Hello researchers,

I don't know what I should ask, but let's have a try.  I recieved my
BAH in economic and MA specialized in Finance from one of the top
universities in Canada.  I have been searching for finance/accounting
job for a year, but I have no success.  On average, I sent out 500
resumes and got 1 interview.  This ratio is too low.  I have tried to
apply jobs that posted on major jobs engine and cold call.  The only
reply I got is "Thank you for your application, although your
qualification and experience are ....we regret to inform you....and
your resume will be kept for six months".  I hate seeing this again. 
With my education background, I think the ideal position is something
like Financial analyst (FA).  Also, I realize that (FA) often require
a professional designation CA/CMA/CGA or CFA. Thus, now, I am pursuing
CMA and hope it will help me find a job.  Although there is some
financial analyst(FA) position in the market, they all requre
experience.  I don't understand how people get their experience.  My
question can be:  innovative way to help me find any job(banking,
finance, accounting), real experience from senior finance
professional.  Honestly, I don't know how much this question worth. 
Let start with $5 and a possibility of $5 tip.

I am not in the human resources field, but would like to offer you
some food for thought.

You might want to re-examine what you're sending to these companies
(e.g. your resume and cover letter).  I would have three other people
that you know (preferably experienced manager types) review what you
are sending out.  Ask for their opinion on how you can improve your
presentation.

There are numerous resources on the Net that explain how to write an
effective resume and cover letter.  Everyone lacks experience at the
beginning of their career, but its how you present yourself (both in
person and on paper) that will allow you to be set apart from your
competition.

For example, when I hire someone, any 'imperfect' resumes get
immediately tossed in the trash can, no matter what their
qualifications (MBA, PHD, CPA, CMA, etc.).  Why?  Because there are
500 resumes in front of me.  Number two, it is a representation of
what the person is all about.  Your resume supposed to be your best
work.  You had an infinite amount of time to prepare it.  It should be
'perfect'.  I look at imperfect resumes as a sign of a lack of
commitment to quality and to seeing that the job gets done 'right.'

Keep in mind, you're competeting against many 'just as qualified'
individuals.  You need to set yourself against the pack.  Despite your
lack of experience, let your potential employer know that you are
'not' like everybody else through the words you use and how you
present yourself on paper.

Writing a resume and cover that will stand out is not the easiest
thing.  Do your homework, take the expert advice and re-execute.

I agree with you that 1 response out of 500 resumes sent is an
extremely low respone rate, which leads me to believe your resume and
cover letter possibly could use improvement.

Good luck to you.

Hi,

Thanks for your comments.  I did have a not bad cover letter and
resume.  Before I graduated, I took my cover letter and resume to
edit.  A few months back, I brought my cover letter and resume to
Human resource Canada, they had no idea how to improve my cover letter
and resume. I can't say mine is the best, but it must be very
competitive.