[greenolive]

I graduated a year ago with a 3.6 gpa and have been studying for the CPA and took a minimum wage tutoring job this past year. I am currently waiting on the score release but all I can think about is getting a job. I have had night after night of sleepless nights. I have applied so many places but have not heard back or if I have I get the email, “We are moving forward with other candidates” or “We decided not to go further”. I am so discouraged and all my self esteem is really going away. I feel like I made a huge mistake by taking this minimum wage tutoring job while I was studying the CPA. I did it because my sister was going through 3 major surgeries this year and it was a very depressing time for my family.I spent many nights in the hospital trying to be there for her but now I feel like I could have been there with a real full time job for experience. Now I feel like I am not ever going to get a good job and I blew all the opportunities I have been given by going to college and getting a good gpa. I am kind of just ranting on here but would love if anyone has any kind of helpful advice. Thank you!

[Superdude3000]

Recruiting season should be in full swing right now! Return to your college as an alum for any career fairs. Make sure you add to your resume that you've passed 2 exams so far. If you totally pass then that's a great line to add to your resume ‘i have passed the CPA exam'. Will surely stick out to most employers.

[BBHYX]

I agree with the post above — you should reach out to your college's career center and attend your college's career fair as an alumni. Entry level jobs are much easier to get via campus recruiting than just applying online and stuff.

[M123]

Getting a job is a bit like courting a potential mate and they can smell lack of confidence. Build it up in ways you can.

Chalk up the pluses (and forget the minuses right now). Very decent GPA. Very good scores on CPA (aptitude).

Building up confidence:

– Take a martial art. Ever try it?
– Work on Excel and become a monster at it if not already. There are plenty of datasets to use on the interwebs.
– Volunteer for VITA coming up (tax). You may just align with someone who sees a spark in your eye (a reviewer, etc.)
– Find out why not being selected and work on that – could be interview skills, interpersonal interaction, or simply surplus of candidates.
– Have any handyman skills? Put an ad on CL and do stuff for people while waiting – painting, moving things, etc.
– Non-profits – volunteer accounting time. You may just end up doing something for someone who can wield influence.

The thing that I've found over time is that it's not just one thing – it's the combination of things – being at the right place at the right time that results in an opportunity. All that motion will improve sleep at night 🙂 Also – take a melatonin an hour before bed. If you haven't heard about it – research it – great natural remedy and effective for a lot of people for periodic difficulty to sleep.

One other thing – if employers were to ask about experience or lack of it – a family emergency is more than enough of an explanation.

[rhayder]

Google USAJOBS and get a job with the federal government. They have special programs for recent grads and are really in need of auditors, bank examiners and more.

[GAPilot715]

Don't give up. I graduated with an undergrad and a 3.6 GPA then got a masters in accounting with a 4.0 GPA and it still took some effort for me to find a job. I probably filled out and submitted 30+ resumes/applications my last semester of college. Many of which I never heard back from or I received the standard email that said I wasn't chosen. Out of all those I had a handful of offers including one at a big 4. It's a numbers game.

Large firms or employers typically go right to schools to recruit or give offers to previous interns. If you apply through an online application system for an open job, they use algorithms and key words to weed out most applications. So you may apply and get rejected without a human ever seeing your resume. Its your first job. Apply to everything that interest you and apply in different cities. You can't be too picky until you get some experience.

Also, have someone knowledgeable look over and give advice on your resume. You college career center will probably be glad to.

[shawn in VA]

If you are having issues sleeping it may be a good idea to see your doctor. He/She can prescribe you Xanax or you can request it. This medication will help you sleep AND wake up refreshed unlike other meds which make me feel tired/groggy next day

[greenolive]

Thank you all for the replies! You don't even know how much it means to me to get some responses and helpful feedback. This is very helpful!

[greenolive]

I passed the CPA exam!!! Sooo happy!! Hopefully this will help a little!!

[fxbinbin]

Congrats & good luck!!!

[ultrarunner]

Congratulations to @greenolive for passing the CPA exams. Like everyone said here, the recruiting season is in full swing now. Meet the Firm events are happening in schools and CPA society right now. Also, please do not forget to send “thank you” note after meeting recruiters or professionals. It is all about the connection. Good luck!

FAR 72,67,79 (Roger+Wiley test bank)11/15
AUD 80 (Roger)10/15
BEC 80 (Roger)4/16
REG 63,78 (Roger+Ninja MCQs)5/16

[LawGuy]

Get in touch with a recruiter on LinkedIn and message him or her directly. That is definitely the best way to do it. Don't apply through online applications if you can avoid it–often nobody actually sees those. A recruiter can put your resume in front of the right people. If you have good credentials from a school they recruit from, I bet you will generate a fair amount of interest.

[Author]

Replies