Are you a recent accounting graduate and want to get
hired at any of the big accounting firms? Here are some tips that will prove to
be helpful in your search.
Curriculum Vitae: An employer will first meet you on
paper through your CV. Prepare a good professional CV that defines your career
goal, your education, past experience (if any) and your skills and expertise.
CV is a marketing tool for a job seeker and you should use that tool to the
greatest effect.
Cover Letter: The purpose of constructing an effective cover letter
is to demonstrate your suitability for an organization by identifying how your
past academic background and employment make you a top candidate.
Interview: Before going for the interview research the firm and understand the organization and job description.
Dress appropriately for the interview, generally this means business
professional dress. As it is rightly said that your energy introduces you even
before you speak so try to make a good first impression on the interviewer. Ask
some intelligent questions during the interview when asked about having any
questions from your research conducted earlier on about the company.
Follow up: After the interview send an email to the employer and
thanks them for the interview opportunity. This will not only enhance your
image as a good communicator but will also ensure that the employer keeps you
in the queue for potential selection.
Some of the key soft skills that employers these days are
looking for are:
- Problem solving and analytical thinking
- Initiative and drive
- Team player
- Communication skills (written and verbal)
Some
of the key technical skills employers look for in young graduates aspiring to
join the auditing profession are:
- Financial accounting and reporting
- Tax strategy, planning and control
- Risk management and internal control
- IT Skills
Additional Thoughts
Some very useful information can be obtained from the
websites of the big Four firms about their recruitment process and policies.
