Would you hire me???

Mooselover · #1 02/19/10, 01:00 AM

i worked with my Ex for 9 yrs as his bookkeeper. i left him 5 months ago. i would like to get a job doing bookkeeping but i don't know how to present this info on a resume or job application. i lived with him and was not financially compensated other than a place to live. i'm good at what i do and i did have a paid part time job for 5 years doing bookkeeping.

my question is...how do i put this on a resume/application and would an employer just pass my app over for someone else? i have no degree in this field but i do have extensive experience.

all ideas are welcome and moose-thanks.

rambler · #2 02/19/10, 01:15 AM

Could it be looked at as a family business, I'd think you could list it as a job, point out the skills you used & responsibilities you had for those 9 years. The compensation is besides the point, if you did this in a businesslike manner. Your resume would be styled more showcasing your skills and responsibilities, rather than a list of jobs you've had. Emphisize the work you did, and not the employers. Heck 9 years at the last job and benifits were low, I'd think you are a loyal worker!

Jobs are tough these days, who knows what the boss is looking for. They have a few more to pick from right now than in the past, so a person has to keep trying a few extra times and not take it personally if someone else gets picked.

I've been self employed all my life, and not hired anyone, so I'm a poor one to be offering you advice!

But I would think you could use this experience in a positive light on a resume.

Good luck.

--->Paul

Reptyle · #3 02/19/10, 04:08 AM

Temp agency to get other experience under your belt?

Micheal · #4 02/19/10, 07:34 AM

If you used a "spreadsheet" type program for bookkeeping, then highlight that - familiar with xyz program......... I would think that most employers, large or small, would use some computer bookkeeping program or other these days and like to hire someone they wouldn't have to train.

MN Gardener · #5 02/19/10, 07:51 AM

Do a functional resume' - it lists you skills first and your work history last. Was this your ex-spouse? If so, technically you owned part of the business. Just put that you sold your interest. If there is a workforce center close to you ask them, they are really helpful with these types of things. I also would go to a temp agency to get some experience and get your foot in the door. Sometimes temp agencies will get you into a company and once they realize how much you know the might hire you even if you don't have "formal" schooling. just a thought

Jenn · #6 02/19/10, 09:59 AM

2000-2009 bookkeeper for (name of ex's business), a (type of business)

ex: Feb 2000 - Nov 2009 Sole bookkeeper for family business Smith's Plumbing and Electrical with annual gross of $120,000

or do folks think she should leave out family business?

Even if post is unpaid it isn't really; the schedule C income for the business truly belonged to both husband and wife since both worked in the business. (Shares of that income- discuss with divorce lawyer)

blooba · #7 02/19/10, 10:11 AM

Yea, i wouldn't put down it was a family business

cfabe · #8 02/19/10, 10:38 AM

I would just list the name of the business that he ran and your position and job responsibilities. You don't need to discuss past compensation with a future employer.

Linebacker · #9 02/19/10, 01:41 PM

Customize you resume to individual job openings. I know it's more work, but trying to build a cover all jobs type resume will be difficult. If you can address XYZ's position wants with your experience, you will be looked at longer than another applicant with just the degree.

Brad

mike3367 · #10 02/19/10, 02:38 PM

i would suggest you try like the h&r block tax's places or other like that, you might have better luck using your skills that way. plus i know h&r block has classes to train ya to do thing there way

kritter8888 · #11 02/19/10, 08:47 PM

Where I work I do alot of the hiring. The couple things that I would say is first and foremost if the place requires an application fill it out COMPLETELY! you don't understand how many people do not fill out the entire application. If you have not had the required 3 jobs put down referances something is better then nothing. Second when you drop off the app. make sure that you present yourself appropriatly, dress, no kids, no friends, ect.. I tell you if somebody met those two criteria it would be worth an interview at least for me. I guess it really depends on where you live but around here its really hard to find help. Best of luck!

Big Dave · #12 02/20/10, 08:38 AM

Go to your county extention agent and ask for a form. They have them at ours.They tell you how to look for work how to fill out the app and how to look at the interview.

tab · #13 02/20/10, 05:49 PM

The state labor dept can be a good resource. Look up resumes online and you will find all sorts of info. Go to your state, KEEP CHECKING, and see what Civil Service tests are being offered.
Best of wishes to you. I spent fifteen years doing bookwork in our family business as well as keeping at least one other job. You can bet it is on my resume. Family businesses are NOT easy and it is real work! Don't short change yourself!

texican · #14 02/20/10, 08:55 PM

IF you can do all of the high tech computer bookkeeping, that's all that should matter. Getting your foot in the door is going to be the problem.

IF you can find someone needing a bookkeeper, volunteer your services for a week, to show them you can do it... and while there, do more than is required.

Not to be snarky, but do they still call the profession that we use to call "bookkeeping", bookkeeping... or is it now called some fancier high tech position???

NW Rancher · #15 02/20/10, 10:05 PM

Do you know any self-employed folks? You might just start up your own business without all that much difficulty, as your skills are well in demand by small business owners. If you could start with a few small businesses and do well by them you might soon find yourself in business, I would imagine. I have been self employed for almost 20 years and have continually made the excuse that I am too busy to find a bookkeeper, but if one crossed my path I would probably kiss their feet at this point. I know a few others in my shoes who would do the same. This seems like a great place to start networking as small market sellers and beginning farmers need all the help they can get in this area since there is so much to do besides worrying about paperwork. Good luck to you!

Old Vet · #16 02/21/10, 01:13 AM

My wife got her foot in the door by working for a CPA. This time of the year they are always looking for people to do the work so all they have to do is check it.

FarmersDaughter · #17 02/21/10, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NW Rancher

Do you know any self-employed folks? You might just start up your own business without all that much difficulty, as your skills are well in demand by small business owners. If you could start with a few small businesses and do well by them you might soon find yourself in business, I would imagine. I have been self employed for almost 20 years and have continually made the excuse that I am too busy to find a bookkeeper, but if one crossed my path I would probably kiss their feet at this point. I know a few others in my shoes who would do the same. This seems like a great place to start networking as small market sellers and beginning farmers need all the help they can get in this area since there is so much to do besides worrying about paperwork. Good luck to you!

I agree with this. There are several small businesses in our area that utilize bookkeepers that work from home. They don't have enough work that requires hiring a full-time person, but need the bookkeeping done. These bookkeepers work for a few different businesses, which adds up to a full time workload.

If you go this route, develop a nice cover letter to send out with your resume that names your service...something like "Jane Doe's Bookkeeping Service." Stress your years of experience and the skills you have. State that you would be interested in meeting with them to discuss how your services can benefit their company.

As for your resume, here's how I'd structure it (make it very professional looking...you can find samples online):

Jane Doe
Address
Phone
E-mail address

Qualifications:
-- 15 years (or however many years you have total) bookkeeping experience
-- Proficient with the use of Excel, Lotus, etc. (whatever spreadsheet programs, bookkeeping and other software you are skilled at using)
-- Strong work-ethic, detail oriented, well-organized (whatever your strengths are)

Employment:
2000-2009
XYZ Company (your ex's company name)
Bookkeeper
Responsible for ..... (list your main duties, accomplishments, size of the business, gross income for the business, etc.)

1995-2000 (or whatever years your part time work happened in)
ABC Company
Bookkeeper
Responsible for...

Education:
If you've had any education related to bookkeeping or taken training courses, etc. If not, leave this off.

Best wishes to you.

Hollie

luvrulz · #18 02/21/10, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike3367

i would suggest you try like the h&r block tax's places or other like that, you might have better luck using your skills that way. plus i know h&r block has classes to train ya to do thing there way

I've checked it out - the classes are very expensive and then you're required to work for them....

luvrulz · #19 02/21/10, 10:01 AM

Google sample resumes and work your info into it. That's what I did initially and have kept it up to date as I've worked through the years... I have included references in mine to and also listed a 2 yr period where hubby and I were building our home and setting up our farmstead. Prospective employers want to know where you were for those gaps of time.

Candace · #20 02/21/10, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NW Rancher

Do you know any self-employed folks? You might just start up your own business without all that much difficulty, as your skills are well in demand by small business owners. If you could start with a few small businesses and do well by them you might soon find yourself in business

I agree with this also. I think I would look into being bonded or something like that for some protection - maybe talking to a lawyer for a few minutes to see what they would recommend to have as a small business yourself. Our extension office often has free programs for this too. If you could market yourself at a reasonable price to some local small businesses, you could perhaps control your work AND if you had a few clients over a couple of years, if you wanted to go work for someone else, you would have all that experience and references. You might call a few places and say you have a family business with a certain income and see what the going rate is and price yourself under the competition.