The Fall CPA recruiting season is a great learning experience when interviews and offers are not obtained. The value of going through the recruiting process and leveraging this experience cannot be underscored enough. Be sure to utilize this experience to its fullest.
As you proceed, here are some things to consider…
1. Be sure to touch base with everyone you connected with periodically and:
a. Thank them for the way they informed you, inspired you and supported you. Whatever is appropriate for each connection you made
b. Let them know how much you learned through the process and how you are excited about the future
c. Inform them you are still targeting them as an ’employer of choice’ and will be making efforts to stay in touch over the coming weeks and months
d. Connect with them during special occasions and wish them well
e. Send pertinent articles of interest to them and let them know why you send them
f. In the New Year begin talking about opportunities that may arise throughout the year and what advice them might give you about those opportunities and how to best approach them (Most recruiting staff will not be interested in making any connections for a period of time following the Fall recruiting season)
g. Attend events where they and other firm reps may be attending to increase your “face time” with you network and to expand your network
h. Around March – April you should begin inquiring about coffee meetings, lunches, office tours, etc. but be careful not to interfere with the busyness of tax season
I. May-Aug – secure and attend meetings build your network and begin ramping up activities to support a successful Fall recruit
2. Be proactive and go “off the grid” and connect with other firms and training offices to discover other opportunities
3. Complete your LinkedIn profile and “Follow” companies
a. See who their staff are
b. Discover any employment related posts companies make on LinkedIn
4. Stay active
a. Improve grades
b. Get/remain involved in your community
c. Join campus activities
d. Increase relevant experience through employment and other experience settings
Determine a course of action that is best for you, set your goals and keeping moving forward!