Don’t Leave it to Luck — 3 Proven Ways to Land Your Dream Accounting Job

March 17 is a day that is easily recognized by most Americans as St. Patrick’s Day. It is a day in which many partake in joyous festivities, all things green and the superstition of good luck charms. For job seekers, the holiday may inspire the need for a four-leaf clover to bring success to their job hunt. However, a lucky clover won’t be necessary for accounting professionals who take it upon themselves to make their own good fortune. Whether you are an active or passive job seeker, here are three considerations for a more successful job search:

Tailor your resumes to job descriptions.

Personalizing resumes to match specific job descriptions can be a daunting task. However, with innovative HR technology in place today like Applicant Tracking Softwares (ATS), it’s imperative to do so. Candidates must strategically use keywords and qualifications on your resume that the system can recognize. In doing so, the software can rank you as a promising candidate to potential employers. Some accounting-related keywords to consider include accounts payable, credit and collections, payroll, tax accounting and financial analysis. The accounting profession is loaded with insider jargon, acronyms and terms. It’s ok to use these when relevant and necessary, but don’t overdo it.

Practice behavioral and problem-solving questions.

Once your resume has caught the eye of a potential employer, practice interview questions that the hiring manager is likely to ask. Practice answering these questions in a way that will draw attention to your strengths and how they relate to the company now and in the future.

Prepare responses to problem-solving questions such as “Describe a time when you helped reduce costs?” And other questions that may be behavioral based like “Can you describe a time you dealt with a difficult client?” These answers reveal how you were able to improve your employer’s bottom line while also maintaining composure during unfavorable situations.

Also, always prepare questions to ask hiring managers about the opportunity. Candidates who do not ask any questions cause recruiters and hiring managers to lose confidence. Asking relevant questions will show a greater interest in the organization and an overall passion for the position.

Express your desire for lifelong learning.

Eighty-two percent of employees say lifelong learning is important. Assuming you are part of this majority, you should set yourself apart by expressing your individual aspirations. What are the ways you would like to continue your learning and development? Show how you plan to advance your industry knowledge through a self-driven approach. Conducive learning environments may come from all angles whether it be through networking, certification courses, volunteering or attending conferences. Companies will see you as an invaluable asset if you are constantly learning about new innovations, skill-sets and processes coming down the pipeline.

As Oprah Winfrey once said, “Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.” And this statement applies to all candidates pursuing a new career in accounting. It requires a lot of groundwork to be chosen for the job. However, the right techniques can bring you good luck —and in very fortunate circumstances — a pot of gold.

About Jodi Chavez, President, Randstad Professionals and Life Sciences

With more than 22 years’ experience in the staffing industry, Jodi Chavez oversees the field organization and provides direction for Randstad’s life sciences, finance and accounting, human resources, sales and marketing and legal staffing capabilities. Throughout her career, Jodi’s entrepreneurial drive and strong business acumen have led to increased revenues, gross profit growth and improved ROI. Along with a proven track record of building high performing teams, she brings a wealth of knowledge in strategic planning and execution, mergers and acquisitions, brand strategy, social media and multi-generational leadership.