I just got to a conclusion that no matter how many studies you have you will always come below a person with some years of experience.
I passed my exams, but because I don't have some experience I don't stand a chance in front of a person with 1-2 years of experience.
In my area (Portsmouth) event for voluntary work is a fight. Charities have a chance to choose a bookkeeper, treasurer, assistant with loads of experience...they won't choose me, because I don't have EXPERIENCE. How am I supposed to gain experience if I don't stand a chance?
I finished my Level 2 Manual and Computerised with distinction (if it ever mattersL) and I tried to see what a recruiting agency is looking after...I ask them (I want to be employed not to open a business) should I continue with Level 3 manual Bookkeeping with ICB or to change and go to AAT... their answer was: try to get some experience not more diplomas....HOW?
Many take the self employed route (which you've actually rejected) as the only means of gaining any experience. However this puts the people in the tricky situation of trying to do a good job for clients without any proper knowledge gained on the front line and can make for a very roller coaster ride first few months of trading.
Another option is temping. Some roles are accountnacy linked but very repetative work. Often the roles only last for a short period to cover sickness so you get to work in a lot of different environments and pick up quite a bit as you go.
I espechially rate work gained in credit control environments which where it's proper credit control rather than a call centre environment you really do pick up a lot by having to chase debts through a system, reallocate payments, repeat bank recs, etc.
Working temp may open up permanent opportunities in companies where you are able to climb the tree a little further.
Always remember the old line by Neiche "Anything that doesn't kill you makes you stronger".
Try temping as you gain your level 3 and always be on the lookout for that elusive acccounts assistant role (that really is an accounts assistant rather than just a title). Good luck in your job hunt. It's a nightmare out there but there are jobs to be had... Remember. Whn people can't pay their debts there will be more jobs in Credit Control!
HTH,
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.
