How come after sending out my rez, I have only 3 calls, one in which is not going to pan out?

Question

Just FYI, I have 10 years exp in accounting and full-charge bookkeeping.

I usually have calls within a day or so, but dang, I think my rez is being tossed into the stack of papers along with the other candidates. I am sorry, I don't mean to sound pretentious, I just usually have a call by now and some real bites.

Answer 1

I don't know how long it has been since you looked for work, but my suspicion is "awhile" and your resume has not kept up with the times. The job market keeps getting more competitive as more and more people see the necessity of college than in the past. A 4 year degree has become a prerequisite and people recognize it more and more, the end result for you and me is more competition for similar number of jobs.

I almost thought I wouldn't answer this question because someone said to make your resume stand out - yes - but it was the paper???! No offense but people making hiring decisions are no longer (if they ever were) impressed by paper. Plain white paper is fine, heavier paper is ok as long as its not distracting. Its what's ON the paper you should consider.

At least 90% of resumes are very bland and within a given field, all the same. You need to start by eliminating job "descriptions" and instead list your major accomplishments in quantifiable terms. In accounting this should be relatively easy. I'm in HR and I still have to do it, believe me it is a lot harder to quantify HR work than accounting but I find ways - e.g. "Achieved xx% improvement in (project)"

Next you need to create an executive summary section at the top, where you put several bullet points - 1st one is something like your FYI above. 2nd & 3rd are very strong accomplishments or 1 can be a list of areas of accounting you have exp in. 4th if possible is a direct, positive quote from a former supervisor highlighting some of your skills - put it in quotes followed by "- former manager" This has landed me many interviews and at least one job.

Good luck!

Answer 2

A full and complete resume with no more than 3 pages. Any more than that and you have worked at too many places.
You have to do follow ups.
Every one I hired called the day after and discussed their work history.
They set themselves "better" by really being interested in the employment.
Be passive aggressive, I guess. Also if I did not pick someone I am always kind enough to tell them specifically why they did not get hired.
One girl actually called me back twice to thank me for letting her know what she was missing. She got a job for almost twice as much as I could offer.
You see it is a situation where you have to convince the employer that your skills would benefit him/her or the corporation.
And also why you should be offered the position over someone who is possibly more qualified.
I personally find it intriguing when the proponent sells them-self as a person who is willing to help grow the company, not just grow with it.
Big difference, especially when it comes to trust.
Hope I helped.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

Phil, pull your one track minded head out of your ***... let me guess, Bush is responsible for you having a bad hair day too huh?

To answer the question... I just changed fields completely. Many of the postings on the internet draw high volumes of resumes which means the hiring companies have to sort through them all and pick out the best candidates. Be patient... something will come about for yah, it may take a few days longer that it did before but at least you know if you get called for an interview that you have already been picked out of a ton of applicants!

Answer 4

I've been in management for eons and must have looked over thousands of resume's. The ones that stand out, are on nice white or cream paper with name printed in bold letters.
The dates and companies in bold letter. All nicely paragraphed.
Your duties at those companies listed short and sweet.
I look how many times did this person change jobs.
May I call for reference and preferably no more then two pages.
Also if a person wrote an accompanied letter of introduction was helpful.
Also make a phone call to the companies you applied to, just to check in, tell them that you dropped or mailed a resume' and if they had a chance to look at it.

Answer 5

I am also an accountant and have found that there are jobs out there but you have to set yourself apart. Many are only hiring degreed professionals now with the new laws in effect so if you are not degreed it will be harder whether you have experience or not. You should have someone you trust critique your resume. Also, play the odds and send out lots of resumes. Odds are the more you send out then the more responses you will get.

Good Luck!

You know you could also start your own business if you felt comfortable with the responsibility.

Answer 6

Same thing happened to me and I went 8 months without finding something. Now, I have been thru 3 jobs because they all decided to call a week apart from each other and offer more pay then the one before. So keep an open mind. I am sure your resume looks great but sometimes, they do just throw them down and they get lost. They will get found, just keep sending them!

Good Luck!

Answer 7

It's best if you call them within 2 - 3 days after turning it in and ask if someone has reviewed your resume yet and if an interview can be set up in the same week. It shows them that you're eager to start and are serious about acquiring the job. I know it impresses me and the companies that I've worked with and how I've gotten every job I've ever had. You need to pursue it if it's the job you want.

Answer 8

It may be that your resume is too bland.

Try making it stand out a little bit by using an off-white, heavier, paper.

Make sure your name is "lit up in lights" so to speak! BIG, CAPS, AND BOLD!

Answer 9

The Bush economy is no picnic, is it...