Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager

QUESTION:

Hi Brian,

I'm currently a senior majoring in accounting in UMCP. Last spring I took off one semester and worked as a full-time co-op for a reputed multinational firm in its accounting department. The area of responsibility I'd been assigned to was capital asset management and depreciation. Contrary to what I'd expected, the training I acquired was restricted in that there were hardly any skills or know-hows that would be transferrable to other firms in a related field. I also ran constantly out of work and had to ask for new assignments from week to week. I tried very hard to find something to learn every day. Much to my disappointment, I was always told by the asset management team that there was simply inadequate amount of work to go around. Anyhow, I'm sure I had learnt a lot from the experience --- nothing directly related to accounting, though, including interpersonal skills and time management.

Perhaps a bit disillusioned, I've now changed my mind to pursue the public accounting field instead. What I'm now plannning to do is to either work for a CPA firm part-time while continuing pursuing my degree, or take off the summer and work for another co-op term. In a week or two, there's a job fair for senior students that I'll attend. The invitation card in the mail asks me to fax the sponsor a copy of my resume. The list of firms that'll present themselves in the job fair are all renowned ones in their own fields. Without knowing in advance what kind of positions they're offering, what should I put under the objective on my resume? Should I claim to aim for a co-op or an entry-level position? Also, the only element that would make my resume stand out from the crowd is my GPA. Do you consider it a wise tactic to put emphasis on my academic record in interviews since I really had close to nil experience in the public accounting area? I'd very much appreciate your insights or advice on my problems. Thanks.

Yours sincerely,

Maggie

From: Maggie Ng, Senior, University of Maryland, College Park


ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:

Hi Maggie -

Thanks for your note. You have a few decisions to make before you begin committing yourself to interviews and/or job fairs (which are also interviews, although somewhat different in approach). My first question to you would be: "What are you looking for here today?" And you need to have a well-thought answer which you can quickly articulate.

Please don't ignore the fact that you do have work experience--even though it is not specifically public accounting, it is work in a related field. That by itself will put you above much of your competition. Plus your grades are strong, which is always a distinguishing factor for public accounting. I wouldn't put off your degree further just to gain work experience in public accounting. There will be plenty of firms who will be interested in you exactly as you are. Most hire the majority of their hires direct from the college campuses.

Regarding the resume, the key is to have an objective that is focused, but not overly limiting. "Position in public accounting." may sound somewhat bland, but it does specifically target the type of position you are seeking. Keep in mind, however, that it would exclude you from corporate accounting.

The key to your success will be your attitude. Be sure you don't refer to your work experience in a negative way--keep it uplifting and positive. How you describe your past work will be an indicator to future employers regarding your work ethic. Keep it in context and use it to your advantage.

Brian Krueger
Author of College Grad Job Hunter

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