Embedded Files
Preparing Your
If you're preparing to apply for jobs or internships, it can be tough to know where to start. Here's a roadmap of how to fully prepare for the application and interview process in public accounting!
If you're preparing to apply for jobs or internships, it can be tough to know where to start. Here's a roadmap of how to fully prepare for the application and interview process in public accounting!
1. Make a List of Your Key Skills & Strengths
A key part of getting a job is showing the employer that you have the skills it takes to be a good part of their team. In order to do that, you have to be able to identify what your greatest skills are and the experiences allowed you to build and demonstrate those skills.
We're talking about transferable soft skills, things like teamwork, time management, communication, problem solving. Employers do NOT expect you to have any technical accounting skills or experience.
Use this worksheet to make a summary of your skills and the experiences that have helped you build them.
Use your answers from the worksheet to guide the content that you include in your application materials.
2. Get Started on Your Resume: Think of the application process as a book and your resume as the table of contents.
Review the Accounting Resume Guidelines.
Use PSU's Accounting Resume Template to prepare your resume (remember that your resume should only be ONE page).
Make sure you're describing the SKILLS you used and your accomplishments at your jobs, not just your job responsibilities. This is where your outline comes in handy.
Use VMock to receive instant feedback on your resume.
Schedule a resume review.
Make sure you save your resume as a PDF with your first and last name (ex: Madelyn_Parsons_Resume.pdf) before uploading it.
3. Draft a Cover Letter: This is your sales pitch to convince the employer to give you an interview. After reviewing the Table of Contents (resume), the employer is interested. The cover letter is the summary on the back of the book that catches the reader's eye and makes them want to read more (i.e. interview you!).
Weave together your summary of skills to expand on your resume and provide more information on what makes you a unique candidate (because you are!).
Review our Accounting Cover Letter Guidelines.
Use PSU's Accounting Cover Letter Template.
If you're still feeling stuck, do this Cover Letter exercise to get the ball rolling on what to put in the body of your cover letter.
Schedule a cover letter review.
Make sure you save your cover letter as a PDF with your first and last name (ex: Madelyn_Parsons_CoverLetter.pdf) before uploading it.
More on Cover Letters, including a recorded workshop and an exercise to help you get started, Here.
4. Download Your Transcripts: Don't forget your Unofficial Transcripts! You can find these at banweb.pdx.edu and save them as a PDF. DO NOT submit your DARS report.
5. Submit Your Application(s)
Save your resume & cover letter as a pdf with your First and Last Name in the file name.
Double-check that you have the correct employer's name/information in your cover letter.
Make sure you've applied to ALL of the required application links for that firm.
6. Convey Your Interest with the Employer (Optional)
It never hurts to email your contact at the organization to let them know that you have submitted your application and are looking forward to hearing back from them.
This can be an opportunity to further convey your interest in the position, remind them that you are really interested in working with their organization, and thank them for their consideration!
If you've submitted your application and received the great news that you are selected for an interview, take a look at these interview readiness resources.
2022 Acing Your Applications.pdfPage updated
Report abuse