Getting into the workforce as an older person with degree but no work experience

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have advice for a 50 year old male with a degree in finance/accounting but no work experience for the past 14 years. He is willing to start with an entry level position- but not sure how to get that first job. Any advice?

[Anonymous]

Tricky. He should apply widely to roles for which he is qualified, but have some compelling explanation for the employment gap. That period of time will need to be accounted for on his resume, and in any cover communication which accompanies it. The best chances of success may be through personal connections and referrals, so take advantage of those as much as possible; with someone paving the way, the employment gap may not cause an immediate rejection. Additionally, it may be helpful, and may be necessary, to be able to claim (and actually have) familiarity and competence with current software tools used in the kinds of roles being applied for. A lack of recent experience might otherwise be assumed to be disqualifying if such skills are likely needed for the roles.

[Anonymous]

He should contact his alma mater for help. College career centers will typically be willing to have a meeting with an alum who needs help kicking off a job search. At least they should be willing to review his resume.

[Anonymous]

Since he majored in Accounting, try Accountemps.

[Anonymous]

What is his reason for not having worked for 14 years? Is he up to date on recent rulings in the accounting world?

[Anonymous]

HR Block

[Anonymous]

This is like a SAH mom going back to work. Talk to your friends, manage expectations, be a hard worker. This person will be competing for 2o year olds to answer the phone at an office. It will be tough but doable.

[Anonymous]

One of the hardest issues to overcome is having a professional reference. If he doesn’t have that, it will be much harder.

[Anonymous]

Get started with HRBlock. They hire anyone and will train.

He can move around after that.

[Anonymous]

Tell him to register for the CPA and pass one section. It can take s month. An accounting firm will hire him.

There is a shortage of accountants. He will start low but can get to 100k in 5 years.

[Anonymous]

Tell him to apply to temp agencies. If he was an accounting major, I’m sure he can do a/p and a/r. Those are basic entry level jobs and pay $20-$30/hour. They also need lots of tax help this time of year. Try accountemps.

[Anonymous]

I have a large gap on my resume too.. it is frustrating because even interviewing for jobs that you're overqualified for, they will ghost/hang up on you when they realize how big the gap is.

[Anonymous]

HR BLOCK

they will hire anyone

Try them out please

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a large gap on my resume too.. it is frustrating because even interviewing for jobs that you're overqualified for, they will ghost/hang up on you when they realize how big the gap is.

You have to confront the employment gap, and develop a pitch which explains why you're nonetheless qualified and competitive even without recent relevant experience. Put yourself in the position of an employer who has candidates without employment gaps, and imagine how to sell yourself alongside those applicants - what do you bring to the table that they do not? Work ethic, adaptability, flexibility, commitment, drive, enthusiasm, interpersonal skills? Highlight the strengths you do have, while pointing out you have the same technical skills in addition to well-develoiped and valuiabvle "soft" skills which other applicants may fail to emphasize.

[Anonymous]

I think--this is my advice for a SAHM too--that any sort of work even parttime or freelance will help erase some of the questions about the person's seriousness about rejoining the workforce. Temping is a good idea.