With CPA Firm information sessions underway and job postings soon to drop for positions starting next year, the timing is perfect to get your Spring Recruiting Job Search in gear! I know, I know, you have mid-terms and soon finals. But don’t use those things as lame excuses  (kidding) for letting your job search lay idle.

NOW is the time to act and get your application ready to have it reviewed by someone than can evaluate your approach, content and presentation. Getting your CPA Application reviewed is critical to making sure your application is ready for submission. I get it that you are a capable adult learner and can take control of your own career, but my experience is, as capable as you may be, you could use some help!

The CPA Recruit application process in the Spring will take place from May-June with opportunities for you to get career support during the process through both workshops and individual career coaching. Last year I met several students that asked to get their applications reviewed after they had already submitted them to some firms.

Here are some things to consider:

1. Get some advice – Attend the CPA Recruit Application Workshop taking place soon by registering through COOL. Here you will gain specific advice to put together your best application. This information you receive there has been taken from years of experience helping students obtain interviews and for many multiple interviews.
2. Get a review from your career coach – I have met so many students that thought their application was ready, only to realize it wasn’t, and/or it had errors or needed improvement. The best review experience you will have will take place when you have a “real” application in hand for a review. Real applications can receive real feedback. Currently, there are application review spots open through COOL on March 18, 25 and April 1, with more openings coming in May and June.. Register quickly before they are gone. Further support for interview preparation will take place later in May with an Interview workshop later in the season. If these time slots do not work for you, an online appointment may be an option worth considering. To set up online appointments email dapcareersupport@sauder.ubc.ca
3. Create specific applications – The best applications are specific ones where the cover letter could not be given to any other firm than the one it is written for. General applications that are used for multiple firms are easy to spot and lack a connection with the firm and its people. Meaningful preparation with specific information is needed to impact people and stand out. ‘Firm specific’ applications are critical to increasing your chances for interview invitations and potential offers. The jury is not out on this one – they came back a long time ago with a decision and the sentence has already been given on this matter.
4. 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.
5. Get the message – Ensure you take your cues from each firm’s postings. Read them through and connect with the areas they emphasize in 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 truly them.
6. One final consideration – Getting help is not an admission of weakness but a good way to protect the time investment and finances you have made to get to this time of pursuing for your next career move. 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. Be sure to attend all the CPA Spring Recruit Workshops which will be posted on COOL for registration. Russell will be delivering  workshops for DAP and BCom students in collaboration with the Business Career Centre staff and is 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.