Recruiting Guide
So, I'm looking for an Accounting Job...
The real questions becomes, what are you doing about it? The reason some students find securing an accounting job to be difficult is because it seems like they have so little time to prepare. The moment school begins, recruiting begins. It is up to you to keep on top of things and although it can be overwhelming at first, you will have lots of support at the Haskayne School of Business. From resources like the Career Centre to the ASA to your accounting instructors, there will be several people willing to offer you all kinds of advice. Just remember that you need to act right away! While you may be tempted to put off recruiting until October, by that time, the primary recruiting season will be over and most (if not all) positions will be taken as opportunities become scarce. Below are a few quick and easy tips to help make your recruiting experience a smashing success.
Step 1: Work on your resume and cover letter
You do not have much time! But there is more than enough time for you to update your resume and have it critiqued by the Career Centre before sending it in to companies. The most important things to remember are:
- Highlight the things that make you unique. Your resume and cover letter present you with an opportunity to brag about your best qualities
- Emphasize your strengths and adjust your resume to suit the position you are applying for and
- Be honest and be yourself.
Step 2: Save or print off a copy of the job postings you're interested in
This is a good way to keep track of what jobs you are planning on applying to. You can also write notes on the posting, reminding yourself that you still have to work on the cover letter for this company. Each company may ask you to apply in a different way, so make sure you read all the instructions thoroughly and include all requested documents. Some companies may ask for official or unofficial transcripts, or maybe even letters of recommendation.
Step 3: Attend as many information sessions as you can
How are you going to meet the recruiters from each company you are planning on applying to? How about whether or not the company is a right fit for you? Information sessions are a great place to meet all the different people in each company, learning about the different accounting designations, deciding on which designation you think suits you best, and perhaps an even better place to make a recruiting list. A helpful tip to remember is that you should try talking to all industry representatives who attend the many info sessions. Each person helps the recruiters in a company decide who should be part of interviews. This is good to remember, especially when 50 people are waiting to speak with the company's main recruiter. You can make some very valuable business contacts at these sessions!
Step 4: Attend the How to Survive Recruiting Info Session & CA Softball Tournament
While this might sound like a shameless plug for ASA events, it really isn't. Events like the ASA How to Survive Recruiting Info Session & CA Softball Tournament are organized with the students in mind. We organize these events to provide students with the tips and tricks of recruiting for accounting positions, as well as an opportunity to ask questions and hear success stories from students who have gone through the process before. In addition, we help facilitate networking in a casual environment through the CA Softball Tournament.
For the CA Softball Tournament, many different recruiting CA firms will be present - they attend our events looking to meet potential recruits. Firms find these events to be particularly helpful when deciding who to shortlist. What's more, the CA Softball Tournament takes place before the information sessions start and if you make a good impression at this event, as well as the info sessions after, recruiters will most certainly remember you and look for your application!
Follow these easy steps and soon you'll find yourself heading towards recruiting success! The ASA wishes you all the best during this year's recruiting season! Remember, we are here to help you if you have any questions! We are always available to answer your questions about almost anything or we will try our best to direct you to the right people! See the Contact Uspage for more ways to get in touch with us.
CA Important Dates/Deadlines
All job postings go live: September 1
Meet the CA Training Office: September 16
CA Application deadline: September 22
Interviews begin: October 3
CA Recruiting Handbook
The Recruiting Handbook has all the information you need for this recruiting season. It includes job postings, event dates, and other useful information you may need this September! CD copies will also be available at the ASA office if you are not access the file at this link.