Getting your CPA Application reviewed is critical to making sure your application is ready for submission.

The CPA Recruit application process has now stretched out from May all the way into September (as far as we can tell). This year I have met several students that asked it get their application reviewed after they had already submitted it to a firm. Their hopes was that I would review it before it was sent out again. Unfortunately, I have found a much greater level of success when students bring in their applications before they are submitted so we can make sure it is ready for submission, rather than reviewing something that cannot effectively be used for the next firm application. Here are some tips to get ready to see a career coach and get the most out of your application review appointment:

1. Get some advice – Check out the Blog Post on “Preparing Your CPA Application!” Here you will find advice on putting your application together. These tips have been taken from year of experience helping students obtain interviews and for many multiple interviews. I have met so many student that thought there application was ready only to realize it wasn’t, had errors and/or needed improvement.
2. Create specific applications for your career consultant to review – The best review you will get will take place where you are submitting a “real” application for review, rather than a general application that was given to another firm. ‘Firm specific’ applications are critical to increasing your chances for interview invitations and potential offers.
3. Research well – Be sure your research and firm connections are clearly communicated in your application. Often solid communication about firm knowledge and connections are the reasons candidates move forward in the process and are eventually selected.
4. Get the message – Ensure you take your cues from off of each firm’s postings. Read them through and connect with the areas they emphasize and the wording of each posting. If they say, “Excellent skills…,” Demonstrated abilities..,” or “Exceptional…” these are indications that they REALLY want these things and will be looking for you to prove to them that you have them.
5. Take advantage of what you have already paid for – Look for appointments on COOL and pick your timing to give you the chance to get your review and still have time to make the alterations you get during your feedback. Or, reach out for an online appointment if that is a better option for you.
6. One final consideration – There is no doubt that you are all adult learners and capable people. However, getting help is not an admission of weakness but a good way to protect the investment of the time you have taken all summer long to do your due diligence to prepare to apply. Even if it is a final check…you will be thankful you did!

Best of luck!

Russell

Russell Garrett is the Owner of Protocol Business Solutions, a Certified Career Consultant and the DAP Career Coach. He also collaborates with the Business Career Center to support BCom career initiatives from time to time. Be sure to attend all the CPA Summer Pre Series Workshops which are posted on COOL for registration and on Connect for post-workshop viewing. Russell will be delivering and co-facilitating workshops for DAP and BCom students in collaboration with the Business
Career Centre staff. Russell is also available to DAP students for online coaching appointments set up through email requests and for in-person coaching appointments posted in COOL. You can contact Russell at dapcareersupport@sauder.ubc.ca.