Three Steps to Recruiting Success for Accounting Students

Recruiting season has begun. Are you ready?

Here are three things all accounting students should do to get the most out of the 2021 recruiting season.

1. Show Up

Determine what events you are going to attend and put them on your calendar. Don’t forget important dates like when application windows close and interview times. This could be different for each firm so pay close attention.Then go to the events you scheduled. Get your applications in on time. It’s that easy, right?

While you’re at it, don’t forget you have four or five classes, all with reading, assignments, midterms, group projects, etc. You may also have a job, sports, other extra-curricular activities, and a family or pets that need you. All of these are important. My advice to you during this insanely busy time is to focus on the most significant items on your “to-do” list (hint: this means you should create a to-do list and calendar your activities if you don’t already do this). High priority items should include researching the firms you’ll be interviewing with, attending the virtual events you signed up for, finishing your assignments on time, proofreading your resume, and cramming for your midterm. If something has to go, put off the house chores for another day (sorry to all roommates out there) and cut out the non-essential extra activities for a time. Remember this is a sprint and there is an end in sight. It’s not going to be easy, but for the next few weeks you have to show up and put in the effort to succeed. You will thank yourself for it later.

2. Find Your People

When you ask someone why they chose their firm, the most common response will be “the people”. What they mean is that the people they met felt right, comfortable, fun – whichever characteristic they were looking for in their future workplace. They are saying the people they met from that firm had “it”, whatever “it” was for them. Make sure you look for that feeling when meeting with firms.

I also highly recommend reaching out through email or LinkedIn to the recruiters you meet during the virtual events. Ask them for a chance to chat further so you can talk about the questions you didn’t get a chance to ask during your 10-minute speed date. If you have time, get them to take you to coffee and ask those questions in person. It’s so hard to get a feel for people during virtual recruiting. Nothing beats making a genuine connection with someone in person. Once you start your career, you will spend as much time, if not more, at the office as you will at home. Make sure you enjoy the people who are there with you.

3. Be Yourself

Don’t just try to fit in with a firm, make sure they also fit you. Be yourself and never try to fit into the mold of who you think someone may want you to be. We’re looking for people to be our future co-workers, friends, and partners at our firm. Showing us your personality is the best way for us to get to know you. This is your career, your life. You have worked hard for years to set yourself up for success. Make sure you are going to be happy with your choice.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” – Steve Jobs