Jobless accountant figures a way to get noticed

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Peter Barlow has taken the drastic approach after applying for 150 jobs, but getting only three interviews - without success.

Mr Barlow, who has 20 years' experience in management accountancy, has been standing on London Bridge in the morning rush-hour every day this week with a sign and a pocketful of business cards.

He said: "It used to be that a recruitment agency could get me work within three days, but now your calls and emails go unreturned. There are 200 applicants for each job. I've never known it to be so bad. It might not be the traditional way to find work for an accountant, but I've had positive responses.

"Some people are embarrassed and don't want to make eye contact, but they might find themselves being made redundant soon."

In two days he has had three requests for his CV. Mr Barlow, who is from New Zealand, has a partner and lives in Bow. The last time he worked was for a sole trader in May. He said: "I am pretty flexible and adaptable. But I want to work as an accountant. It is all I've ever done. I will move back to New Zealand if it doesn't change because it's just too expensive to be in London."