Spring Cleaning? Freshen up Your Job Search!

If you’ve been looking for work for quite some time, then the thought of reorganizing how you are looking may sound daunting. Or, maybe you’re the career professional that has been with a company for a few years and hasn’t looked at a resume since college.

As we head into Summer, now is the perfect time to reassess your current skills and the job market. If you look carefully – whether you’re a searcher or already employed – you’ll see that quite a few things have changed over the last year in how people are showcasing their skill sets and submitting resumes and applications. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Digital is the new norm. 

With the emergence of social media platforms, everybody from artists and writers to business professionals are learning how to navigate these communication tools. Over the last two years, there has been an uptick in the number of finance and accounting business professionals utilizing e-portfolios to showcase their work, client base, sales, and resumes.

No matter what field of study you’re in, HR usually takes the time to “google” your name after you are interviewed. Creating your own platform online allows you some control over what a hiring manager or HR professional will see when they search your name. There are many tools that can help you build your online portfolio including Carbonmade & Clipping.me that range from free with basic use up to $35.00 for all services. You can also register your own domain name and create your own website/portfolio. You’ll want to add an “About Me” page and display things like PowerPoint presentations, articles, reports, and links to blog entries you’ve written. Remember, keep it professional, and if you are currently employed, make sure your boss is aware of the site. Due to company confidentiality clauses, you may need permission to display some of your work.

Best practices for resumes. 

Resumes are constantly evolving. If you want to keep up with the competition, you need to keep up on your resume. Knowing how to structure a resume and what draws the attention of a hiring manager are key components in putting a resume together. For correct business resume design, always bold your name and center it, with your address in smaller print underneath. Add your target job, for example, “targeting senior tax positions in: accounting/finance”, and then three to four sentences about your expertise and skill level. Under this should be your core competencies and then your education. Any relevant job experience, highlighting skills that the current position you’re applying to is in need of, should be added after. When highlighting your experience, try to quantify the value you have added to the organization.  If you can show you were an integral part of another company’s success, that will help position you ahead of the competition.

Also, make sure to add volunteer experience. This is a big sticking point in accounting and finance professions these days. Many companies are making it mandatory for employees to stay involved in the community and to participate more on board committees. Highlighting this involvement on a resume is a great way to stand out.

Make sure You’re on LinkedIn.  

LinkedIn is the number one tool for business professionals. It’s not just a great way to make connections and network, it is also a great platform to show off your skills and resume. LinkedIn offers both free and upgraded services that allow you to build your own “site”. Add articles that you feel are relevant to the business market, your resume, journal publications you’re in, and board or volunteer work you’re involved with. You can also follow the companies you have an interest in, which will put you on their radar. Join groups that are relevant to your field and begin contributing.

Knowing the marketplace and the current tools that are available will help you stand out from the crowd. PrideStaff Financial is a leader among staffing agencies and has the tools necessary to help you obtain the job you want. Contact us for more information or apply for one of our outstanding accounting and finance careers today!