[LatinoTurkCPA]

I have several instances where I felt insulted during my job search. One story is when I applieted to an entry level accounting position at a fortune 500 insurance company. I already had a couple years of experience under my belt at a competitor in accounting and was currently working but I was being paid significantly less than entry levels were making so I figured why not. I also was/am pursuing my MBA and CPA

I applied and the recruiter called back stating, “I see that you applied to quite a few positions… This position is entry level and you already have a few years of experience… I think you would be a good fit for insurance sales, I’m going to forward your resume to that area.”

Nothing against sales, it does take skill and you can make money… But where did they get that I would be a better fit for insurance sales?

Do you guys have any insulting job search stories to share?

F: 76 8/31/13 Wiley Test Bank
A: 77 11/4/13 Wiley Test Bank
R
B

MBA 06/2012 - ?

[Anonymous]

One of the generic back-handed compliment insults I always get during interviews is “Wow, you're so articulate!” articulate as oppose to what? How did you expect me to sound? I've become numb to it now, but it used to annoy the heck out of me. (btw I'm a minority, and I don't think this comment would be made if I wasn't)

One for the road:

This isn't job search related, but it is CPA related. On a similar note, on my 11/19/13 attempt of FAR I went to a completely different prometric testing center, which happened to be located in a Sylvan facility. I walked up to the counter as I entered the building and the proctor said “GED right?”… Me: “um no, CPA exam”

I'm thinking “WTH??” Do i LOOK like I'm taking the GED? And what does a GED test taker look like anyway?

The nerve of some people!!!

[UCMCPA]

No.

But I have had someone insult my intelligence, or try to. They assumed that since I'm more muscular than the average man that I must be a meat head and couldn't possibly be anything other than a personal trainer. Apparently they believed the communications and marketing degree they were getting was better than me passing the CPA and getting a masters in accounting.

Wish I had a video of how awkward that was for them.

FAR - 84
AUD - 94
REG - 86
BEC - 86

[UCMCPA]

No.

But I have had someone insult my intelligence, or try to. They assumed that since I'm more muscular than the average man that I must be a meat head and couldn't possibly be anything other than a personal trainer. Apparently they believed the communications and marketing degree they were getting was better than me passing the CPA and getting a masters in accounting.

Wish I had a video of how awkward that was for them.

FAR - 84
AUD - 94
REG - 86
BEC - 86

[jeff]

Did you carry a one gallon jug of water into the interview? 🙂

[jeff]

Did you carry a one gallon jug of water into the interview? 🙂

[rugger246]

@ UCMCPA I am with Jeff on this one no gallon water jug or Blender Protein Shaker when go on an interview 🙂

AUD - Passed
BEC - Passed
FAR - Passed (Perfect Score of 75 to finish it off)
REG - Passed

[rugger246]

@ UCMCPA I am with Jeff on this one no gallon water jug or Blender Protein Shaker when go on an interview 🙂

AUD - Passed
BEC - Passed
FAR - Passed (Perfect Score of 75 to finish it off)
REG - Passed

[Anonymous]

Employers wouldn't even look at my resume for entry level positions because I had an MBA and no work experience. “You're overqualified” “You won't stick around”. Little did they know that I am one of the most loyal employees ever. I would have started in the mailroom if someone had hired me and worked my way up without looking twice at another company, but I wasn't given the chance. I had to do temp and contract positions in the accounting field to get my experience. It sucked then, but it was the best thing that could have happened to me because I learned nearly every aspect of corporate accounting possible: AP, AR, Inventory Control, GL accounting, etc. And now I'm an Assistant Controller halfway done with my CPA and have been with the same company for almost 7 years. Not to shabby for such an overeducated flake!

[Anonymous]

Employers wouldn't even look at my resume for entry level positions because I had an MBA and no work experience. “You're overqualified” “You won't stick around”. Little did they know that I am one of the most loyal employees ever. I would have started in the mailroom if someone had hired me and worked my way up without looking twice at another company, but I wasn't given the chance. I had to do temp and contract positions in the accounting field to get my experience. It sucked then, but it was the best thing that could have happened to me because I learned nearly every aspect of corporate accounting possible: AP, AR, Inventory Control, GL accounting, etc. And now I'm an Assistant Controller halfway done with my CPA and have been with the same company for almost 7 years. Not to shabby for such an overeducated flake!

[mla1169]

Most recruiters are BEYOND clueless. I had one who's young enough to be my son tell me I'll “never” get the salary I'm looking for. Told him to call me when he's a good enough recruiter to get it for me. Had another recruiter who one day called my cell NINE times in 11 minutes. 95% of the jobs they recommended to me were listed directly by the hiring employer and I'd already applied for. One recruiter called me about an A/P job lol. No, I've been in accounting for 21 years, am a manager and have a CPA where on EARTH did he get the idea I'd go back to A/P?

There are some exceptional recruiters. Generally they work for small boutique type firms.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

Most recruiters are BEYOND clueless. I had one who's young enough to be my son tell me I'll “never” get the salary I'm looking for. Told him to call me when he's a good enough recruiter to get it for me. Had another recruiter who one day called my cell NINE times in 11 minutes. 95% of the jobs they recommended to me were listed directly by the hiring employer and I'd already applied for. One recruiter called me about an A/P job lol. No, I've been in accounting for 21 years, am a manager and have a CPA where on EARTH did he get the idea I'd go back to A/P?

There are some exceptional recruiters. Generally they work for small boutique type firms.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[MintsRGood]

I've never been insulted during my search but was hilariously insulted while giving an interview!

We were looking to hire a few per diem tax preparers 2 seasons ago and because I would be training and supervising them, the owner asked me to sit in on the interview process. One of the candidates, Mr. X we shall call him, was an gentleman who appeared to be in his late 40's. I was on a call when he arrived in so our receptionist buzzed when I finished to let me know that Mr. X had arrived and to meet him and the owner in the boardroom.

When I walked in and before I could say a single word, Mr. X snapped at me “decaf coffee, black” and resumed his conversation with the owner! I smiled and winked at the owner (who looked like she was going to throw him out on the spot) and asked if she'd like a refill on her coffee and politely replied “no problem, Mr. X” and went away to fetch the coffee.

I came back and served the refreshments with a smile. The owner smiled back at me, then turned to Mr. X and said politely “Mr. X, I'd like to introduce you to Mints. She is our senior staff accountant and you will be working with her directly every day. If fact, you'll have very little day to day contact with me as Mints is my right hand around here. She trains all my staff and you will submit all of your work to Mints for a technical work paper review. She has all of my confidence and I'm sure you'll enjoy working with her.” It was all I could do not to burst out laughing while watching the color drain from his face and then slowly turn bright red! There was a long awkward silence and I when I politely broke it with “Mr. X, may I get you a refill?” it was all the owner could do to keep from bursting out laughing!!! It was priceless and has become a running tax season joke at our place! Ha!!!!

Needless to say, I found a candidate who was much more of a “team player”!!!! 😉

REG: 75 DONE 🙂
AUD: 61, 71, 68, 92 DONE 🙂
BEC: 76 DONE 🙂
FAR: 72, 74, 79 DONE 🙂
Licensed Michigan CPA 🙂
-Some people dream of success...others wake up and work hard for it!!!
-The cowards never start and the weak die along the way!
-You better work, b***h!
-Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.-JFK

[MintsRGood]

I've never been insulted during my search but was hilariously insulted while giving an interview!

We were looking to hire a few per diem tax preparers 2 seasons ago and because I would be training and supervising them, the owner asked me to sit in on the interview process. One of the candidates, Mr. X we shall call him, was an gentleman who appeared to be in his late 40's. I was on a call when he arrived in so our receptionist buzzed when I finished to let me know that Mr. X had arrived and to meet him and the owner in the boardroom.

When I walked in and before I could say a single word, Mr. X snapped at me “decaf coffee, black” and resumed his conversation with the owner! I smiled and winked at the owner (who looked like she was going to throw him out on the spot) and asked if she'd like a refill on her coffee and politely replied “no problem, Mr. X” and went away to fetch the coffee.

I came back and served the refreshments with a smile. The owner smiled back at me, then turned to Mr. X and said politely “Mr. X, I'd like to introduce you to Mints. She is our senior staff accountant and you will be working with her directly every day. If fact, you'll have very little day to day contact with me as Mints is my right hand around here. She trains all my staff and you will submit all of your work to Mints for a technical work paper review. She has all of my confidence and I'm sure you'll enjoy working with her.” It was all I could do not to burst out laughing while watching the color drain from his face and then slowly turn bright red! There was a long awkward silence and I when I politely broke it with “Mr. X, may I get you a refill?” it was all the owner could do to keep from bursting out laughing!!! It was priceless and has become a running tax season joke at our place! Ha!!!!

Needless to say, I found a candidate who was much more of a “team player”!!!! 😉

REG: 75 DONE 🙂
AUD: 61, 71, 68, 92 DONE 🙂
BEC: 76 DONE 🙂
FAR: 72, 74, 79 DONE 🙂
Licensed Michigan CPA 🙂
-Some people dream of success...others wake up and work hard for it!!!
-The cowards never start and the weak die along the way!
-You better work, b***h!
-Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.-JFK

[tough_kitty]

Awesome stories, ladies! Thanks for sharing. And I totally agree with the “no clue recruiters” statement.

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

Awesome stories, ladies! Thanks for sharing. And I totally agree with the “no clue recruiters” statement.

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Author]

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