Anyone else had this problem ?

System
System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
edited 10:31AM in AAT student discussion
I have at the age of 35 decided in a career change . that is why i am taking the diploma couse , however trying to find a job is proving difficault , they all seem to want 6 months office experiance , even the agencys seem unwilling to look past the office experiance side . I just woner wether other people had the same problem and how they got through it

Comments

  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Anyone else had this problem ?

    Yeah, i got the same problem bt i believe that the employers should realise that they should be considerate of some of us who dont have any practical skills
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Anyone else had this problem ?

    I think all companys are looking for is someone who knows how to use simple office equipment such as computers, phones, printers and if you put those sort of things a cv they usually overlook it.
    Im currently doing a day a week voluntary just to get something on my cv maybe you could try something similar...

    Tom
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Anyone else had this problem ?

    might have to consider that even though i mean come on how difficault is it to use a fax machine or phone and as for computers i build my own (Does this count?) . i think also now that quite a lot of jobs you can apply via email they dont spend as muchy time as they use to looking at CV's unless you are applying direct through a newpaper advert . Also as to using computers to apply for these jobs you have to use one so that settles that question . However i would say on passing my mother works in a office and they do not emply anyone under 35 since they have had so much trouble with younger people (Yes i know you cannot do that but it happens)
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Anyone else had this problem ?
    pajnewman wrote:
    I have at the age of 35 decided in a career change . that is why i am taking the diploma couse , however trying to find a job is proving difficault , they all seem to want 6 months office experiance , even the agencys seem unwilling to look past the office experiance side . I just woner wether other people had the same problem and how they got through it

    I started my AAT studies when I was 33, i'm now 35 and landed my first accounts job in August last year. When I passed my Foundation exam I phoned round the local agencies and they all told me I needed a minimum off 6 -12 months accounting exp.

    Anyway I went on to do 2 x 12 week Sage courses.Got my full Clait certificate.Also had started AAT Intermediate and had applied for voluntary work.

    Applied for probably a dozen jobs where I didnt get an interview. Got an interview in a stand alone roll doing up to TB, he was very impressed but lost out to someone with experience. The last two jobs I applied for I got them both and I actualy had a choice.

    Looking back if I would have done anything differently I would have applied for voluntary work a lot earlier than I did.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Anyone else had this problem ?

    You guys are scaring me, im doing a degree in accounting and im beginning to think maybe Im not gonna get a foot in the door!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Anyone else had this problem ?

    another option is always temporary agencies. sometimes companys just need someone in for a couple of weeks during a busy part fo the year these dont always require experience but you may not get to do anything that exciting...

    tom
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Anyone else had this problem ?

    well if you are doing a degree in accounting your in a much stonger position , and as for temp agencys you should see what they want round my area . I think what i will do is find a voluntary orgonization that need some office work done
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Anyone else had this problem ?

    I agree that temporary agencies are kinda not interested in people who have no experience. What companies are offering these voluntary jobs so that i might try the same approach.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Anyone else had this problem ?

    Dear UKGiants
    Your experience is very relevant to me as well. I just saw a newspaper ad today about a two day Sage course. And at the moment I am studying AAT Advanced Certificate(intermediate) through distance learning. It would be interesting to know the kind of voluntary organisations you've worked for. I may consider doing that if it can give me a direct and relevant work experience. How useful was the Sage course you did in getting you the job? Sage is actually included in one of the units(Unit 31) I am doing at the moment and I was sent Sage Instant Accounts V11.02 software to work on. It seems very easy to study and use. It would be nice to hear from you if you are using it at work.
    Regards
    Tom
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Anyone else had this problem ?
    DLaccts wrote:
    Dear UKGiants
    Your experience is very relevant to me as well. I just saw a newspaper ad today about a two day Sage course. And at the moment I am studying AAT Advanced Certificate(intermediate) through distance learning. It would be interesting to know the kind of voluntary organisations you've worked for. I may consider doing that if it can give me a direct and relevant work experience. How useful was the Sage course you did in getting you the job? Sage is actually included in one of the units(Unit 31) I am doing at the moment and I was sent Sage Instant Accounts V11.02 software to work on. It seems very easy to study and use. It would be nice to hear from you if you are using it at work.
    Regards
    Tom

    Tom

    Sorry if my post mislead you in any way but I didnt actually get to work for any voluntary organisation although I did apply for voluntary work, firstly at www.do-it.org.uk. Also applied for voluntary work with Erewash CVB and Derbyshire County voluntary Accounting service ( I think thats what they were called). Anyway both were very keen but I landed a job before it progressed any further than just the application for voluntary work.

    We dont use Sage where I work but at the interview she asked how long the actual courses were, but I suppose it had no relevance in terms of me getting the job. But if I was in that position again, I would definatly do Sage again. I believe its a common accounting software.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Anyone else had this problem ?

    Thanks UkGiants for sharing your experiences. They are very helpful to me. I feel there is more relevant and direct help from other students in this forum and I appreciate everyone who is making a contribution.
    I work for a manufacturing company and it will be closing soon, so I will have to find another job. The job I have been doing for years was not in accounts directly but some of the skills can be transferrable, like using computers, data entry, etc. So I am hoping to use that to apply for account/bookkeeping jobs.
    What do you think is the best place to start applying for in terms of job titles? There are a lot of job ads looking for Accounts Assistants and I have been sending my CV for a few of the positions out there. I am yet to receive any replies.
    Regards
    Tom
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Anyone else had this problem ?

    I personally would apply for junior accounts assistent or accounts assistent , purchase ledger clerk to name just a few . round me the salery starts from 14k upwards
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Anyone else had this problem ?

    Hi

    I think that the best idea if justing starting out is to forget about agencies as employers tend not to employ trainees as the agencies charge a bomb for the privalage. I would try writing to local practices or companies and telling them your situation, enclose a cv and you never know they must just have a position!!!!!!!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Anyone else had this problem ?
    DLaccts wrote:
    Thanks UkGiants for sharing your experiences. They are very helpful to me. I feel there is more relevant and direct help from other students in this forum and I appreciate everyone who is making a contribution.
    I work for a manufacturing company and it will be closing soon, so I will have to find another job. The job I have been doing for years was not in accounts directly but some of the skills can be transferrable, like using computers, data entry, etc. So I am hoping to use that to apply for account/bookkeeping jobs.
    What do you think is the best place to start applying for in terms of job titles? There are a lot of job ads looking for Accounts Assistants and I have been sending my CV for a few of the positions out there. I am yet to receive any replies.
    Regards
    Tom

    Tom
    I applied for jobs that advertised 'experienced preferred' no matter what the job title. I would say youre in a relatively good position with regards to your use of PCs and data entry. I used to make three pieces suites before I got my job....

    When you get your interview I'll let you know what kind of Q she (my boss) asked me. I suppose it could help in your preparation for interviews.

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