Employment Outlook for Summer
A few reports in yesterday’s Globe and Mail confirm what many of you job seekers have been telling me: that many employers are holding off hiring until the economy recovers further. Manpower Canada’s quarterly employment outlook states that hiring intentions are lower than they’ve been for 28 years. The good news is there’s a lot of optimism that hiring will pick up again in the fall.
Those who have jobs have also been deeply affected; an Ipsos Reid survey last month found that more than a fifth of employed Canadians are highly anxious about being laid off and job motivation is decreasing as worries build. It also reports that the most common cost-containment strategies implemented by employers are hiring freezes, salary freezes, and budget cuts for travel.
Read here for more details:
Employer survey article.
Cynthia
Know Your Career Anchors Before Setting Job Hunting Course
Every worker needs to take the time to figure out what values govern their career choices and what they need in a job to keep them happy. This is especially important during times of unemployment or while job hunting, because this knowledge clarifies what you need to look for in future employment.
Each person is motivated by one or two of the following values, or what theorist Edgar Schein calls “career anchors.” Some people thrive on being creative and innovative, whereas others prefer stability and routine.
Challenge and constant stimulation may be important to one person, while maintaining a work/life balance is vital to someone else.
What is your most critical career anchor?
- Security and stability
- Autonomy and independence
- Technical or functional competence
- Entrepreneurial creativity
- Pure challenge
- Service/dedication to a cause
- General management competence
- Lifestyle and work/life balance
Once armed with this knowledge, you can focus more clearly on aligning your career goals with your unique values and motivations.
Until next time,
Cynthia
The Direct Approach Letter
While talking to my friend Bev on the phone last night she mentioned an interesting article she saw in 24 Hours, that little paper people read on the bus to work. I’m glad she did. This piece has some great job-searching advice that echoes what I tell job seekers in my office all the time: take some initiative and directly approach companies you’re interested in working for, even if you don’t see a job posting. This is one way of accessing the hidden job market which contains about 85 per cent of the jobs out there. Read the full article and find out how to write an approach letter here.
All the best,
Cynthia
Despite Downturn, Employers Still Having Tough Time Recruiting
A recent BIV report emphasizes the reality that many companies are still hiring and are challenged with finding highly skilled employees to keep up with company growth.
Some interesting trends it points out:
- People with lower skill sets are having the most difficulty finding work and are first to be laid off.
- Many businesses are seeing an increase in the number of job applicants but not necessarily with the skills they require.
- Some recruiters, like the one featured in this article, are starting to look for top talent in other provinces not faring as well as B.C.
- Companies may be posting fewer positions on job boards (which attract many unqualified applicants) and looking at more innovative ways to recruit professional, highly skilled workers.
All of this reaffirms that choosing the CGA designation is a smart career move, especially in a tough economy.
Read the complete article.
All the best,
Cynthia
Free Workshop at CGA-BC: Job Interview Success
We are now full swing into another job-hunting season and how you sell yourself in interviews will be key to landing the job you want.
Interviewing is a skill that requires practice and preparation. Please join me for a free evening workshop on Job Interview Success and learn how to ace the interview. Topics will include how to prepare, effectively answering common (and not so common) questions, making a positive impression, non-verbal communication and body language, and following up. Effective interview techniques will be modeled and practiced, and participants will have the opportunity to schedule a follow up one-on-one interview practice.
This workshop will take place at the CGA-BC office on Monday February 23 or Tuesday February 24 (please choose one) from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Please click here to register for this event. Seating will be limited to 25.
Also check out these helpful interview resources from our Career Centre.
I hope to see you at the workshop!
Cynthia
Jobs are Still Out There in Tough Economic Times
Given the struggling economy we are facing, I think it’s important to remind job seekers that there is still plenty of opportunity out there. The news is full of crises, but what you rarely read or hear is that B.C. isn’t suffering job losses anywhere near the severity faced in parts of Ontario or the U.S.
Remember, you can take control of your career rather than letting market conditions determine your future. So keep a positive yet realistic outlook. Jobs are still out there and companies are hiring, despite the current reality of some downsizing and company closures.
Some people are turning to more creative ways of uncovering job opportunities, such as using social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. Find out how you can use these tools for your job search here:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28315654/from/ET/.
All the best,
Cynthia
Timeless Tips For Improving Time Management
How well do you manage your time? Effective time management, as opposed to crisis management, is a life-saving tool for busy CGA students. Start by reflecting on what can be taken out of your schedule or delegated, like hiring a housekeeper once a week, or enlisting the help of your family or spouse so you can study quietly. Are you regularly doing tasks that seem urgent but are not actually important to your goals? If so, you should benefit by improving your time management skills.
Test your skills and learn more at mindtools.com to see how you can get better at prioritizing tasks, dealing with interruptions, goal setting, and eliminating procrastination.
A Shorter Work Week?
This month I’ve been out attending student events in each chapter and I keep hearing the same comments: CGA students have a hard time balancing courses, career, family and a rewarding personal life.
The good news students can look forward to is that Statistics Canada reports the average work week is gradually getting shorter, with more and more workers unwilling to sacrifice their personal lives to work 50 or 60 hours each week.
Read The Vancouver Sun’s recent story about the growing backlash against overwork.
Good, Better, Best. Improving Your English
If English isn’t your first language and you need to improve your ability to communicate professionally at work, here are some programs that focus on professional business communication for advanced ESL speakers. They are offered part-time on evenings and weekends.
Volunteering: Getting A Lot For Nothing
When I speak to CGA students who have recently moved to Canada, the best advice I can give them is to go volunteer in an accounting-related position. The benefits of volunteering are many, and include a strengthened resumé with Canadian experience, further work references, an expanded network, and improved self-confidence and communication skills. Volunteering is an especially helpful option to those with little or no experience in accounting. In some cases, it may be the only key to the locked door of won’t hire without experience, can’t get experience without the job.
But volunteering is a valuable career booster for all workers, allowing them to develop new skills, expand career horizons, and enjoy making a difference. If your goal is to develop management skills, for example, volunteering in a leadership role is a great way to learn and practice these skills before using them at work. And if a paying position comes up at the place you volunteer, you will certainly have several advantages over candidates who aren’t known to the employer.
Volunteering is also becoming a more popular way for employees to engage in professional development, as this Workopolis article describes.
One of the best websites I know of to look for volunteer positions near you is www.govolunteer.ca. Check it out.
Follow up after the job interview!
So you just finished interviewing for the job of your dreams and you think it went well. You might think your part is done and all you can do now is anxiously wait. But there are ways to set yourself apart from the crowd after the interview is over.
DO send a thank you e-mail immediately after the interview, saying you appreciated the person’s time and that you’re very interested in the opportunity. Reiterate why you would be a good fit for the position; this may include something you learned in the interview. Make sure names are spelled correctly.
DO send another e-mail in two weeks if you haven’t heard anything. Take initiative, but do not become a pest and call them several times a day, this will give potential employers the impression that you lack self-awareness and consideration. Remember, these are busy people and most of them will find constant phone calls or e-mails annoying.
DO let the hiring manager know if you are considering other job offers (be honest) and use those as leverage for a decision. You may end up being fought over!
DO be patient and positive. Hiring decisions are not always made as quickly as expected, so do not assume someone else was hired if you don’t hear back right away. Even if you don’t get this job, it doesn’t mean you flopped the interview or that there’s something wrong with you; perhaps someone else had a bit more experience or fit the position better. The right opportunity is still out there so try to reflect (and get feedback if possible) on what could be done better next time… and keep looking.
For more information on this topic, read the following article from Workopolis.
All the best,
Cynthia
Job Search: Work for the Best
This month BC Business magazine published its annual list of the top 100 companies to work for in BC. Telus, Finning International, Teck Cominco, and Best Buy Canada are some at the very top. Check it out at www.bcbusinessonline.ca. Business in Vancouver also came out with its own list in June.
These listings can give you lots of new ideas for job leads and are a great resource for company research. Why not apply to work for some of these vital and growing businesses?
Newcomers to Canada can benefit from The Canadian Immigrant’s list of best employers for new Canadians published in March 2008. Search for this issue on their Website at www.canadianimmigrant.ca.
All the best,
Cynthia
For Goodness Sake, Don’t Forsake the Cover Letter
If you’re thinking of skipping the cover letter next time you apply for a job, think again. A recent OfficeTeam survey found that over 90 per cent of executives still expect and value cover letters when evaluating job candidates.
Omitting the letter when applying for a job is like meeting someone for the first time without shaking hands, according to OfficeTeam’s Executive Director Dave Willmer.
A cover letter is the perfect place to highlight achievements or special skills, explain employment gaps or other inconsistencies, and show off how well you write.
In the online job-hunting world, using a cover letter effectively means including it with your resume when posting to online job boards like CGAjobs, and pasting it in the body of your message when applying via e-mail.
For more information and help with your cover letter, see our Career Centre’s job hunting resources.
Until next time,
Cynthia
Put the Work Into Networking: Get the Most Out of Career Fair
Some top tips:
- Dress in conservative business attire. If you need a bag or briefcase to carry copies of your resume, leave your tattered backpack at home and use something more professional looking.
- Research the companies attending before the event. This will help you prioritize who to meet with first and prepare intelligent questions. Potential employers appreciate if you’ve taken the time to learn more about what they do and even the positions they offer. Avoid asking questions that are already answered in the company literature or on its Website.
- Know your interests, goals, and skills.
- Rehearse a brief (30 second) introduction that includes your name, CGA status, area of interest, and how your background relates to that area.
- Firmly shake hands, smile, and make eye contact with everyone you meet.
- Be ready to answer the question “What are you here for today?”
- Show potential employers a genuine interest in learning more about their company. Focus on what you can offer the employer, not the other way around.
- Don’t immediately grab the giveaway items. Talking with company representatives is your main objective.
- Stand out from the crowd with a follow-up thank you letter.
The following article and its links cover pretty much everything you need to know about working a job fair. It recommends a good concluding question for you to ask a potential employer, such as: “What do I need to do to obtain a second interview with your firm?” Read more at http://www.quintcareers.com/job_career_fairs.html.
All the best,
Cynthia
8 Steps to an Outstanding Resume
- Use a simple, organized, and attractive format. A standard font like Arial in 10 to 12 point size is easy to read and simple enough to enable posting on online job boards like www.CGAjobs.org. Make sure your resumé has some white space and doesn’t look too busy; margins should be about one inch all around. Headings need to be consistent and logically organized. Use tabs instead of multiple letter spaces. Most employers prefer a reverse chronological format, which lists jobs and education starting from the most recent.
- Focus more on accomplishments than routine job duties. Place two to four bulleted accomplishment statements under each job, particularly for more recent and relevant experience. These describe specific ways you saved the company money, solved a problem, improved controls, received commendations or promotions, or developed an idea.
- Choose strong, active language. Use action words like “developed,” “analyzed,” “managed,” and “initiated” to start every bullet under work history. Brag (yes, you should) about anything you legitimately can, even school or volunteer experiences. Avoid phrases like “handled” and “responsible for,” which sound weaker and less skilled.
- Include only the most relevant and marketable information. Skip menial, low-skilled duties. Don’t repeat the same job duties in different sections, especially if they are more routine. Remove experience older than 10 to 15 years.
- Summarize your best assets on the top half of the first page. An Objective is ideal for those with a clear career goal (e.g., taxation, controllership, auditing) in a particular industry (e.g., public practice firm, manufacturing). Strongly recommended for most resumés is a Summary of Qualifications or Professional Profile section. This is a paragraph or bulleted list highlighting relevant experience, education including CGA student/member status, key technical and transferable skills, achievements, and areas of expertise if applicable (strategic planning, systems development, financial reporting). Strong computer skills are critical and proficiency with programs like MS Excel, QuickBooks, and Simply Accounting should be noted. Include five to eight statements.
- Tailor information to the desired job. Ensure the key qualifications appear on your resumé in your own words. Describe additional talents you have that could benefit the company.
- Treat your resumé like a formal business document. Do not include personal information like birth date, S.I.N., or photos. Avoid referring to yourself in the first person.
- Proofread several times for spelling and grammatical errors. Mistakes and typos show lack of attention to detail, or worse, poor communication skills. Ask a few others to read it over. Or contact me, CGA-BC’s Career Counselor, Cynthia Ainslie, for a resumé consultation.
Is Gen Y the Me Generation?
You might have heard about Generation Y in the press lately, those 19 to 29 year-olds just starting their careers and entering the workforce with unique priorities and concerns. Some critics are claiming they’ve been coddled and demand too much, that they seem to expect instant gratification, slack off at work to take care of personal matters, and can’t take direction. Opinions differ and are being hotly debated in articles like this one from CareerBuilder.
I recently went to Robert Half’s research presentation on this topic, which addressed a lot of these myths and explained how to attract and make the most of these young employees. What makes this generation unique is that they have conducted much of their lives online, have experienced the effects of economic uncertainty, and are comfortable with close parental involvement and support in their lives.
Some highlights from the presentation:
- Gen Y’s are optimistic, confident and goal-oriented
- They are ambitious and expect to work harder than their predecessors did
- Half of those polled expect to spend only one or two years in entry-level positions and the majority expect to return to school at some point to earn another degree
- The top three factors they look for in employers are salary, benefits (health and retirement programs), and opportunities for growth
- Other important factors are company location (a short commute), a manager that can be respected and learned from, job title, company’s reputation or brand recognition, in-house training programs, and working with people they enjoy
- They are focused on the future and concerned about funding retirement
- An ideal manager is pleasant and easy to get along with, has good management skills, is understanding and caring, flexible, respects and appreciates employees, and communicates well without “sugar coating”; the majority want regular feedback and want to communicate with their supervisor at least once a day, if not more
- Generation Y workers are technologically savvy and have grown up using and socializing on the Internet
- They enjoy challenge, variety, and multitasking
- 73 per cent worry about balancing work and personal lives; they look to employers for help in achieving work/life balance and do not want work to run their lives
- They expect more workplace flexibility and are fairly open to change
I was struck by how many of these “unique” characteristics are shared by workers of all ages. Generalizing too much poses a danger, but I think the newest generation of workers, along with further technological advancement, will help blur the line even more between work and home in the future. Companies will be forced to adapt in new ways and address critical issues like work-life balance, and I personally welcome those changes.
Until next time,
Cynthia
Job Search Strategies and Resources for New Immigrants
Q: I moved here from India six months ago, and although I was a senior auditor for 12 years in my country, I can’t even find an entry-level accounting job here. I’ve sent hundreds of resumés with no luck. Do you know how I can find a job?
A: I am sorry to hear it's been so difficult to find a job in Canada. This is a common scenario that many other students new to the country face, so you're not alone. It's a challenge for immigrants to find their first job in Canada and unfortunately many employers hesitate to hire someone who has never worked in this country. But everyone has to start somewhere; you will find an employer who will give you a chance and things will get much easier as you gain more experience. You need to be persistent—don’t give up—and treat the job search like a job itself. Remember that rejection is a normal part of the process (it means you’re taking the necessary risks) and don’t let it prevent you from going after jobs. The good news is the labour market is strong and employers desperately need accountants like you.
First I recommend reading this short guide from Immigrant Services Society called Immigrants and the World of Work: http://www.ecdev.gov.bc.ca/ProgramsAndServices/IQU/pdf_files/IWW_english.pdf.
There are many ways to look for work and the more you use, the better. Many CGA students use www.CGAjobs.org as their main job search tool. It's probably the best online job board to apply for vacancies and post your resumé. Have you used it yet?
It’s often not enough to sit at your computer every day and e-mail resumés. Here are some other strategies:
- Volunteer in an accounting-related position, even if it's only for a few hours each week. This will give you valuable Canadian work experience to put on your resumé and the opportunity to learn about Canadian work culture. You can continue job searching at the same time. A great Website for searching volunteer positions is www.govolunteer.ca. CGAjobs.org also posts several volunteer positions.
- Networking is one of the most effective ways to get a job in Canada because about 85 per cent of jobs are not advertised (the “hidden job market”). So attend as many networking events as possible, such as CGA-BC chapter meetings, speed interviews, and hiring fairs. This way you can meet potential employers and other CGA students/members who may know about job opportunities. Show up with business cards and copies of your resumé and be ready with a 30-second introduction of yourself and what you can offer. These events are posted on this site and CGAjobs.org, so keep checking regularly.
- Take an evening or weekend course in accounting software popular in Canadian businesses like Simply Accounting, QuickBooks or ACCPAC. These computer skills along with MS Excel and advanced spreadsheet skills are extremely important to Canadian employers and will help you get a job more easily.
- Be proactive and apply to companies of interest before they advertise a job.
- Consider registering with a recruitment firm to help with your job search. Read my earlier blog on working with a recruiter for tips.
- The better your spoken and written English, the better your chances of finding work. If your English isn’t at a professional level, it will hold your career back and I would strongly recommend taking a part-time ESL or Business English course appropriate for your level. BCIT and VCC offer some good ones.
- Consider contacting a free, government-sponsored employment program designed to help skilled immigrants find jobs in their chosen field, such as MOSAIC, SUCCESS, and the Immigrant Services Society. Each offers a range of job search, career planning, and training programs, and eligibility requirements vary. Search a complete list of these programs at http://lmer.ca/index.asp. I personally recommend speaking to Andrea Davis at Klein and Associates, a provider of the IMMPowerBC Skills Connect program. Her phone number is (604) 639-3228 and e-mail is klein.assoc3@shawcable.com.
I will leave you with these words of advice from an anonymous career counsellor:
“If you are fishing for work you have two options: If you want to go where it’s easier and safer, fish at the shallow end. But that’s where the crowd is, so the fish are fewer and smaller. If you want the bigger fish you are going to have to go where the waters are a little rougher and deeper. But there are also fewer fishermen and therefore more fish.”
Q and A: Getting the Right Kind of Practical Experience
Q: Hi Cynthia,
I have been looking at the requirements to gain the CGA designation, particularly the Practical Experience Assessment Questionnaire. It can be a bit overwhelming especially since I have no financial management experience at all. I'm basically starting from scratch.
Could you please guide me on the best way to start? I'm not sure what positions I should be looking into to start me off in the right path towards financial management. Should I be seeking a job in a corporate, government or non-profit organization? There are so many options out there that I don't know where to begin. Thanks.
A: This is a challenge for most students, especially because the right experience can be gained in countless different positions and industries so there's no clear-cut path. It's also important to follow your interests and aptitudes because your suitability for the tasks will affect work performance.
Here are some suggestions:
- Look to start in a company where there's room for growth, so even if you start out as an accounting clerk as many students do, there's opportunity to take on more complex tasks as you progress. Small to medium sized companies often have more opportunity for growth than larger companies, because employees in smaller companies don't have the luxury of sticking narrowly to their job description and they often have to "wear many hats." Try to avoid organizations where positions are highly regimented and it's difficult to expand responsibilities. On the other hand, a very small company with one or two employees will likely not have complex enough financial activity to meet the experience requirement.
- Consider public practice. Working in a public practice firm requires ongoing learning and a constant variety of work depending on the clients you serve; most students working in public practice fulfill the senior level experience requirement within three years. There too, not every student is suited for the variety, workload fluctuation, and interpersonal skills required for the job.
- Target employers from our Partners in Employment Program.
- Check out the CRA. If you're interested in working for the Canada Revenue Agency, we have an agreement with the agency about particular positions. For example, three years working in a PM02 0140 Income Tax/Excise Tax Auditor position fully meets our requirement for senior level experience.
- Work with a CGA. You'll have an advantage if you report directly to a CGA or at least work with a CGA who can help mentor you and answer questions.
- Network with as many CGA students and members as possible to learn how they are gaining practical experience.
I hope this helps with your decision-making. Please let me know at any time if you have more questions.
All the best,
Cynthia
Hands-On Resume Workshop
Join me for a hands-on resumé workshop…
Your resumé and cover letter are the keys to being selected for an interview, so they have to make a strong first impression.
The most common resumé mistakes, according to a Robert Half survey, are:
- typos or grammatical errors, including too much information
- not listing achievements in former roles
- poor layout and design
- including too little information
Come find out how to wow potential employers with your cover letter and resumé on April 7 or 8 (your choice) 6 pm–7:30 pm here at the CGA-BC office. I’ll explain the essential elements of an outstanding resumé section by section and offer lots of personalized feedback and coaching.
Because space is limited for this free workshop, participants must RSVP to Valerie Guevara. I hope to see you there!
Job Forecast: Hot, With Activity in the West
Earlier this month, the Vancouver Sun featured a Working super section on hot job sectors and future trends. Despite some job losses and economic slowdown in the last couple of months, forecasts suggest jobs in Canada will continue growing faster than the number of people available to fill them, especially in the West.
Some highlights:
- Job sectors showing the most growth are utilities, natural resources, technology, construction, tourism/service, and accounting and finance.
- The 2008 Robert Half Salary Guide forecasts that salaries in accounting and finance will grow 5.5 per cent higher this year than in 2007.
- Greater Victoria is tied with Calgary for Canada’s lowest unemployment rate: 2.9 per cent.
- Career changes are becoming easier and more common, as skills and flexibility become more important than job titles.
- Older and retirement-age workers are more in demand.
- Lifelong learning is increasingly required to keep up with the pace of change.
For the first time in recent history, job seekers have a lot of options and can afford to be choosy. And because accountants are needed in every sector, the outlook is expected to stay strong.
Weigh Your Salary on the Pay Scale
Here is some more expert advice on negotiating a pay raise from the PayScale Website: http://www.payscale.com/resources/increase-your-salary?af=2487.
Beyond the articles, this site is great for researching average salaries based on job title, location, education and experience. It touts itself as the world’s largest online salary survey, with over 300,000 actual salary profiles added to its database each month. It’s a very useful resource for finding out if you’re being paid fairly and competitively, or to evaluate a job offer or raise. Go ahead and explore, and feel free to post a comment with me or ask a question about your experience.
New Year, New Goals…New Salary?
I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season. A fresh new year is upon us and that’s often a good time to set a career goal or two, whether improving your communication skills by joining Toastmasters or taking a business writing course, achieving a better work-life balance, or asking for a raise. What will be your goal for the coming year?
For those of you interested in negotiating a pay increase, check out these tips from The Wall Street Journal’s executive career site http://www.careerjournal.com/salaryhiring/negotiate/20060912-loeb.html.
Until next time,
Cynthia
Career Q and A: Taking Risks
Here’s a question I’m often asked:
Q: Most of the jobs I see advertised ask for at least two years of experience, but I don’t have any. Can I still apply for those jobs?
A: Yes! You have nothing to lose by applying for any job you’re interested in and think you can do, even if you don’t have all the listed qualifications. You’re guaranteed not to get the job if you don’t apply, so why not try?
Employers describe perfect candidates in their ads but their hiring decisions are influenced by many conscious and unconscious factors, including emotional reactions such as whether they like you or believe you would fit in with the personalities of the team. Also, the perfect candidate doesn’t always materialize (especially in this tight labour market) and employers often have to choose from the pool of applicants available.
How you present the talents and skills you do have will make you stand out from the crowd. Tell the interviewer what you bring to the table that could add value to the company, whether it’s computer expertises, superb writing skills, or the ability to explain complex financial information to clients in way they understand. Use the opportunity to explain how your skills fit the position; it’s not up to the employer to guess.
A confident risk-taking attitude is essential for career advancement, while pessimism and fear restrict your options. So don’t be afraid of some healthy rejection—constructive criticism will only help the way you present yourself and improve your odds over the long run—and go after what you want!
I’ll leave you with two thoughts on courage.
A timid person is frightened before a danger, a coward during the time, and a courageous person afterwards. — Jean Paul Richter
Courage is grace under pressure. — Ernest Hemingway
When (and Where) You’re Hot, You’re Hot
Session 1 exams are almost over and our office is buzzing with exam coordination and PEAQ evaluations. Congratulations to all students for getting through another session. I hope you get a chance to relax a bit, have fun, and reward yourselves. I thought I’d share some information on future career trends and what you can look forward to as a result of your hard work on the CGA program.
It seems chestnuts aren’t the only things roasting this time of year. According to Robert Half’s “Next Generation Accountant: A New Outlook on a Timeless Profession,” some of the skills in hottest demand are:
- General accounting
- Financial analysis
- Cost accounting
- Internal and external auditing
- Compliance
- Enterprise risk management
- Forensic accounting / fraud control
- International accounting (IFRS)
- Controllership
- Audit and assurance
- Information technology
Among the industries with scalding-like demand for accountants and finance people are construction, property management, mining, manufacturing, and tourism.
Visit www.nextgenaccountant.com to see the research findings in detail, or www.roberthalffinance.com to order their salary guide or their very useful glossary of job descriptions.
Take care and talk to you next time.
Cynthia
Making the Most of Recruitment Firms - Part 2
Some Advantages
The main advantage is getting access to job offers that are not advertised. There are whole areas of work that only ever get filled through recruitment firms. Agencies also maximize your efficiency as a job seeker because you’re, in effect, getting someone else to help you look for a job, giving you more time to pursue other leads.
Recruiters can be great coaches. Many will give valuable suggestions for upcoming interviews or salary negotiation, so tap into their expertise. They also recruit for several positions at different organizations, so they can suggest an ideal position or keep you in mind for upcoming vacancies.
Because they get to know both the employers and candidates very well, recruiters are often uniquely qualified to make good connections. They very often have insight into the culture and needs of the employer, and are able to share this information with you before the interview.
Many recruitment firms hire for temporary positions as well. Temping is a great way to get your foot in the door if you lack experience or if you’re new to Canada and the bulk of your experience is from another country. Temp work is also an excellent option if you don’t know what kind of work you want to do; it gives you an opportunity to try the job out and see if you like it.
Many temporary jobs evolve into permanent positions. Several years ago when I temped, a job that was supposed to last for three days turned into a fabulous two-year stint.
Potential Pitfalls
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Using a recruitment firm should be one of several job search strategies. Job seekers who use a variety of methods to find work are much more successful than those who rely on just one. So don’t expect that your recruiter will get you a job and that your search work is done. Be proactive with other job search strategies—networking, informational interviews, using online job boards like CGAjobs, and approaching interesting companies not currently advertising jobs.
You may not feel comfortable with the recruiter you consult. Each recruiter is different, and not all of them will be equally responsive, knowledgeable, or professional. Or the communication between you may not be right. Don’t be afraid to keep looking for the right recruiter; you are not stuck. Contact several different agencies, and attend as many interviews as possible. If you don’t feel comfortable with a recruiter, discontinue the relationship and try elsewhere. It is important that you and your recruiter have good rapport and mutual goals.
Recruitment firms are for-profit enterprises, so, at the end of the day, they make their money by catering to employers and sending in suitable candidates for their positions as quickly as possible. Recruiters are commissioned salespeople with quotas to meet. Some may pressure job seekers into taking unsuitable positions or deciding too quickly. Remember that you are in control of your career, and you don’t have to take a position simply because it is offered.
Feel free to post a comment about your experience using recruitment firms, so we can all learn from it. I’ll talk to you next time.
Making the Most of Recruitment Firms
Have you ever considered registering with a recruitment agency but weren’t sure how they work? Here’s what you need to know before signing up.
Recruitment firms are specialists in hiring and human resources that are employed by companies to connect them with the most suitable applicants for their job openings. Rule one: A reputable firm is paid by the employer upon successful placement, so the service should always be free for job seekers.
The main advantage is getting access to job offers that are not advertised. It can be a real eye-opener to discover the hidden world of job opportunities that are only ever filled through recruitment firms.
CGA-wise Recruiters
I recommend working with firms that specialize in accounting and finance positions because they understand the accounting profession and the needs of CGA students in particular. Many specialist recruiters are CGA members or students themselves.
Here are some high quality recruitment firms that I know and recommend:
The Process
You can create an account on an agency’s Website to be considered for a variety of positions. Recruitment firms also advertise specific vacancies on online job boards like CGAjobs.org, and you can apply, like any other position, by e-mailing your cover letter and resumé.
Once called in for a preliminary interview with the recruiter, you can expect to be tested on pertinent skills like Microsoft Word, Excel, and accounting skills. The recruiter will also check your references on behalf of the employer—just once, regardless of the number of positions you end up applying for through the agency.
Your recruiter would then send your information to the employers you agreed upon and, if all goes well, secure an interview directly with the employer.
Next time I’ll run through some more of the advantages and some of the pitfalls of searching with recruitment firms. Talk to you soon.
Know More About Less: Narrowing the Scope of Your Job Search
Once you have identified the most important factors for making a career decision, the next step is to research and learn as much as possible about the various accounting careers to find out how well they meet these needs.
Then, as you discover information about working conditions, responsibilities and skills used, labour market outlook and compensation, begin to narrow down the options and make decisions.
You may want to keep a list of pros and cons as you research. If after completing your research you are still equally attracted to many options, consider using a decision making grid like the one available from Mind Tools: Essential Skills for an Excellent Career.
Here are some more of the best career research tools:
- Robert Half Finance and Accounting publishes excellent booklets you can order for free from their Website, including a current salary guide, glossary of job descriptions, labour market outlook, future trends, and more.
- PayScale provides accurate, real-time salary reports based on your job title, location, education, skills and experience.
- The federal government’s site on labour market information by area across Canada; and the B.C.-specific Workfutures.
- CareerMATTERS features detailed job descriptions, many with videos featuring real people out in the workforce—most useful for career starters and new graduates.
- O*NET Occupational Information Network (U.S.).
- Job descriptions and details for over 13,000 careers, divided into major categories and groups.
- Directory of Canadian companies provided by Strategis, Industry Canada’s business and consumer site. Strategis also has business information by sector, employment learning topics, and a variety of business guides.
- Jobs in the Money describes itself as the online “Marketplace for Accounting and Financial Professionals.” This is a U.S. site but is full of useful information and advice. And check out the site’s new blog, CareerWire.
Other ways to gather specific information include Google searches, reading business and accounting periodicals, consulting best employer rankings and, most of all, networking.
Talking to people who work in a position you want to know more about (known as an informational interview) is one of the most helpful ways to research a job. It can provide the reality check you rarely get from reading about a specific position or employer.
Drop me a line if you have a question about this process, or if you just want to add a comment. I’ll talk to you next time.
Welcome to CGA-BC's career development and job search blog
Look for a new entry every second Friday, where I will address specific career issues most relevant to CGA students and members. The topics I discuss here will largely come from the common questions and concerns students ask me about every day.
I find myself constantly impressed by the students I talk to and their ability to juggle work, school, and personal commitments all at the same time. It’s not an easy task. As the Career Counsellor at CGA-BC, it’s my job to provide support through the various obstacles students can encounter on their career paths. My educational background includes training in psychology, employment counselling, and vocational rehabilitation.
I began my career working as an executive assistant in financial and corporate environments, but after engaging in my own career exploration process, I transitioned to more of a counselling role and spent the next several years as a career counsellor helping people with disabilities return to work. My position here at CGA-BC gives me the opportunity to draw from a wide range of these skills and experiences.
Lately a lot of students and members have asked me about the various career options in accounting. It can be overwhelming to choose a suitable path from all the possibilities.
The first step is to get clear on the job conditions that matter most to you: the values, interests, personality factors, and skills that must be met to keep you fulfilled.
For some people, salary or financial stability is the most important factor for making a career decision, and for others it may be a balanced lifestyle or contributing to a certain cause.
Some effective self-exploration activities are available at the following Websites:
http://www.jobsetc.ca/toolbox/quizzes/quizzes_home.do?lang=e
http://www.cdm.uwaterloo.ca/
http://assessment.monster.ca/
Stay tuned for step 2 in the next blog where I'll explain how you can research various accounting careers to see how they meet your identified needs.
Happy researching!