The bridge between UAlberta students and the accounting industry.
UAAC’S GUIDE TO RECRUITMENT
Are you hoping to be hired for your dream accounting job? How are you going to make it a reality?
Let us help you with reaching your goal.
Many students are finding that securing an accounting job is difficult in this tough economic job market. And although you may be tempted to put off job-hunting until you near graduation, there is no time to waste. It is up to you to keep on top of things, but don’t worry – UAAC has got your back! You also have a lot of support and resources at the Alberta School of Business, from the Business Career Services and the Accounting Club to your classmates and accounting professors. Please check out the calendar we have made here to help you organize your recruitment experience.
Below, you will find some insider tips from a few of UAAC’s execs who have successfully secured full time positions early in their university years. Hopefully we will be able to help you do the same!
1. ACTIVELY SEARCH FOR JOB POSTINGS AND SAVE/PRINT OFF THE ONES THAT INTEREST YOU
In order to keep on top of the plethora of job postings, track the ones you plan on applying for by saving or printing them. Read the postings carefully, as they include company-specific verbage that computers scan for before your documents even pass into the hands of recruiters. Each company may ask you to apply in a different way, so read the instructions thoroughly and include all requested documents. Some companies may ask for official/unofficial transcripts, or even letters of recommendation.
Get rid of your objectives, summaries, and the fluff. Also, it is assumed that you will have professional references, so you do not have to include them in your resume. Save this space to talk more about you.
Numbers and statistics sell. Translate your accomplishments into quantitative points (ex. Helped increase company’s profits by 28% by…)
Resume should not be more than 1-2 pages (check specific job postings for recommended length)
Formatting is key! Make sure your documents are easy to read with the spacing and font
Save the document in PDF format if it is an online submission
Although resumes can be the same for each company, personalize cover letters for each position/company you’re applying for
4. APPROACH INFORMATION & NETWORKING SESSIONS WITH THE PALMS-UP APPROACH
How are you going to meet the recruiters from each company you are planning on applying to? How do you know whether the company is the right fit for you? Information sessions are a great place to expand your network, to learn first-hand from people of different levels within a company, and to ask questions.
Unfortunately, many students attend networking sessions with the expectation to receive – whether it be swag, business cards, or information from corporates. But don’t forget, as a student, you have so much value and young knowledge to offer! UAAC encourages the palms-up approach when networking. When you are talking to a corporate, be not only ready to listen but also to be responsive. Tell them something that makes you unique and perhaps a passion that you and the corporate may both share – this way, there’s no way the corporate won’t remember you!
For more information about info sessions, please visit our page here.
