7 Effective Ways
The job hunt in the accounting field is a ferocious battleground. For this reason, having chosen accountancy as a career, you must do all you can to distinguish yourself from all other candidates.
Recruiters are always on the lookout for talented accounting and finance professionals. However, given the nature of today’s businesses and the fast-paced market changes, their criteria have also evolved.
To boost your chances of landing an accounting role, here are seven powerful ways you can grab hiring managers’ attention and differentiate yourself from the competition:
Build Your Social Media Presence
You can use popular social media platforms to promote your skills and talent, display your values and establish yourself as a strong candidate.
Recruiters often use everything from globally popular platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn to regionally preferred ones, such as hi5 and Badoo to search for candidates for particular roles. They approach account holders directly and present them with job opportunities.
When you decide to use social media to gain the attention of company recruiters, make sure your profile is as clean, impressive and professional as possible.
For platforms like LinkedIn, specifically, you’ll need to mention all the relevant skills, experience and accomplishments you’ve had in previous roles. Your profile’s prime real estate is your headline and description, so make sure to include applicable keywords there that will land your profile in the right searches.
Apply for Internships or Volunteering Opportunities
It’s no secret that recruiters prefer candidates with experience. While it may be hard for you to get an accounting job right out of school, you can get some experience by applying for internships at local accounting firms or volunteering at non-profit organizations.
From summer jobs to more long-term internships and volunteer positions, this is a great way to show potential employers that you’re seriously committed to the field and have already started building your skills and knowledge.
Get Certified
Certified accountants are more likely to get hired than those who aren’t. They also tend to earn higher salaries and enjoy more job security and career advancement opportunities.
Additionally, because they have undergone more academic training and rigorous testing, employers often view them as subject matter experts and afford them the prestige that goes along with it.
Some of the most recognized accounting designations include the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), CMA (Certified Management Accountant), and CPA (Certified Public Accountant).
Nowadays, there are accountancy courses available online that offer expert guidance and training to help you prepare for and pass these exams.
Participate in Career or Job Fairs
This is one of the easiest ways to get on a hiring manager’s radar because they usually participate in such affairs to find new talent. Coming to these events will allow you to meet potential employers face-to-face and build a little rapport.
You can hand them your CV and have interesting conversations about your skills, qualifications, and where you are in your career journey. Just make sure that you present the best version of yourself for a long-lasting positive impression. Be confident, articulate, and, above all, truthful.
Develop Your Soft Skills
Most job seekers underestimate the importance of soft skills to employers. In the field of accounting, having excellent communication and interpersonal skills is key. You’ll be working closely with clients and colleagues daily, so having these abilities will set you up for success in your new role.
Accounting also means working with numbers all day, so being able to think on your feet when faced with a challenging situation or problem is an asset. Remember always to demonstrate a strong work ethic and professionalism. Employers value someone passionate about delivering their best every day.
Contact Recruiters Directly
There’s nothing like placing yourself directly in a hiring manager’s way to get noticed. Most of the time, it’s an appreciated effort because it reveals how serious you are about your career goals.
Likewise, there’s no better way of getting to know you than through a personal interaction. Recruiters say they can tell so much about a person’s motivations, passions and how well they fit into the culture of potential employers, even from a brief meeting. So, be assertive and make that initial contact.
Keep at it
Making your job search a part-time job can be tough when you’re already employed and looking for something new. However, if you’re currently unemployed, setting aside a few hours each day to find new employment can be exactly what you need to get hired.
Create a daily plan with specific activities like networking, applying for jobs and browsing job sites. Stick to this schedule to stay focused and ensure your job search remains a top priority.
Looking for a job can be tough, but making strategic moves can help ease the frustration. So, give these tactics a shot to grab the attention of recruiters and boost your chances of landing your dream job faster.
