Distinct-Hour4789's journey

I’m currently facing a frustrating job search as an Accountant with a bachelor’s degree and over 5 years of experience, including time at a Big4 firm. Despite my qualifications, I’ve been getting rejected for entry-level positions like bookkeeper and staff accountant roles, and even senior accountant positions where I meet all the criteria. It’s disheartening to see quick rejections for roles I’m at least 80% qualified for, and I often feel confident after interviews, only to receive emails stating they chose someone else who could hit the ground running. I find it particularly challenging because many of these positions require only a year of experience and an associate degree, while I have extensive experience with Quickbooks and a solid background in the industry. I can’t help but feel that I got lucky in my current role and that I’m not desirable to other companies. As a black male in accounting, I know the industry lacks representation, which adds another layer of difficulty to my job search. Recently, I had an interview with a CFO who seemed disappointed when she saw me on Zoom, and within minutes, she told me I wouldn’t be a great fit for the staff accountant role. I’m starting to reconsider my approach, and I’ve received some advice to target higher-level positions like senior accountant or accounting manager roles instead of aiming too low. I’m also exploring opportunities in treasury analysis and auditing, as my experience should ideally open more doors. The job market is tough, and I’m trying to stay resilient despite the setbacks.