Career Guidance Needed
I was recently let go from my position as a Revenue Agent at the IRS, and I’ve found myself needing to accept a job outside my field, along with a pay cut. My goal is to return to Accounting, where I have five years of experience—specifically, the role I held before joining the IRS.
Unfortunately, my resume is not in great shape. It reflects just two months at the IRS and one month in an unrelated position. I recently went through a hiring process where I advanced to the final stages, passing an Excel test and interviewing with the hiring manager. However, I was informed that another candidate was chosen. When I sought feedback from the recruiter, he mentioned that my brief tenure at the IRS may have worked against me.
Now, I’m at a crossroads. Should I omit my IRS experience from my resume? I worry that excluding it might raise questions about the gap between my previous Accounting role and my current unrelated position. I recognize that taking the IRS job was a misstep. However, I still have five years of investment Accounting experience, in addition to years working in tax.
Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated!
One response
I’m sorry to hear about your recent challenges, but it’s great that you’re eager to return to the Accounting field. Here are some suggestions to help you navigate your situation:
Resume Strategy: Consider a functional or hybrid resume format that emphasizes your skills and relevant experience rather than focusing solely on chronological job history. Highlight your five years of investment Accounting and tax experience prominently at the top, using keywords from the jobs you are interested in.
Addressing Short-Term Positions: It’s generally a good idea to be truthful about your work history. However, you can mitigate the impact by combining the two short-term positions under a “Relevant Experience” section or simply omitting the unrelated job if you can fill in your resume with constructive details from your time at the IRS and other relevant roles.
Crafting Your Narrative: Be prepared to discuss your time at the IRS in a positive light. Perhaps frame your work there as a valuable learning experience, highlighting any skills or insights you gained that could be beneficial in an investment Accounting role, such as understanding regulatory compliance or tax considerations.
Networking: Reach out to former colleagues, friends, or industry professionals who can potentially help you find opportunities. Attend accounting and finance networking events, workshops, or seminars to make new connections. Personal referrals can sometimes outweigh concerns about a resume.
Upskilling: If there are specific skills or certifications that are in demand, consider taking a course or obtaining a certification. This can fill gaps and signal your commitment to returning to the field.
Tailoring Applications: Customize each application to focus on your relevant experience. Use cover letters to explain your situation succinctly; you can note your intent to pivot back to accounting and explain briefly what you gained from your IRS experience.
Stay Positive: Remember that many professionals have faced setbacks. Keep a positive mindset and be open to opportunities that may not be your first choice initially, as they can lead to other avenues.
Getting back into accounting may take some time and persistence, but with a strategic approach, you’ll increase your chances of landing a role that fits your experience and aspirations. Good luck!