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AMAhmed said:
on November 14, 2009 06:26 PM ET
In order to spend more time with my family I recently returned to the US full-time. I worked in the Middle East my entire career. However my education and credentials are all US (CPA, CFE and CIA). Maintaining my memberships in the various accounting societies has become expensive and actually have not had any benefits. And I have found it quite unprofessional when the societies write me wanting me to refer a friend. Living in the Detroit area has also not presented any opportunities. I have had my resume professionally done I have talked to recruiters I have applied everywhere. Sometimes I am not sure if its my accent or my age.I am open to any and all ideas in order to be employed again. |
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Check out job expert Robin Ryan's excellent new book, "Over 40 & You're Hired!" at www.robinryan.com. Her blog "The Voice of The Unemployed" on the site is a must read -- be sure to sign the petition to congress!
geo96
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edited on November 20, 2009 11:05 AM ET
Hello,
You're not alone in your challenges with finding work - and Detroit is a very tough job market.
If you're current resume isn't generating interest from employers, maybe it's time to try a different approach. Checkout the job tips fact sheet on resume writing at www.aarp.org/jobtips. You can also look into networking resources that don't require membership fees. School alumni associations, local community organizations, religious affiliations, area community colleges, and public libraries are good networking hubs. LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) is a free, online community for professional networking that allows persons to connect with others in their field of work.
To find information on potential employers in your area, checkout these websites on the Internet: Career Infonet (see their Employer Locator), The Riley Guide and the AARP National Employer Team (www.aarp.orp/employerteam). The website WiserWorker (www.wiserworker.com) offers helpful information for mature job seekers and the Wall Street Journal's online Career Journal (www.careerjournal.com) provides job postings, virtual job fairs, and job hunting tips.
Your connecting with others (family and community members, recruiters, business associations, etc.) is great and one of the most important things you can do. You never know what doors others can help open for you.
Best of luck,
Marci
The November 2009 issue of Money Magazine shows job growth down 4.2%. It is highly likely that your situation is more likely being effected by the decrease in job growth. This trend is forecasted to continue for some time. What is inspiring is the fact that 60% of the global economy is now driven by micro-entrepreneurs.
Money Magazine also recommends that one of the best strategies you can use to improve your income is to pay for coaching. Business coaches can help you see possibilities beyond just getting a job. The Global Coaching Network offers coaching specific for this new and emerging economy. They assist many people in designing small projects that move money to supplement job income or to help many jobless transistion into the micro-entrepreneur economy.
Coaching can be expensive. To see if this is something that would assist you The Global Coaching Network offers free internet TV classes. To receive the maximum benefit from what they have to offer you will need to watch these shows with an open mind and to watch more than one or two shows. They are offering solutions and possibilities to people of action, those who are ready to take more pleasure in their financial responsibility.
I don't get a clear picture of the kind of job you are looking for. I assume it is in the field of accounting. But what aspect of it?. With all your experience you undoubtedly have developed many skills which should help an organization to be successful. You need to spell out those specific skills (not job titles) and target more specifically your job goal, then do some cold calling to organizations you know need those skills and sell yourself as to how you would be an asset for their organization. For further tips including writing a resume see my book, "Thinking About Retirement? Think Again: Goal Exploration and Employment Strategies for Midlife and Beyond" by Barbara B. HIldner, available at Amazon, Borders and Barnes and Noble.
edited on November 14, 2009 09:37 PM ET
I do not think your accent has anything to do with your not finding a job. Your age, maybe, although they will never admit to age discrimination. Unfortunately, as the other poster said, you will have to open up to anything and everything. I have cut my asking salary to less than half what I was making, and I can't even get an interview. I think the current statistics right now are 6.5 applicants per opening.
As soon as they see the year graduated, thats that. The advice was to leave dates off, but if you fill out an application online, it will not let you continue until you use those dates.
Good luck, and if you get any ideas, please post back.
I understand how hard it can be to find work in your chosen field. I had to take a call center job to gain any employment. I have been retraining as a Medical Front Office worker. I suggest you lean on your language background, and broaden your acceptable jobs and you may find something you never thought of. Good Luck
