Reroute your career before hitting a breaking point

By Carol Kleiman

From 1995 to 1998, when Mary Lou Quinlan was chief executive officer of a major advertising agency, she used to dream about breaking a leg. Today Quinlan, 51, is founder and CEO of Just Ask a Woman, a New York-based marketing consulting firm — and she’s not a masochist:

She simply used to fantasize about a way to get a break from the “cutthroat” ad world and her demanding job.

“My work schedule had gotten out of control and I didn’t have a life,” said Quinlan, who supervised a staff of 400 people and earned in the six figures. “I was working 15 hours days and traveling a lot — I even took off my heels and ran barefoot through an airport to make a flight — and I was overwhelmed. I was a human FedEx package.

“Dreaming of breaking a leg was really my way of trying to think of something temporary that I could survive and that would give me a few weeks away from work. After 23 years, I was exhausted.”

And she’s not alone. “According to my research, almost seven in 10 people who make $40,000 or more a year fantasize about taking at least several months off, and one in five 35- to 40-year-olds fantasize about it daily,” said Quinlan, who has an MBA and who has also worked in public relations and in fund raising. She quotes this statistic in her new book, “Time Off for Good Behavior: How Hardworking Women Can Take a Break and Change Their Lives” (Broadway Books).

In 1998, Quinlan, who is married to Joe Quinlan, an independent television new producer, asked for five weeks off to focus on herself. “I combined my vacation and time due me, so it was paid leave,” she said. “I fully expected to return to work.”

The weeks of time she claimed for herself were better than healing from a broken leg: “I lived my life for the first time,” said Quinlan, “I took walks in my neighborhood, I met friends for lunch, I took salsa lessons, I kept a journal — and the big thing was that I was relaxed and thought about my life for the first time. Did I have a life? No, I worked.”

She soon realized she wanted to do research and create strategies for companies that wanted to build their business with female customers. She also wanted to write and give talks and be in control of her life.

“I went back to work and quit the first day,” Quinlan said. “I couldn’t get back to that life after I once had seen the other side of the fence. It opened my eyes to what life can be.”

Fortunately, the agency’s holding company liked her idea and provided funding for Just Ask a Woman, which she started in 1999 and bought in 2002. The marketing firm has three employees and, she says, “is very profitable.” She works normal hours and has reduced her travel.

Because she at first remained under the aegis of her employer, Quinlan’s leaving her job was not a financial hardship and her benefits were maintained. But she does has specific advice for others who must take a break before they break.

“Don’t do it just on the spur of the moment,” the executive advised. “Plan ahead. Figure out how much time you’ll need. Make a financial plan, an escape hatch to bide you over in case your leave is unpaid. Get support from friends and family who might pitch in on child care, if you need it, and give you space and time to get a rest for the first time in your life.”

Then, negotiate with your boss for what you need, she adds. “Suggest how work might be covered in your absence. Discuss your plans to return to work — and assure them you will. If you’re really miserable you should just quit. Don’t lie.”

And use your time off wisely, as she did. “Reflect,” Quinlan urged. “Start to draw some boundaries at work so that you have time for yourself, too.” The executive believes it is possible to reduce stress by setting a new schedule at work.

But first you need the time to do it: “Don’t break a leg when you’re at that serious breaking point,” Quinlan said. “Do something about your situation. It’s scary to take the risk of a leave of absence, but the alternative is worse.”

Do You Enjoy What You Do?

For way too many of us, the answer is no. Work can be hectic and stressful. Often, our careers just are not going anywhere. We need something to get them going again. The Professional Bookkeeper program gives you hands-on training in the full range of Accounting and Bookkeeping skills needed to succeed.

Learn How the Professional Bookkeeper Program Can Get Your Career Back On Track

Stay-at-Home Accounting and Tax Preparation? You Bet!

Victoria Richardson started her business in January of 2004, and has seen incredibly rapid growth and profit ever since. She only spent the first 6 weeks marketing. Since then, she has had all the clients she can handle. In fact, she tells us that she has had to cut down to “only” 18 clients so that she has the quality time that she wants to spend with her children. Victoria is a stay-at-home mom and Professional Bookkeeper.

USA Today notes that while there are no statistics on the number of work-at-home moms (WAHM), the National Association of Women Business Owners reports that there are more than 10 million female-owned businesses in the USA. Many of those are run by stay-at-home moms who manage their businesses and take care of their children from the comfort of their own homes.

Perhaps you’ve wanted to return home to raise your kids but have worried about losing that stable income. But there’s no need to worry. Accounting is a lucrative profession that can easily be done while taking care of your family. Just ask Victoria.

Victoria Richardson, AAHM (Accounting-at-Home Mom)

At the time Victoria started her own accounting business she had two young children: ages one and two months. She was having ethical conflicts with her employer and had reached a point where she wanted something different.

As she considered her options Victoria said:

. . . my list of wants and needs included: complete flexibility to be able to be with my children when they needed me, if they were sick, or something had come up where they needed to spend time with me. I needed to be making at least $60,000 a year. I needed to be able to have a lot of flexibility, and wanted to work an abbreviated work week. And what I found was that … there was nothing out there that was willing to give me that package. . . . I discovered that the only option that was available for me was to be able to start my own business.

The Professional Bookkeeper Program

But Victoria knew she needed more practical education. She had a bachelor’s degree in business, but didn’t feel she had the confidence to manage the accounts of multiple clients without hands-on training. So she decided to enroll in Universal Accounting Center’s Professional Bookkeeper (PB) Program; it would give her the flexibility she needed to finish the course quickly and at her own pace.

When she was close to completing the course, she decided to quit her full-time job and become an independent contractor. Her ex-employer became her first client, and within 6 weeks she had enough clients that she could stop marketing.

Victoria feels like she has the edge and doesn’t worry about competition.

I know what they want to hear. I know what’s going to make them feel comfortable, and I know what their concerns are. And the Universal Accounting Courses taught . . . a lot of it has to do with . . . it’s semantics . . . it’s the language that you present it in. When I talk to them about increasing their profitability, they listen. It makes sense to them. I can feel confident in helping them discover what problem areas they have, and what ways they can work through that, so it’s not a situation where I feel like, you know, anybody else is coming in and giving them that because, unfortunately, that’s what they’re looking for and they’re not finding it anywhere. I can come in and do it, and I can do it and save them money.

The PB Program not only teaches you practical, day-to-day accounting for the small business, but it also trains you on marketing your unique skill-set. It gives you the edge over the competition so that you can feel confident in your ability to provide a better service for your clients.

Adding Tax Preparation to the Mix

Ralph Barnes quit his job as an accountant for a radial tire chain 14 years ago. He performs regular accounting tasks for 20 clients and prepares, roughly, 150 tax returns every year. He’s as busy as he would like to be and enjoys a flexible schedule, spending leisurely time with his wife, adult children, and young grand children. What’s the benefit of adding tax services to your menu? Ralph says, “That’s where I make my living. I get 75% of my money from taxes.”

If you want to give your business the chance to truly excel, you’ll learn tax preparation and become the one-stop financial stop for all your clients. Everyone is required by law to file taxes; what an expansive base of potential clients!

Universal’s Professional Tax Preparer Certification can train you in the preparation of individual and business returns. And because their practical programs enable you to learn at your own pace, you can earn a professional designation in as much, or as little time as you feel is necessary.

In just a matter of months, you can be ready to launch your own accounting and tax practice. No longer need you feel confined to work a 9-to-5 job in order to pay the bills. You can enjoy the flexibility to raise your family, set your own schedule, and enjoy as much profitability as you wish.

For the next two weeks, Universal Accounting Center is offering this power package for one low price. The sooner you enroll the sooner you can enjoy the independence that comes from being your own boss. Take the initiative and Order Now!

References

“Job Opening? Work-at-Home Moms Fill the Bill” by Stephanie Armour, USA Today

Interest in Older Employees Rises as Seniors Confront the Need to Work

By Brad Foss — AP Business Writer

After her husband’s death, Doris Pease needed time to grieve and piece together her life as a widow.

She sold her house in Nevada, paid off her husband’s medical bills and bought a mobile home in Pocatello, Idaho, to be closer to her brother. Pease, now 68, dug into her hobbies — reading, gardening and embroidering — but after about six years the funds from the home sale, and her peace of mind, began to run out.

“I was getting so depressed sitting around the house that I needed to get back to work,” she said.

For many older Americans, retirement is not a viable option; many are postponing retirement, while others are going back into the work force, driven by personal or financial reasons.

The trend is evident in the number of older workers — the number of people 55 and above in the work force rose to 22.7 million in May, up from 22 million in 2003 and 20.7 million the year before that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The increase in older workers coincides with a shift in employers’ attitudes — while there has long been an aversion in corporate America to hiring seniors, who were deemed expensive or difficult to train, that view is changing somewhat at a time when the government is forecasting a significant labor shortage by the end of the decade.

The need to work can be explained in part by money problems — AARP estimates that 1 in 10 Americans age 65 and over lives below the poverty level, explaining at least part of the phenomenon. Though most seniors aren’t technically poor, many nonetheless struggle to make ends meet because of limited savings, expensive medications to buy or the loss of a spouse.

Others find employment critical to their mental well-being — contrary to how they expected to feel in their golden years.

“The money helps, don’t get me wrong, but that wasn’t the ultimate goal,” said Ray Clark, 68, of Springfield, Mass., who took a part-time job at the Basketball Hall of Fame because he found retirement boring.

Clark, who spent much of his life as a machine operator for a company that makes corrugated boxes, said he would stick with his current gig — a minimum wage job — “until I can no longer do it.”

While older workers are well-known for such commitment, there is also the perception among would-be employers that they require considerable training, particularly in the area of technology, according to labor experts.

That’s why organizations that advocate for the elderly sponsor job training and placement services through a federally funded program called Senior Community Service Employment.

It was through this program, authorized by the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funded by the Labor Department, that Pease landed a job at Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare, gaining experience in health care and general computing skills.

Today she is employed by the American Red Cross, where she works scheduling blood donations and organizing events in the field.

“Basically, I think they wanted somebody reliable that they could depend on,” Pease said.

That, it turns out, is what many U.S. employers are looking for these days and, to help find it, they’re turning more frequently to the growing pool of older workers, according to human resources executives and job-training specialists.

Home Depot Inc., CVS Corp., Anheuser-Busch Cos. and dozens of other major corporations have partnered with or contacted AARP, which recently started a program to identify job-seeking seniors and match them up with the right employers.

This effort came about because executives identified a dearth of younger workers, particularly in the areas of retail, health care and transportation, according to Jim Seith, national director of the AARP Foundation, a sponsor of the Senior Community Service Employment program.

Moreover, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there could be a 3 million-person shortfall in the labor force by 2010 — when the oldest boomers could conceivably begin retiring.

At Toys “R” Us Inc., executives are eager to bring more older workers for two key reasons, according to Jim Gorenc, director of staffing for the company in the United States.

The first is the aging of the U.S. population. Having older workers “opens up a channel for customers to be serviced by someone like them,” said Gorenc, noting that 10 percent of Toys “R” Us employees are currently 50 or older.

The other factor, Gorenc said, is that “there is a work ethic from a mature worker that is very strong,” and not as easy to find among younger generations.

Charlotte Lee, the director of Senior AIDES in Springfield, Mass., a municipal job placement program for older workers, said such private sector interest in the senior labor force couldn’t have come at a better time.

She said those seniors who most need to work face stiffer competition than ever before as retirees — stung by recent stock market losses — return to the workforce and many baby boomers make plans to work well into their 60s and 70s.

Billy Joe Brady, 60, of Norton, Va., never intended to leave the labor force. But he lost his job in 1998 when the local coal company moved out of town and the thought of hunting for a job for the first time in 25 years frightened him.

Instead, Brady collected $1,300-a-month disability checks for a couple of years, while his wife, Linda, went to work for a nearby Holiday Inn. “We were doing pretty good,” he said, referring to their financial needs.

But gradually Brady’s self-esteem began to deteriorate. “I kind of felt like I was sliding into nothingness and that didn’t sit well with me,” said Brady, who works at a non-profit organization that assists people with disabilities to live independently.

“It feels good to get up every morning to say, ‘Well, I have to go to work,”‘ Brady said. “I have a purpose every day. Not every day when I get up do I feel the best in the world, but I feel that if I get up and get started, that kind of goes away.”

Better Jobs = Better Retirement

It is a fact that one of the best perks of working in a successful career is a good retirement plan. Especially for companies that want to attract employees with more experience, a rewarding retirement plan remains one of the best hooks to get the most seasoned workers. However, many of the positions with the best retirement benefits are far from entry-level jobs. The more that an employer pays you, the more that they will match in 401k programs, so getting the top jobs really pays off when you retire.

The Professional Bookkeeper program will give you the practical skills to compete for Accounting and Bookkeeping jobs that may have passed you by in the past for lack of certifiable training. If you are one of countless workers that have concerns for their own retirement, the job security that the Professional Bookkeeping program will help you to secure will be of great value to you now and when you retire.

Learn How Professional Bookkeer Certification Is the Fastest Way to Advance Your Accounting or Bookkeeping Career

News Flash: Resume Length No Longer Set in Stone!

Once upon a time, the golden rule of resume length was one page: no more, no less. Recently Accountemps, a temporary staffing agency for accounting and financial professionals, reported on two national polls showing that not only is resume length increasing, but a large number of executives expect resume length to be longer than one page. In fact, of the 150 executives surveyed, 53% said they prefer to receive one-page resumes from those applying for staffing positions; 44% prefer two pages. Just ten years ago 73% of executives preferred one-page resumes; only 25% preferred two pages. The survey was conducted by an independent research firm and developed by Accountemps.

While this may appear to offer applicants more freedom in their resume writing, it really requires more thought and craft, because length should be determined by both the position you’re applying for and a combinations of your background and experience. Marnie McCown-Guard of Profile Career Services explains, “I have written one-and-half-page resumes for senior-level people with 20+ years of experience, and I have written a three-page resume for a recent college graduate.”

So how do you determine the length of your resume? Here are a few things to think about:

Consider the One-Page Resume if . . .

• You’re applying for an entry level position.
• You have less than 10 years experience.
• You’re changing careers, and past experience doesn’t apply to the position.
• You’ve only had a couple jobs with one employer.

Consider the Two-Page Resume if . . .

• You have more than 10 years experience.
• You’re applying for an executive-level position (the above survey showed more than 60% of executives, 10 years ago and presently, expect two-page resumes for executive-level positions).
• You’re applying for a position requiring technical skills and need the space to prove your expertise and experience.

Consider the Three-Page Resume if . . .

• You’re applying for an executive-level position and have a long history of crucial leadership roles and experience.
• You’re applying for an academic position and must include a list of all your publications and presentations (generally applicants are asked to submit a vita rather than a resume).

Accountemps offers more advice on resume writing, asking applicants to remember the following:

• List significant contributions you made to employers and how they impacted the bottom line.
• Include specialized certification or training you’ve received (for example, the Professional Bookkeeper Certification, the Professional Tax Preparer Certification, and/or the QuickBooks Specialist Designation).
• If possible, use the same terms included in the job posting.
• Detail software expertise.

Don’t:

• Write an autobiography. (Do: Keep personal information at a minimum, and avoid lists of hobbies, unless they apply to the position in some way.)
• Embellish your educational or job history. (Do: Be honest and accurate in everything you include on your resume.)
• Include a long list of your references’ names and addresses. (Do: Include a note that “references are available upon request.”)
• Include a lengthy objective. (Do: Be concise.)
• Use long, complete sentences. (Do: Use bulleted statements.)

Remember that employers often have stacks of resumes they thumb through in order to pick interview candidates. In order to stand out you should make sure that pertinent and strong points are easy to spot and close to the top. And don’t drone on simply because the one-page rule is out. Employers are still looking for applicants who know how to market their skills in a succinct way. Good luck and happy job hunting!

Relocation 101:

How To Relocate Before You Find Another Job (Part I of II)

So you’ve decided that you want to work somewhere else. You’re tired of the local rat race and want a change of venue, new scenery, a fresh start. This article is for those who know exactly where they want to live, but have yet to find a job there. What’s the best approach to take in order to get the job you want in the city you’ve chosen?

First thing’s first. If you’ve already chosen a location, you should calculate its cost of living. Sometimes people find themselves in a bind when they haven’t done the math, and they’re in a new city with a higher cost of living without the salary to sustain it. Determine the impact cost of living will have on your move long before you pack the UHaul.

Which Comes First, the Relocation or the Job Offer?
It’s no secret that finding work in a city where you live is much easier than finding work in a city miles away. It’s easier to schedule interviews, research companies, locate job prospects, and network. But it can be difficult to fund a job search in your dream city when you don’t have a job, and the average job search can take anywhere from 3 to 5 months. So which comes first, the move or the job?

Funding Your Job Search
If you’ve chosen to move first, then here are three ways to pay the bills while you look for your dream job in your dream city.

Do temp work. Temp work has more advantages than you might imagine. First, you can earn money while looking for your dream job. Second, you can sample different organizations to get a feel for what you’re looking for in an employer while showcasing your skills. Third, you’ll have a greater opportunity to network. And fourth, you’ll have the flexibility to schedule work around your job search.

Freelance. Consider doing freelance work until you find a job. This could also provide you with networking opportunities while bringing in the money to pay your bills.

Study your spouse’s benefits. Sometimes employers offer employment assistance programs that help the spouses of relocated employees find new jobs. These programs often have access to exclusive job listings.

Tips for an Effective Job Search
Once you’ve figured out how to fund the hunt, you need to start looking. Here are three tips that will jump start your job search.

Establish local contact information. The first thing you should do after moving is obtain a local address and phone number to share with potential employers. It will be difficult for them to schedule interviews if they don’t have any contact information.

Find local accounting associations. Often cities will have accounting associations that can provide you will valuable leads.

Network. This should happen long before you move and the minute you pull into your first local gas station. Look for opportunities to meet with other accounting professionals so you can get those leads you’re looking for. Also be sure to tell your friends and family about your intentions; you’d be surprised at how many people know people in your dream city.

Once you figure out how to fund your job search, you can take the time you need to find the job of your dreams. Be sure to research local companies and hand-pick the employer you want to work for. And be patient; settling for a mediocre job may prevent you from the opportunities you would truly enjoy. Happy Hunting!

Come back next week to learn how to search for a job in cities outside your residence.

Don’t Hesitate Another Day Procrastination for your tomorrow is doing you no good. Take control of where your career is heading, don’t allow it to be dictated by someone else! Click Here to enroll today in what will be the difference in your earning potential, your job satisfaction and the type of things you will have access in doing throughout your life with your greater earnings. Enrolling in the Professional Bookkeeper Program gives you what you need tomorrow… today!

Relocation 101: Finding a Job outside Your Residence

(Part Two of a Two-Part Series)

While most would admit it’s much easier to find a job when you search within the city where you reside, it is possible to find one outside your current residence. Whether you’re looking within a specific area or for “anyplace but here,” you can find what you’re looking for as long as you follow a few simple rules.

Here are 7 things you can do to increase your chances of finding work in another city:

1. Use online job search engines

The internet has made the world a much smaller place. Many companies post jobs to sites like www.monster.com and www.careerbuilder.com. In fact, there are even job sites that specialize in the accounting profession like www.jobsinthemoney.com and www.accounting.com. You should start searching these sites to see if you can find a good match for you.

2. Search want-ads

But not all companies use the internet when looking for job applicants. Many still post openings in the want-ads. And just because you live out of town doesn’t mean you still can’t access this valuable job-search tool. Here’s an internet site where you can find want-ads in just about any city: http://www.newspapers.com/

3. Consider working with a recruiter

Good recruiters are well-connected when it comes to job openings. They will be aware of more opportunities than you would find in the want-ads or through the internet. Unless they work for a specific company, you’ll need to pay them a flat fee to match your skills with the type of employer you’d like to work for.

But the cost is often well worth it. If they do work for a specific company, you need to realize that they’re working to fulfill the company’s needs rather than yours.

4. Post your resume and mention your desire to relocate

You’ll get even more exposure as a potential job applicant if you post your resume to the internet. This can be done on most job search sites. Potential employers that you would not have considered may contact you in reference to a position. This can multiply your options.

5. Get help from contacts, and network any chance you get

Now’s the time to look at everyone you know, professional and personal contacts alike. Let everyone know of your plans to change jobs and see what leads you get.

Also be sure you continue to network, especially when traveling for job interviews, etc. It will be the perfect time for you to meet other professionals who might be aware of job opportunities that match your interests.

6. Reduce employer risk

You become much more appealing to potential employers if you can reduce the risk they take in hiring you. Tell them upfront of your desire to relocate, and if you’re in the process of moving, let them know. This will assure them of your intention to move. And if you can afford it, let them know they need not reimburse you for the cost of the move. Many companies will offer a relocation package that will pay a certain amount of your moving costs. But this makes you the more expensive candidate and may deter some employers from hiring you.

7. Offer unique skills

One of the best ways to get a leg up on local competition is by having unique skills or job-related credentials. Consider ways you might enhance your resume, because employers will probably hire local applicants unless you have something more to offer.

UAC’s Professional Bookkeeper Designation Can Help

In less than 60 hours you can complete the Professional Bookkeeper Course which will train you in the practical application of small business accounting. The Professional Bookkeeper Program also offers you the opportunity to earn a professional designation, which will strengthen your resume, showcasing what might give you the lead on the competition. Don’t wait to increase your value to potential employers. Learn more about the PB Program today. Purchase our introductory video for $9.95 or watch online for free.

It is possible for you to get a job outside of your current residence, you just have to work a little harder to find what you’re looking for and to convince potential employers that you have more to offer than the candidate down the block. Don’t be intimidated by the challenge. Get busy and get hired!

Tools of the Accounting Trade

Learn what is all involved in the coursework and materials of the Professional Bookkeeper Program

You’ll find 3 Modules designed specifically for you:

• Accounting Made Easy — Getting to you the foundational steps you need to have to be able to properly and effectively service the company you work for. Ledgers and Journals as well as Subsidary Ledgers that each professional will need to be familiar with.
• Practical Small Business Applications – Hands-on practice on the various types of accounting you will run into within your career. Getting to you the experience accountants like you need to be exposed to for well-rounded training.
• Advancing Your Account-”Ability” — Gets into the nitty-gritty of setting up books from scratch and properly establishing books for existing businesses. Plus much, much more.

Below you will be able to view a sample of what you can expect in your training course and the quality of the instruction you will receive from the leaders in the industry. This brief rundown of what is in Module I, featuring Allen Bostrom, President of the Universal Accounting Center, details for you the first stages of instruction which Module I contains. The beauty of learning this way, is being able to rewind and view the material as much as you need to.

Create for yourself a learning atmosphere and let all of the Professional Bookkeeper’s valuable instruction to seep in. You can do it!

Please allow (according to you’re Internet link – Dial-Up verses DSL) time for the video to load so you will not have any interruption in the playing of the video clip.

Click On The Play Button To Start

How Does This Benefit You?

You can work on gaining the knowledge and practical application at your own pace! You control how quickly you go through all of what the instructor is teaching. You tailor the course instruction to what is best for you and the style of learning you learn best with! By getting the right foundation for your Accounting career, even if it turns out to be a refresher course, you know that you are getting started out on the right foot. The confidence of knowing you have the knowledge and the wisdom the right training can provide is crucial to how you perform your duties. And rest assured, with the Universal’s course you will have that confidence to take you to that next promotion!

“This course offers a comprehensive review of the accounting process, as well as providing a system to help you help yourself. The instructors not only teach, but offer an unheard of level of support. I woul highly recommend the course to anyone.”
—Laura Ogden

“After graduating from this course I now feel competent to run my own bookkeeping/accounting business. I want to thank the staff at Universal Accounting for the outstanding course of instruction.”
—Gary Hamblin

“I wish I had taken this class five years ago. I’ve been working in the accounting field for over 10 years and didn’t know half of what I learned in one month in this class. I feel completely qualified now to accept a position of great responsibility with a large organization or to be self employed. I’m excited about the potential for money making that this course has given me.”
—Kris K. Trout

What’s Next For Me?

As a professional pursuing the best accounting training possible, you don’t want to leave anything to chance when it comes to your financial future and your career path. We work on the philosophy that you only get one chance to make a good first impression, and when you are going into your employer (potential or current) and start the negotiations for your next step up in your career, you want to have the surety that whatever the situation as a “Certified Professional Bookkeeper” you’ll be able to confidently handle it for the company.

Click Here and find out more about how to get that self-assurance through Universal’s Professional Bookkeeper Program.

Using the Internet to Find Accounting / Bookkeeping Jobs

Looking for a job requires a lot of work. No one has to tell you what’s involved: searching job listings, networking, hunting down potential employers. It takes a lot of time and energy to get that one good interview. Using the Internet to enhance your efforts can speed up the process while presenting more opportunities than you would find in a regular job search. Here are three ways to webify your approach:

1. Search Listings

Many people look for job listings in the Sunday paper or other classifieds. Not only can you find those same listings online, but you can also use general search engines, job banks, and professional associations to look for jobs.

Classifieds
You’ve probably already discovered your local paper online. What about the paper two counties down? Or the newspaper in that big city you’ve always wanted to live? You have access to hundreds of classified if you just let your fingers do the walking, on your keyboard, that is.

Search Engines
Yahoo, Google, MetaCrawler, and AltaVista are just a few examples of search engines you can use to find jobs. And if you type in the right key words (see our next newsletter on good online searches), you can narrow the search and find your way to a potential employer’s inbox.

Job Banks
There are many job banks like monster.com, America’s Job Bank, and careerbuilder.com that allow you to post your resume and search their listings for jobs anywhere in the country. Usually membership is free and after joining a job bank service, some will notify you when a job description matching your interests is posted. Many job banks also offer tutorials that could help prepare you for even the most daunting job-search hurdle. And there are job banks that are designed for accountants and bookkeepers (see The Marketplace for Accounting and Financial Professionals).

Professional Associations
Joining professional associations can put you in contact with influential colleagues while keeping you current in your field. While you may have to pay membership fees, these associations can be a great resource for jobs and networking. The Tax and Accounting Sites Directory has a great list of places to check out.

2. Network

You’ve heard the adage, “It’s not >what you know, it’s who you know.” Your knowledge and skills will help you prove yourself, but sometimes knowing the right people will give you just that chance to show your stuff. When you make the right connections online, in addition to the networking you do face-to-face, you increase your opportunities to impress.

So where do you network online? There are many newsgroups, mailing lists, and professional forums you can join to meet new people. You never know where you might find that one person who will put you in touch with your future. UAC’s forums are a good place to start.

3. Find Potential Employers

Now is a good time to ask yourself where you’d like to work. Which companies appeal to you? Go to their websites and see what listings they post there. You can also find out what the organization is about and get a feeling for the type of work you might do for them.

But maybe you don’t know where you’d like to work yet. Searching the yellow pages online can help you find local companies you might like to work for. And the yellow pages you thumb through on the Internet give you access to more companies than you’d find in your local phone book; you can search in any city, in any state to find potential employers. Sometimes the listing includes a link to the company website where you might find openings.

Preparing for the Interview
Now don’t turn off the computer just yet. Once you’ve scheduled that interview you can use the Internet to study the company website and find out what’s important to them. Nothing impresses a potential employer more than knowing that you’ve done your homework and can ask intelligent questions about their aims.

Universal Accounting Center Can Help Increase Your Computer Skills
If you haven’t yet enhanced your bookkeeping or accounting skills by working with QuickBooks, Universal Accounting has the course for you. Whether you want to work as a small business accountant or as a freelance accountant or bookkeeper, QuickBooks does it all. Its streamlined workflow helps you get done sooner. And QuickBook skills are a great thing to include on a resume. Register for our QuickBooks training today!

The Do’s and Don’ts of Changing Jobs in the Accounting Field

Perhaps you began your accounting career with the idea that you would move up or quickly switch to a job more compatible with your interests and goals. Whether you’ve been in your current job for ages and need a change, or if you’re just interested in the opportunities available, accounting is a wide field that offers many options. From controller to tax manager, from senior accountant to senior analyst, from credit manager to bookkeeper, the job possibilities are endless, so there’s no reason to feel gridlocked in your accounting career. But as you consider a change in occupation, remember the following Do’s and Don’ts:

Don’t be rash simply because you’re unsatisfied with your current employer. Sometimes we want a change because the current situation is undesirable. If this is the case, take the time to consider whether it’s the employer or current work environment that’s unappealing rather than the job itself. In this case you may consider switching employers rather than switching occupations.

Don’t worry if the thought of changing careers makes you nervous. Change of any kind, especially in a career, makes most people nervous. It’s perfectly normal and shouldn’t scare you away from accomplishing what you desire. Taking it slow and creating a plan will help ward off any fear you might be experiencing.

Don’t get discouraged. It may take awhile to 1) discover what you really want, and 2) find that perfect job for you. Recognize that changing jobs will take time and require patience.

Don’t rule out staffing agencies. Sometimes you have to date a few employers and jobs before you commit to just one. There are staffing agencies that specialize in accounting and by taking a few months to test drive a few employers and occupations you’ll get a good idea of which might be best for you while getting your foot in the door.

Don’t begin applying for jobs before you’ve considered exactly what you want. Again, you don’t want to be rash. Switching from one job to the next without careful reflection will do you no good.

Do take the time to research and consider all the possibilities. Take the time to consider your interests, your objectives, and your ultimate career goals. Do the research necessary to determine which job and employer will be right for you.

Do take advantage of all your networking contacts. This is where your contact list will come in handy. Call around and talk with your contacts. This can accomplish three things: one, it will aid in your research to determine which accounting occupation could be right for you; two, it can help you discover job opportunities you may not heard about otherwise; and three, you might win an advantage on a job you’re interested in.

Do find a mentor. Once you determine the occupation for you, find a mentor who can help you move through a job search most effectively. A good mentor will provide encouragement, advice, and networking opportunities.

Do remember your transferable skills. Because you’re moving from one accounting job to another, recognize that your transferable skills are invaluable. Update your resume so that it targets your desired occupation while highlighting those transferable skills.

Do get training that will help you advance. Often you’ll have a better shot at getting a job if you’ve had advanced training. For example, enrolling in UAC’s Professional Bookkeeper Program could give you the advantage in finding just the job you want. It will bolster your resume and give you a talking point in those crucial interviews.

Whichever occupation you choose in the accounting field, the important thing is that you find the right one for you. In following this list of Do’s and Don’ts you will have a better chance of doing just that.

Learn More about the Professional Bookkeeper (PB) Program

If you would like to see how the PB Program could benefit your career, order our DVD “Introduction to the Professional Bookkeeper Program.” For less than $10 you can advance your career and open yourself to more accounting possibilities than you may have otherwise imagined. Don’t delay professional success. Order your copy now!

Serving Subscribers with Our Free Newsletters

We enjoy sending you information that we hope improves your efforts to advance your accounting career. Our three newsletters, AB Tips, Tax Tips, and Career Tips, are intended to help professionals like you advance in whatever their current position in the financial field. The AB Tips Newsletter is designed to share accounting and bookkeeping tips with subscribers. Intended for individuals with their own accounting practice or for those who would like to start their own practice, we specifically include tips on how to market your services, how to streamline tasks, how to organize your office space, etc. Our Tax Tips Newsletter is for tax preparers or those interested in tax preparation. We provide tax news, information on starting your own business, tips on building your clientele, etc. And finally, we have our Career Tips newsletter, for those of you who work or would like to work in the accounting field. In this newsletter we include information on getting the right job, advancing in your field, moving into management positions, etc.

As we learn more about your needs, we alter our approach in order to better serve you. We’re adding a few things to the newsletter that we hope you enjoy. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included and how we hope it helps you.

Two articles

Since we began running our free ezines over two years ago, we have included two articles every issue that offer accounting and tax information, tips on running and marketing a small business, career guidelines and promotional pieces. The newsletters provide us with the opportunity to share our products and services with those we believe they best serve. Universal’s programs are top of the line and life-changing; we promote them because we know they help people like you achieve career goals and realize your business dreams.

We also use the newsletter as an opportunity to expose you to our many free resources, including personalized information from our President and CEO, Allen Bostrom in Allen’s Blog, UAC’s accounting and tax forums, the newsletters, and the Universal video tour.

Recently we’ve responded to requests for purely informational pieces as well. Last summer we asked newsletter subscribers to tell us what you wanted to read about. For the past six months we’ve tried to include articles on all suggested topics. Each newsletter contains one, if not two, informational pieces. We continue to welcome your feedback as we write articles intended to help you improve your accounting career. Please visit our forums for a chance to give us feedback on past articles and suggestions for future articles.

Press Releases and New Products

We want you to be in the know about everything Universal, so we include all press releases, enrollment offers, and information about new products in our newsletters. From our new interactive testing center to our customized Professional Bookkeeper Program for Canadian residents, we want you to be the first to know what’s happening at Universal Accounting Center.

Quotable Quote

Everyone could use a little inspiration now and then, so we like to include a quotable quote in each issue of our newsletters. Funny quotes, somber quotes, quotes that make you want to get up and accomplish something, we try to include a variety that inspire and uplift.

“The Bottom Line”

And last but certainly not least is an upcoming addition to our newsletters: a video clip we call “The Bottom Line.” In the serious world of financial statements, taxes, and projected profits, the bottom line is that we like what we do and can enjoy a good laugh about our profession. The humorous clip is intended to help lighten your load and improve your day. We hope you look forward to this new feature and share it frequently with coworkers, family, and friends.

We want our newsletter to help you move forward in your goals as a financial professional.So stay tuned as we continue to improve our newsletters so that they can better serve your needs. We appreciate your support.