[reid2866]

A couple of days ago I took my last final and I am finished with College. I am earning a B.S. degree in Accounting. In 2001, I earned a B.S. degree in Computer Information Systems but I was never able to use it.

I turn 28 next month. I am overwhelmed with student loans and credit cards. I am currently paying rent with credit cards. I am under a lot of pressure because living at home is no longer an option. I have only held low level jobs for short periods of time. The most money I have made in one year is $8,000. My social anxiety, low confidence, and low self-esteem are holding me back.

On the positive side, I earned really good grades all during college. I have an interview with Account Temps this coming Monday and I am scared to death. I don't know what I will do if I can't get a job.

Anyone have experience with temp agencies? Anyone have experience in the accounting industry or ever went to a place like Account Temps? Anyone have any advice?

In past interviews, my biggest mistake was letting my anxiety, lack of confidence, and lack of direction show through during the interview.

I know that I don't want to pursue public accounting positions such as an auditor. That seems like a horrible job for someone with SA. Auditing involves clients, traveling to new locations, and interviewing people to try and catch their mistakes. I think I was attracted to accounting because I would rather be a staff accountant and sit at my desk everyday and just do my work. I would rather do private accounting and not deal with clients and people so much.

Reid

 

[millenniumman75]

Reid2866,

Like the name! I am sorry to hear that you are having difficulty. I have a B.S. in Computer Science myself and it has been a rough six years. Half of it was spent unemployed (two years straight after being a contractor for two years). I can sympathize with the pain of looking for a job.

The people you work with are just that, people. They are there to do a job, so that doesn't mean you have to do anything outside of work. They have the same fears and insecurities as any one else you come across.

I was a contractor for two years before I was laid off, so I do know a little bt about temp agencies. They will probably get your background, skill set, and other resume type stuff and then find a job that matches your qualifications (if they don't have one already). From there, you might get an interview with a company you will be temping for.

All the best on your interviews (Please keep us posted!),

 

[reid2866]

Volunteer / temp agencies

Well, I have interviewed with several temp agencies and still do not have a job. Recently one recruiter grilled me over the phone about my lack of experience and job hopping because she didn't like what she saw on my resume. Since then, I have ignored some recruiters who have called me. I handed out a bunch of resumes at a job fair. Unfortunately, I don't even want to answer the phone right now.

On the bright side, I decided to try and see if I could find a volunteer experience involving the area in which I earned my degree, Accounting. I used that website volunteermatch.org and found a non-profit organization that was looking for volunteers in their accounting department. I made an appointment next week and I am hoping this is a way I can gain experience and confidence.

Actually, the whole thing is kind of ironic. I looked up the non-profit organization and the company specializes in vocational rehab for those with mental illnesses. And I also have a case open with the state for vocational rehab. I could probably be upfront about my situation and get a referral to work with them as a client as well as just volunteering. I need to try and do anything that will build up my confidence and self-esteem.

If I don't fix this problem, my life is in serious trouble.

Reid