[Anonymous]

Hi, I was let go right after tax season. Sucks!

I’ve been looking for other jobs for 3 weeks now, no success so far. I am a CPA, 2+ yrs. of experience… Number of phone interviews, couple in-person ones, but I see that the fact that I was let go just bothers everyone and by how the interviews go I see that I won’t get any offers.

Can anyone give me an example of how to explain the reason why you were laid off? I say “downsizing” or “reduction of workforce”, and I say that I was let go because the amount of work I was doing decreased and I was not transferred to some other department because they already hired their interns from prior year and for the next year too, which is true! But people are just not buying it.

Any piece of advice is greatly appreciated!

[Andyred04]

I would accompany “downsizing” with something along the lines of “…and I was lowest in the office in terms of seniority”.

FAR: 80 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
REG: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
BEC: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
AUD: 8/27/16

PA Candidate

[Anonymous]

That's a good line, Andyred04. Thanks!

[Missy]

What makes you say people aren't buying it? I realize when you're between jobs 3 weeks seems like forever, but on their side they may collect resumes for a month or more before they even start reaching out to candidates.

I think there's almost an expectation that some firms overstaff for tax season and can't keep everybody afterward, by the same token if you're applying to other firms for tax jobs they may just not have openings coming down off busy season.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Anonymous]

mla11692, I was in financial accounting role at the firm, i.e. preparing financial statements for clients. I am applying for regular accounting, month-end/year-end close roles. I agree, it takes long, but I already ran our of jobs to apply for. I looked for jobs before and that was not my first job, but my current job search is the worst! I haven't seen so little advertisings before and now every employer who invites me for an interview asks me take aptitude tests. Some of them are just ridiculous, like, to tell which line is shorter/longer or solve some puzzle. I just don't see how solving puzzles makes you a better accountant. My point is that the economy got worse, there are less jobs and the employers got more picky and try to weed out candidates by means of stupid tests.

[Anonymous]

Does anybody else know any good phrases or the way to present yourself during the interview if you are unemployed?

[Tncincy]

It's unfortunate that you are unemployed, and the reason is tax season is over, and the other reason is money. Yes, the economy is slow so please don't take it personal. I takes time to find a job, but in the mean time look in unusual places like the bank, or your city hall, or local college…..Somewhere a help wanted sign might not appear. Professional agencies like Robert Half ( I know every one is probably screaming, What!), but you just trying to get a job not recreate the accounting profession..
The way you present yourself is honestly, not desperate. The employer know you are unemployed, but just tell them honestly, tax season is over, you anticipated staying longer, but it's unfortunate that you were the last hired., so you were the first to go. And then, talk about your skills and experiences as an accountant. Also make sure you are not over qualified. There is a such thing, I tried several positions (since tax season is over) trying to make ends meet for the rest of the year until I can build up bookkeeping clients, I have not passed the exam yet, but I am over qualified educationally or simply not licensed. Long story short keep looking, and don't take it personal. It's not you, it's everybody that need somebody with no money to work with. :-/ It's what the employers currently need….Oh, don't let me get started on the health insurance cost …..Well, good luck, keep looking.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Missy]

I think reduction in force is perfect, less said the better, IMHO.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Author]

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