Lisa writes:
I will graduate in a year with my BA in accounting. Although I have very light experience in the field, and I ensure employers that I am willing to work in an entry-level position to prove my eagerness to gain hands-on experience I have not gotten a response.
I have tried to search for any type of position in accounting, but once I tell them that I am a college student attending evening classes, they dismiss me as though they have no longer have a need for filling the position. I am becoming very frustrated and need to know how to go about find a job that can really give me some accounting experience.
Please help!
The Career Doctor responds:
Lisa, I congratulate you on trying to gain some useful experience before you graduate — that’s the BNo. 1 thing employers are looking for these days — someone who can make an immediate impact to their business.
But as odd as it may sound, I truly believe your eagerness may be your problem — employers can often read eagerness for desperation, and most employers have no interest in hiring people who appear desperate for a job. I am also concerned that your focus is too much on what these employers can do for you — give you hands-on experience — rather than the benefits you can offer potential employers. (By the way, this is one of the most common job-seeker errors, so don’t feel too badly.)
Doesn’t you college or business school have a placement center? I would suggest you go to this office first and solicit help with finding potential employers and with working on your basic skills — cover letter, resume, and interviewing. Next — what about your accounting professors? Most professors have contacts with local firms, and thus using your professors to build your network is a logical step. Finally, you can go back out on your own looking for a job, but only do so after you’ve completed these first two steps.
