A little friendly help in trying to find a job in this tough economy...

It's been a little while since the last post as I have been going through interviews, career fairs, and organizational meetings with accounting firms and organizations.  I find myself lucky to have been able to join and meet with each individual that I have come across, as just about everyone has been truly helpful in helping me get started on the career path to a CPA.  There are many great firms out there if you can't make the Big 4 or don't really want to. 

However with my current job helping my father get his Executive Recruiting business up and running, I have taken notice of the various things that help you or hinder you from getting hired by any employer.  While this is in no way a sure fire thing to get you hired in this kind of job market, it can help you get your name and your brand out there for employers to see.  Branding is really assessing yourself and seeing what strengths and weaknesses you have.  Do an honest assessment with yourself.  If you need help, KPMG has a fantastic website for the beginning college student.  Included on this site is a self assessment .pdf which I would take the time to fill out, even if you are an experienced professional.  

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After you have done that, here are some additional things that help you on your way towards landing you that elusive job:

  • LinkedIn - It is really imperative that you join this site.  It is a professional networking site that enables you to connect with recruiters, employers, friends, professors, and anyone that you may have networked with.  This way you can keep track of anyone you have met at a networking event or while you were in school.  Keep in mind, especially if you are in graduate classes, that some of your classmates are probably already in the industry.  (Note: Please make sure to spell correctly on this site.  I have seen a lot of profiles that have misspelled words, and you don't want to come across looking uneducated or unprofessional.)
  • Join an organization in your field - Because I am trying to find a position in the Accounting Services industry, I have joined my school's local chapter of Beta Alpha Psi as well as the Georgia Society of CPA's.  Both of these programs have been invaluable in getting me face to face time with accounting professionals and recruiters.  From a personal perspective, I also got to meet two CPA's who both graduated from my same high school, which is very neat.  Always make sure to keep a smile on your face and know what you can bring to the table when speaking with the recruiter/professional.  Volunteering for groups or committees in these organizations can further help distinguish you from the crowd.
  • Career Fairs - These are great for getting face to face time with company recruiters and professionals as well.  While not as intimate as meeting them through your organization, you know that they are hiring or will be hiring in the near future.  Make sure to have a smile again, a resume, and possibly a business card if you have the money or time.  Do your research beforehand on the companies attending.  It's always great to show the recruiters and professionals that you know what industries they service, where they are located, what they do, and what career opportunities they have open.  After speaking with the recruiter/professional make sure to grab a business card.  This enables you to write a follow up letter the day of or the day after the career fair which is key for helping the company remember your name, and showing interest in joining said company.
  • Know your industry - By this I mean if you are in marketing and are applying for a job in IT, temper your expectations for finding a job in that field.  The amount of resumes we get when we post on a job board is staggering.  Probably 95% of them are not qualified for the job.  In these times, if you haven't worked in the specified industry, it is incredibly hard to break into the industry unless you are coming from college. Here's a list of people who have applied for high-level marketing jobs in the medical device field with one of our job posts and needless to say, did not even get remotely considered:
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    • Professional Sports Players
    • College Sports Players
    • Stay at Home Moms
    • Radio Marketing Professionals
  • Utilize your Career Services Center - At Kennesaw State University, where I graduated, they have a fantastic career services center that will help you as much as you want in trying to land a job.  They offer such things as resume review, mock interviews, career fair listings, any available positions, networking events, and the list goes on.  They can be very valuable in helping you find something regardless if you're an alumni or a current student.  (Shout out to Lori Trahan who is fantastic working in KSU's Career Department!)
  • False information on your Resume - This is a no-no.  You may have been able to get by with this decades ago, but now it's a near impossibility with the information age.  Many HR professionals in companies talk to other HR professionals in the same industry.  One of the first searches we were doing the candidate had falsified information on his resume.  Needless to say the HR professional at the workplace found this out and said guy did not get the job.  Not only was he not considered for this job, he was now blacklisted from using our network of recruiters.  And believe me, you do not want to be on any blacklist because it is a very small world out there.

This should get you pointed in the right direction towards finding that elusive career.  A helpful hint: you may be nervous and some of these suggestions may get you outside of your shell of comfortability.  This is a GOOD thing.  After doing several of these you will get the hang of how to conduct yourself in a professional manner and present yourself in a positive light.  Many of these professionals and recruiters have been in your shoes and know how nervous it can be.  Just be yourself, and remember the information I posted above.  Again this list is by no means all-inclusive and if you have any other suggestions or ideas feel free to e-mail me or comment below.  You can also follow me with the link to twitter (@m_tolan) on the right hand side of this blog.  Best of luck in you finding your dream career.