As far as securing a top job after graduation goes, accountancy is a great choice. However, when it comes to securing a position at the best firms with s1jobs, applicants need more than just a good degree and a new haircut to stand out.
Diverse CV
When wading through a sea of CVs employers love nothing better than reading about a passion or hobby that’s a bit different. Who doesn’t enjoy watching movies and socialising with friends? Let’s hear instead about your belly dancing and iguana collection.
Even if your interests aren’t so quirky, having success in a non-academic arenas such as sport is an asset.
This shows potential employers you have more than one string to your bow and didn’t lock yourself away in the library for the whole of university.
Work experience is also where you can set yourself apart from the pack. While related work experience is golden, any kind of work experience – from pulling pints in your local to pushing double glazing flyers through letter boxes – shows a good work ethic and real world experience.
IT know-how
It goes without saying you’ll know your way around an Excel spreadsheet, but employers are looking for evidence you’re savvy with other software programs.
Most firms use their own customised software, which new-starts will need to master on a regular basis.
Show the breadth of your IT knowledge and how you’ve swiftly adapted to new systems to gain brownie points
A Team Player
Again, this is where work experience can allow you to talk about all those times you took one for the team while working at the biscuit factory.
The ability to get on with people is vital to forging a successful career as an accountant. Often you’ll be required to present information to colleagues who don’t share your expertise, so being able to communicate complex stats without flummoxing everyone in the room is a skill in itself.
Professional
While accountancy students follow a tough schedule – no long afternoons lost in the student union for this committed bunch – it’s still a big leap from student life to full-time professional.
This means appropriate dress and language at work. Leave those risqué jokes and homages to gangsta rap at the door.
Graduates who conduct themselves in the most business-like way will be the ones catching the eyes of the recruiters.
Feel your future lies in Accountancy? Check out s1jobs for the best opportunities.