Searching for a job in the accounting field is often an arduous task, even for the most seasoned professionals. Gone are the days when you see a job advertised in the Sunday newspaper, fax over your resume, and sit down for an interview within a week. Today’s job market is highly competitive and always evolving. What can you do to increase your chances of landing that accounting job you’ve been actively seeking? Consider the following six tips:
Know exactly what you want. It should go without saying, but you can’t have a successful job search without a clear vision of your end goal in mind. What type of accounting role do you want? Is the possibility of growth important to you? Is a family friendly environment a must-have? Determining these things in advance doesn’t mean you can’t be flexible or change your mind, but it will give you a starting point for your search.
Resumes still matter. If you thought resumes were a thing of the past, you better think again. The vast majority of employers still expect to see a resume from potential candidates. However, these days, you should aim to keep your resume short and sweet. Hiring managers often receive hundreds of resumes for a single open position, so make sure yours is succinct, peppered with keywords, and filled with results. Additionally, you should forego including your home address at the top of your resume in favor of an email address, one phone number, and your LinkedIn URL.
Social media matters too. Never underestimate the power of social media when it comes to your job search. Your LinkedIn profile is one of the most important tools you have when you’re in the market for a new job. But just having a profile isn’t enough; you must engage with your network. Join several industry and interest groups and actively participate in discussions, share resources and tips, and post links to relevant articles. You want to establish yourself as an expert in your industry and catch the eye of recruiters and hiring managers.
Consider the culture. What characteristics are most important to you in a potential employer? What do you value in the workplace? Even if you feel like the position you’re interviewing for is the right fit for you, you’re setting yourself up for failure if the company’s culture does not align with your values. Don’t fool yourself: company culture matters just as much– if not more– than the job itself.
Interview the company. Yes, job interviews are for the company to learn more about your skills, experience, and whether or not you’re the right fit for the organization’s culture. But they’re also for you to evaluate the company. Often, candidates are so focused on making a good impression during an interview that they forget to consider whether or not the job is even the right fit for them. So, make sure to prepare a list of thoughtful questions beforehand so that you can gain a better understanding of both the position and the company.
Keep the faith. Today’s hiring process typically takes significantly longer than the hiring process of years past. It’s often a multi-step process filled with plenty of delays; thus, several weeks or even months can pass between initially applying for a job and receiving a formal offer. It’s important to avoid becoming discouraged during the process. Instead, try to channel your inner salesperson; continuously build your pipeline, network, and don’t get hung up on the rejections.
If you’re actively seeking a position in the accounting field, contact us today to learn how we can help find the right match for you!