Thanks Shaun for your help. I am looking for job about 2 years. I even did not call for interview, simply because I hae no got any experience. I am studying ACCA done 8 exams. I have tried alot, applied about 500 jobs in 2 years but no result.
Can anyone please tell me how can I get some experience. I am so desprate I can work free.
as spotted, landing the right position is all about experience. Extensive knowledge of a range of software can often get you further than your qualifications but more often than not the sort of software being used is beyond what you can gain experience of outside of the business. Common software used if SAP (FICO) and IRIS as well as Sage.
As you've already spotted, even for unpaid work experience is required before you will be considered.
Going freelance aside, if you have a good telephone manner a lot can be said for gaining experience through credit control which is very closely aligned with sales ledger work. there is often a lot of temporary work in this area (espechially in the current economic climate) but you need to be careful that you end up working in real Credit Control environment rather than a call centre environment which is quite different.
The real key is to start below the level that you know you should be working at. Gather as much experience of the software as you can (but don't waste too much time on software used by only one or two companies as that really won't sell you).
Note that it is always easier to find a job if you are working than if you are not.
Excel is a must but not just as an end user. You need to be able to do more advanced things like lookups and pivot tables and a bit of Macro programming experience certainly doesn't go amiss.
Excel alone seldom opens doors (in my business it's so much of an expected you don't even put it on your CV!) and it should be combined at least with a sound knowledge of Sage.
500+ applications in two years is going to leave it's mark.
The thing you need to ask yourself is, if you were the employer why would you employ you above the other 100+ candidates for the same job.... Then ask the question for the other perspective. Why would you not empy you for the job. Once you have those answers you know what you need to work on to better your chances of getting to interview. When you get to interview its all about personality as if there are ten people with the same level of competence the one who gets the job will be the one that the interviewer feels that they could sit accross the desk from.
next thing to ask is, are your applications making it to where you want them to go?
If you have repeatedly applied for multiple jobs through an agency they probably are not even considering you and your CV is being rejected as soon as your name appears.
Start using some small local agencies and get yourself known to them rather than just sending in an application on line. Give them a phone call and make an arrangement to pop along to their offices to see them.
Consider meetings with agents practice for real interviews so dress to impress and make them feel that if they put you forwards you would (a) get the job and (b) reflect well on the quality of people that they put forwards for jobs.
Hope that some of this advice proves useful. Good luck with the job search Ahmad,
kind regards,
Shaun.
__________________
Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
Ooooooooooooh Shaun You have opened my eyes. Thanks you very much.
There many thing which I think I never thought on those point. Its true I am using a standard CV and covering letter. I will tell you one thing I am good at work but I am not good on interview. I get confused.
I will go and see my local recruitment agencies see what will they say.
I literally got a list of book keeping companies in my area and contacted them. I was offered work experience in one and another has just offered me paid work.( yahoo!!!)
Slightly lower rate than some of the other team members as they will have to give me some initial support.
Two excellent results for the site in one day (the other being Neil (Spamkebab).
All the best,
Shaun.
__________________
Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
Do you recommend any books for learning Excel? Not absolute beginner but beginner-ish!! (I did buy one that Sheila recommended but can't remember the name just now and it's in the office and I is at home with the kiddywinks!)
Here's one that you can have a look inside : http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Office-Excel-2007-BPG-others/dp/0735623961/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1312387876&sr=8-2
The books now been updated and the new version is here :
Problem is I can find no mention of the 2010 version coming with practice files and for the difference between 2007 and 2010 I would go for the 2007 version at the cheaper price where at least you know that you'll be getting the practice data CD.
The books no good for learning Excel Macro's. For that you could do with something like the Bible.
See here for the browsable copy of the 2010 version :
For what we need I would say that the Data Analysis and Business Modeling book is better but for all of the nuts and bolts and a really comprehensive coverage go for the bible... Or if your like me buy both. (they are currently £16.85 & £17.40)
Hope that helps,
Shaun.
__________________
Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
Thank you Shaun, I already have Data Analysis and Business Modeling in my wish list, have now added 'The Bible'. Once I read all the accounting books, I may buy these. I still have the old book that came with earlier versions of Excel and find it useful as so much hasn't changed. Not sure I like Office 2010 but...!
Sylvia
-- Edited by Sylvia on Thursday 4th of August 2011 12:05:17 PM
You know I emailed local bookkeepers and accountants my CV and asked them if they could give me unpaid work just for experience. I emailed about 50 bookkeepers and accountants got about 6 replies "sorry they are recruiting at the moment.
