Job search suggestions aimed at small/midsized business in middle Tennessee? (Murfreesboro: sale, cost)

[Wartrace]

Hi,
I am growing frustrated with my job search efforts and wonder if anyone has any suggestions that I haven't tried yet? As background; I am a mid life career changer who just completed a fresh B.S. degree in managerial accounting and have developed additional skills.

While I feel I am qualified for "corporate" accounting it is unrealistic to believe I will be hired for an entry level position at my age. I am not complaining about it, I am just accepting reality. I feel my best opportunity is probably with smaller to midsized business.

My problem is this; Where do small and midsized companies post jobs/look at resumes? I have tried Craigslist and it has produced some responses but all the other job boards are geared towards corporate type jobs. Careerbuilder,Monster, Simplyhired,Beyond, ect... all seem to be concentrate on corporate jobs.

Going through temporary agencies/placement services doesn't seem to be paying off. I feel the reason is that they are merely "screens" for employers and if you do not fit the exact specifications for what the employer asked for you are not considered.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to connect with these smaller/midsized businesses?

[septimus]

Are you on linked?

You will find the most success networking

[Wartrace]

Originally Posted by septimus

Are you on linked?

You will find the most success networking

Yes, I am on linkedin but I haven't been using it like I should for job searches/networking, I have been using it more for learning through the specialized groups. Thank you for reminding me !

I have been so busy building on my skills that I overlooked that.

[BirdieBelle]

Linked In is a great idea. Also joining your local Chamber of Commerce should get you on the invite list of luncheons and other meetings where you can meet people. The Tullahoma Chamber has a $60 individual membership, and the Chamber tends to be where small business owners and more local companies network. If you can get to know someone face-to-face by working on a Chamber committee or attending meetings, they might hire you to do a consulting or short-term job that could lead to full-time employment.

[pthebusdriver]

You say you are a mid-life career changer. Have you incorporated all your accomplishments into your resume? You have had another career, therefore you more than likely possess knowledge and experience that can be useful in your new career aspirations. Have you thought about entering the Accounting field in a specialty; i.e. A/P or A/R clerk or in a human resources office handling payroll benefits? You might also try state or federal government employment. Don't get too frustrated. Career changes are difficult and the key to your success is going to be your ability to sell your skills, knowledge and abilities. The current state of the US economy is not in good shape and when this occurs, it becomes an employer's market.

[Wartrace]

Originally Posted by pthebusdriver

You say you are a mid-life career changer. Have you incorporated all your accomplishments into your resume? You have had another career, therefore you more than likely possess knowledge and experience that can be useful in your new career aspirations. Have you thought about entering the Accounting field in a specialty; i.e. A/P or A/R clerk or in a human resources office handling payroll benefits? You might also try state or federal government employment. Don't get too frustrated. Career changes are difficult and the key to your success is going to be your ability to sell your skills, knowledge and abilities. The current state of the US economy is not in good shape and when this occurs, it becomes an employer's market.

I have concentrated in QuickBooks accounting, specifically I have pro advisor certification in all QuickBooks programs (2010,2011 and soon 2012), QuickBooks Enterprise solutions pro advisor certification and QB's Point of Sale certification. I also have advanced managerial accounting skills (CMA certification track) and software skills including advanced excel, SAP Crystal reports and using the ODBC interface to use Crystal with QuickBooks data or export into Pivots for data analysis. I am also involved with third party software integration with QuickBooks (have a lot of knowledge in the area).

What I want to do is use my QuickBooks knowledge and managerial accounting skills in the smaller to midsized market that uses QuickBooks systems. I have some experience setting up new companies in QuickBooks and a bit more experience troubleshooting quickbooks accounting errors. (I have been doing contract work while I am searching for employment)

I know I have some valuable skills for the right employer but it is FINDING that employer that is a problem. While I enjoy doing the contract work it is limited in scope and I don't get the opportunity to use all my skills. What I have been working towards is developing QuickBooks financial accounting expertise with the ability to USE the data in a QuickBooks file to improve business operations (profitability, efficiency and management information)

It's kind of funny that I have applied through Randstad (the temp service) and get no reply. They are looking for people with "two years experience". Guess what? The majority of my contract troubleshooting work has been CLEANING UP THE MESS made by "experienced" users. The people at Randstad don't seem to understand what is involved in becoming certified as a pro advisor. They think data input for two years is better? Two years of doing it wrong is still wrong. I need to by-pass these placement services and contact the business decision makers directly and let THEM decide if I can help their business.

Sorry for the rant......

[BirdieBelle]

What kind of work did you do before your career change?

Also, I think you may be artificially limiting yourself with your approach. You say you may not get an entry-level position at a corporation, but that may be your best hope. My husband has always owned and or run small- to mid-sized companies, and really there is no "entry level" at a small company. Since it is smaller, they want to get the most out of every position, so you so have to be chief cook and bottle washer, so to speak. Whereas, at a large company, they aren't necessarily going to rule you out because you're older. Their positions will be more limited and more strictly defined to match the skills you have.

In my experience, Craigslist is not the place to look around here for professional positions. And bosses aren't sitting around scanning Linked In or Simply Hired. But intensive networking definitely is the way to go if you so want to get to know decision-makers at smaller companies. Community memberships, professional organizations etc. In accounting, in my opinion, I do think contract work is the best way to get a foot in the door and prove yourself. It does take a while, but it gives you a chance to get inside and sell yourself.

[Wartrace]

Originally Posted by Wmsn4Life

What kind of work did you do before your career change?

I was in manufacturing/quality assurance at a major tire manufacturer. My previous experience in manufacturing influenced my decision to get the managerial accounting degree. I have a good understanding of the manufacturing process and it really helped me in my cost accounting coursework having been involved in it for so long.

My thoughts on it in relation to a QuickBooks environment is that some businesses using the larger QuickBooks enterprise edition in a light manufacturing operation might have the need for an accountant that has expertise in the accounting system along with managerial/cost accounting capability. Of course I could also see myself involved in a multi store retail environment given my skills in Point of sale and the inventory and costing skills that are part of managerial accounting.

[nALgirl]

In your cover letter: do you focus on your specialties?
I have concentrated in QuickBooks accounting, specifically I have pro advisor certification in all QuickBooks programs (2010,2011 and soon 2012), QuickBooks Enterprise solutions pro advisor certification and QB's Point of Sale certification. I also have advanced managerial accounting skills (CMA certification track) and software skills including advanced excel, SAP Crystal reports and using the ODBC interface to use Crystal with QuickBooks data or export into Pivots for data analysis. I am also involved with third party software integration with QuickBooks (have a lot of knowledge in the area).

Or your contract work experience?
I have some experience setting up new companies in QuickBooks and a bit more experience troubleshooting quickbooks accounting errors. (I have been doing contract work while I am searching for employment)

When reading cover letters/resumes I look for what sets one applicant apart from all the others.
I think it is important to network. The chamber of commerce suggestion was great. At one time Murfreesboro had a networking night. Check their website.
Good luck!!