I think you are absolutely correct about resumes being lost in the "big ocean" of online submission.  I am concerned that the ones that have Q&A in addition to resume submission are sorted via computer.  Unfortunately, that causes some important information to be overlooked.  For example, they ask "do you have an accounting degree."  I don't, but I have over 30 hrs (undergrad & grad) of accounting coursework, 21 hours of other undergraduate business coursework, an MBA, and a law degree.

I encourage you to network and find a link to someone (friend, relative, etc.) who has a relationship with a person in a firm like you're interested in.  Sounds like you have kind of unexpectedly found yourself in the job market like I have.  Don't we have wonderful timing with this economy situation?

Do you have a traditional accounting degree and are you a CPA?  If so, I think that will help.

Check it out, but you have probably missed "meet the firms" events.  If by chance there are still some going on, visit them at your alma mater(s).

Network with your favorite accounting/business professors.

Network-Network, & then Network some more.

Hopefully, you have drafted an appropriate resume for the type of position you seek.  If not, do so immediately.

Think through your education curriculum, and highlight anything that is unique and worthwhile.

Think through all of the duties you have ever done in your accounting experience, and highlight anything worth noting (tax prep, SOX, tax advice, audit, etc.).

Think through any professional training (seminars, etc.) you have had, and highlight anything worth noting.

Those are the suggestions that I can think of.  I, too, need similar advice, though.

Please bounce back any tactics you are already using or have heard about, for my benefit.

Thanks

HBlawyer, thanks so much for your suggestions. By reading your qbackground, I think you are in a very good position with your law degree. I think you'll have a lot of opportunities in accounting with a CPA. Are you planning to take the exam? the combination of a law degree and a CPA is the best possible background for taxes. Do you like taxes? it would be perfect for you. Have you gotten any responses from potential emplyers?

I haven't started to do job hunting yet. I'm taking the CPA now and have a job, but I would like to change to public accounting. I have an MBA too. Networking is a great idea. Depending of what type of opportunities I get, I'll make a decision if I switch to public accounting or not.

best of luck to you in your job hunting....

accountingabc,

I do like taxes, and I am currently studying for AUD.  That will be my first section of the CPA Exam.  I had hoped to get it knocked out this month, but I just got my approval from the state board yesterday.  They said the next step is receiving paperwork from NASBA (I think).  So it will probably be January when I sit for AUD.

I interviewed with one of the Big 4 firms and a top ten firm, and got turned down.  Those opportunities to interview came out of on-campus recruiting plus (with the top ten firm) having a connection.

There is another top ten firm that I submit material to online for openings, and I get a canned "no" back within a couple of days each time.  Same thing has happened in applying for accounting oriented positions with a couple of corporations.  That is where I am getting the idea they are relying on computer checks, and not looking for how their requirements may be met in an alternative manner (i.e., getting out of law school, and picking up the extra accounting hours to sit for the CPA Exam).

I have also contacted a few regional firms, and I am still waiting to see what they are going to do.

killer2021,

In my job search, I have tried to capitalize on the point that I am a recent MBA grad.  Do you have any suggestions how I may break through the process?  I had hoped that passing the CPA Exam will make a difference with Big 4 and regional firms.  Do you think this will be the case with me lacking relevant experience?  Please offer any suggestions you can think of.

Thanks