestic students they also happen to teach.

        Wish you the best of luck with the job search.

        • Braintrain1000 on 13/01/2017 - 13:11

          CPA wants to source income through students and migrants along with other services they provide to local firms. English requirement was raised by immigration to reduce this over flow but CPA is constantly reporting shortage of accountants in Australia that is why immigration decided to keep this profession in the previous and current skilled occupational list (SOL) however, only 2400 permanent residencies will be issued in this financial year instead of 5000/7000 seen previously.

  • clement1986 on 16/01/2017 - 07:37
    +1

    Acct is tough, keep at it and be optimistic. You will get there.

  • lovestorm catcher on 07/04/2017 - 22:44

    Sorry for reviving this old thread. I'm just wondering if:

    • the OP has got a full-time job yet?

    • and anyone knows a good resume write for accounting/finance position?

    Thank you.

    • Braintrain1000 on 24/04/2017 - 14:39

      No i haven't. Its ridiculous.

      • Doggiie on 25/04/2017 - 15:48

        Keep at it OP.

        I was in accounting for a while, then moved to IT because prospects seemed bleak.

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