Finding Work

[Michael56J]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the best way to get work?<BR><BR>I can't decide whether to register with an agency, who like a minimum of 6 months' experience, look for a permanent job, or go self-employed.<BR><BR>Any suggestions from your experience would be useful.<BR><BR>Thanks<BR>

[Bowlingbazza]

If you have got little or no experience surely self employment is not an option?

[Michael56J]

That's what's so strange. When I applied to an agency a few months back, they told me I needed experience and suggested I get it through self-employment!<BR><BR> It's a strange situation that you can't get the qualification without experience, but you can't get experience without the qualification. And, despite making it obvious that you are trying to improve your work skills by taking the AAT course, no one seems interested in that. I can appreciate that they want a minimum of knowledge, but isn't that what study is supposed to provide?

[notanumber]

Hi Michael,<BR>sounds like you're in a bit of a complicated situation and that you're getting conflicting advice! My best guess is give the AAT a call direct, and ask them about it. I spoke to their self-emplyment team a few months ago for some advice and they were very helpful. I think they call it being a &quot;member in practice&quot; now though if that helps you get through to the right person straight off.<BR>NaN

[Michael56J]

That's the problem No. 6! (sorry) NaN. The AAT will only accept qualified members as Members in Practice.<BR><BR>My real gripe, though, is that you have to have experience to be qualified, but you can't get qualified without experience.<BR><BR>Actually, all I was looking for, here, was whether other members found it best to go to an agency, go self-employed, or get a permanent job. I found that, with the confidence that the course inspires, even half way through Intermediate, I was able to get self-employed work. I found that speaking with my client's accountant helped me through the difficulties. After all, the accountant I spoke to was probably at the same stage of the course as I am! In fact, one of his colleagues from a different office is in my college class. But I just wanted some suggestions on how to find work with limited experience.<BR><BR>Having said all that, thanks for the suggsetion. I'll try phoning them. I may get a different reaction.<BR><BR>Michael<BR>

[SHEELAGH]

You could try getting some long term acounts related temp work through an agency, Try one of the accounts specialists such as Reed or Accounantcy Personnel. You obviously have an aptitude for figures, which is all you really need to make a start in sales or purchase ledger. This will give you some experience in accounts related work for you to build on. I started in sales ledger/ credit control, then took an RSA bookkeeping course. This immediately gave me the edge on other temps and a sixeable pay rise. I have since completed AAT and now work as a self employed bookkeeper doing books, VAT payroll and any other bits and peices the client wants eg cash flow, budgeting etc. If you have done foundation AAT you will have covered some bookkeeping, but you really need to be quite confident in the workings of double entry, sales and purchase ledger to take on self employed work with confidence. Remeber that you clients will expect you to have in-depth knowedge, including what to do when things go wrong, or if the client doesn't think your figures are correct.<BR>In summary, get some experience before you throw yourself in at the deep end.

[Michael56J]

Good advice. Thanks, Mary.

[Gremlin]

You are not the only one strugling out there Michel. Although i am going through the tec stage, self empoyment does'nt look un option, and yet because lack of experience im being brushed off for every job that i apply.
Looks like no win situation