CHECK OUT THESE TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR RESUME STAND OUT IN THE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING INDUSTRIES
Check out these tips on how to make your resume stand out in the finance and accounting industries
Resumes are the key piece of a job application and are the most relevant document you will submit during your job search. They serve as your first chance to tell potential employers about yourself. Hiring managers and recruiters only spend about nanoseconds reviewing resumes. Strong resumes can help you stand out from the crowd, while weak ones can make you unattractive to potential employers.
For any position, a resume showcases a candidate's education, experience, skills, and achievements as an asset to the company, and is an excellent way of demonstrating your potential. Setting yourself apart from other candidates applying for the same job is easy when you have a polished resume. Tailoring your resume to the industry you work in and the company you want to work for is also imperative.
In an industry like accounting where skills are in short supply, highlighting your skillset early on in the recruiting process is imperative. One should do their best to put together a detailed accounting resume.
The best way to make your resume stand out if you're looking for work in accounting may be by making your resume shine. Despite companies actively looking to fill roles, that don’t mean they will compromise on quality, which is why it is crucial for accounting job seekers to send out a strong resume that reflects their expertise.
Ensure the following in your accounting resume making it stand out:
There's no denying that candidates with certifications are more attractive than those without. This is because it demonstrates your knowledge of the field and your commitment to professional development and career growth in the long run. Getting a certification takes time, and the hiring manager understands that it shows that you are dedicated, hardworking, and driven. Look out for certifications like US CMA Course certification, CPA USA Course certification, CIA certificate, FP& A course certificate which has lot of industry weightage.
- Make sure soft skills are highlighted
Traditionally, accountants had the ability to keep their heads down, and interacting with clients was not a large part of their duties, but this has changed as accounting roles have evolved. The importance of soft skills has increased due to these changes, and therefore you should highlight soft skills on your resume, such as communication and presentation skills. Be sure to include examples of times when you were required to give presentations or work in a group when you're building your accounting resume in order to show that you can accomplish this.
- Learn about job-relevant topics by taking short courses
It is inevitable that hiring managers will change their expectations of a candidate as the industry changes, and technology becomes more prevalent in the role. The hiring manager will be able to remember your name if you become proficient, or at least familiar with these technologies and software. It is very critical for accounting professionals to have strong technical skills, and Microsoft Excel proficiency is one skill that is highly coveted. Thus, proficiency in Excel functions like VLOOKUP indicates to potential employers that you are capable of completing tasks more efficiently and effectively. If you can tell a hiring manager you can complete your work quickly, they will likely call you in for an interview.
- Maintain an updated LinkedIn profile and online presence
A LinkedIn profile is just as important to have as an updated resume since it is a popular networking platform for employers as it is to have an updated resume on the job market. Whenever you apply for a newly available position, review your LinkedIn profile and any other online presence you may have to prevent inconsistencies or confusion.
- Specifics about previous experience are critical
It is extremely crucial that you update your accounting resume before sending it out to employers. Additionally, you should be specific about your past responsibilities, because if you are not specific about your past roles, it can be difficult to land an interview. A bullet point description of the tasks you regularly carried out and how you accomplished them could be used per role to highlight them.
A job application is received by dozens of people and hiring managers are overwhelmed. For this reason, it is advisable to follow up by email, handwritten note, or telephone, showing your interest and reminding them of your name. Emailing every company you have applied to shouldn't be a mass mailing, but should feel natural.
Conclusion
Setting your resume apart from the rest is your first shot at getting hired, and you will always have more applicants than openings for each job, so following these steps should help you set yourself up for success.