They said they were looking for someone with recent experience. (What a surprise!)
In a nutshell, a recruiter reached out to me about a fund Accounting position. I spent 10 years as a senior fund accountant at a $25 billion fund manager. The fund they’re trying to recruit for is significantly smaller, maybe just a fraction of my previous employer’s size.
I went through the interview process, and the feedback I received was, “We want someone with recent experience.” In reality, I’ve been focused on operations Accounting for the past two years. So my question is: do you really forget everything you learned during a decade of work at a much larger scale after just two years away from it?
I felt both insulted and relieved at the same time. These people seem short-sighted; maybe they’re just trying to hire a “current” fund accountant at a lower salary. Honestly, it’s frustrating.
Has anyone else gotten this kind of feedback? It’s a first for me… This job market is tough—can it please start improving already?
One response
It sounds frustrating to receive that kind of feedback, especially with your extensive experience in fund Accounting. It’s hard to believe that your skills could diminish so quickly, especially after having such a strong background. The market does seem to have some odd dynamics right now, and it can feel like companies are overly fixated on “recent” experience, often to their own detriment.
It’s understandable to feel disrespected, but it also sounds like you might have dodged a bullet if they’re dismissing seasoned talent for potentially questionable reasons. Keeping that perspective can help you stay motivated in your job search.
It’s a tough market, but your experience should make you a competitive candidate for roles that truly value the depth of expertise. Stay focused on opportunities that recognize the value you bring, and keep pushing forward—you’ll find the right fit!