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| November, 2003 | The
Monthly Newspaper of the NYSSCPA |
Vol.
6, No. 11 |
Let’s fast-forward a bit. You have just graduated armed with a bachelor’s of science degree in accounting and are ready to cut the apron strings of college life to make your “real” world debut. Your primary mission is to land your first full-time job.
The First Step: Research
You have graduated at a time when students have many avenues to pursue to launch a career in accounting. The Internet is probably the number-one tool that graduates today use to look for a job. Students also network with friends, family members and neighbors. But there are other bases to cover. Internships can also open channels to expand your network of contacts, while giving you a foundation of experience to distinguish you from the competition.
Make sure you investigate every potential opportunity. Have you coordinated with your college’s career services department? Have you attended job fairs? Have you interviewed with recruiters? Given time, a CPA firm, a non-profit organization or a corporation will eventually respond with an open position.
The Second Step: Choosing the Right Work Environment
William Shakespeare put it best when he wrote, “The world’s my oyster.” The accounting profession is your oyster. Once you crack it open, you’ll discover a whole new world of professional possibilities.
When you’re just getting started, you’ll want to decide whether you want to land an entry-level accountant, accounting clerk or bookkeeper position. While you are doing this, you should also closely consider the type of environment that suits your interests and personality. Do you want to work in industry (for a company) or in a public accounting firm? If it’s the latter, do you want to gain work experience in a large firm or in a smaller, more intimate setting? Do you want to go into the nonprofit or government sectors? Equally important, where do you want to live?
Deciding on the type of job, field of accounting, company or firm size and geographic location you envision for yourself is crucial, and particularly valuable, in narrowing your job search.
Interviews: The Final Frontier
Once you’ve established the career path you want to follow, then you’ll want to begin thinking about the all-important interview. The following dos and don’ts are helpful hints to ensuring a successful interview:
DO NOT:
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Show up late for an interview. If you are going to be late, call the interviewer as soon as you know you cannot make the scheduled meeting time.
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Volunteer personal information, unless it’s asked of you or is a natural part of the conversation.
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Ask about salary until the end of the interview.
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Give one-word responses.
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Interrupt the interviewer while he or she is talking.
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Give long, rambling responses to questions.
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Slouch or lean back in your chair during the interview.
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Avoid eye contact with the interviewer.
DO:
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Learn about the company and the industry before going to the interview. The Internet and the library are good resources for this.
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Practice interview techniques with a friend or family member. This could include discussing and answering possible questions you may be asked, and making sure you have good eye contact and are relaxed in your demeanor.
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Dress to impress. A neat and clean suit, dress, skirt and blouse; shirt, slacks, jacket and tie should be the attire of choice.
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Bring a clean copy of your resume and cover letter to the interview even if you previously sent in copies to the interviewer.
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Speak at a normal pace, neither too fast nor too slow.
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Appear confident but not overly so.
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Listen carefully to the interview questions before answering.
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Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer.
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Sell yourself for the job, but sell the “true” you, based on your skills, abilities, experience, qualifications, values, etc.
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Thank the interviewer for his or her time and follow up with a “thank you” note.
Organization is the key to “acing” an interview. If you are mindful of the dos and don’ts of an interview, show sincerity and highlight your strengths as they relate to performing the job you are interviewing for, you will be well prepared to landing your first job in the accounting profession.
