Resourcefulness is an attractive competency associated with accountants and CPA Candidates. As new hires begin the process of learning new things and continuing their quest to complete CPA modules and practical experience components, resourcefulness can be an important commodity that can accelerate the candidate’s progression and on-the-job success. The same can be said of applying resourcefulness during the CPA Recruit!

It is not uncommon for an interviewer to ask questions around resourcefulness and to hear a candidate describe the way they found solutions when they lacked information or the tools needed for the task at hand. When resourcefulness is present, success parallels it on most occasions.

I wouldn’t suggest that being resourceful has anything to do with doing something illegal or unethical, but I’ve definitely noticed a pattern of being creative.
Scott Weiss (Venture Capitalist)

 Here are seven things resourceful CPA candidates do:

1. They will not accept the “No” circumstances seem to portray.
Just because CPA recruiting is difficult, emotional and time consuming does not mean it should not be attempted. The “make it happen” approach resourceful people utilize will most often rise out of the inaction of the crowd and bring about a positive result. The CPA recruit is one of the most challenging hiring processes in the country and there is much to learn. Begin putting your “ducks in a row” early, identify best practices and get moving!

2. They will utilize accessible resources.
With the advent of Google we have become proficient of turning this brand into a verb and are quick to “Google it” when we need answers or are trying to figure out how to do something. Internet research is a very valuable resource for CPA candidates. But let us also not forget the resources that are accessible. The very valuable Sauder Career Success Cycle found on Connect also showcases tips and knowledge that can be applied to your CPA recruit experience. There is something very rewarding about working with a client that has already done their due diligence rather than directing them to resources already at hand.

3. They will reach out to people “In the know.”
Leverage the knowledge of others begins with reaching out and asking questions. Targeting the right people and asking the best questions is really what this is about. Learning from others saves time and avoids costly mistakes. Attending workshops, talking to those that have walked the path you are on and reaching out to Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will create a pool of information that one can act on. The people could be professors, Alumni and firm representatives.

4. They will focus on Plan A!
A mind that is truly made up to achieve success in the CPA recruiting and is totally committed to do what is necessary often finds success. Knowing that there is a way out can lower the motivation needed to achieve Plan A. Stick with Plan A until it is exhausted, celebrate the success of that journey and then determine another course of action only if necessary. But until “necessary” is determined be resourceful, find a way, make it happen and stay focused on the end goal. You can do this!

5. They will be specific about what the achievement will be.
Often people are so general in their goal setting that it is really hard to celebrate a specific success. General goal setting is impossible to turn into tangible actions. Focusing on how many “quality” applications will be prepared and submitted is far more successful than sending general applications out to everyone possible. Specific goals can form the foundation for how many contacts, meetings, follow ups and events will be targeted.

6. They will apply relevance wherever possible.
So much of what we do in life can be transferred to newer settings even though the circumstances are not exactly the same. Relevance is a key phrase in job searching and it is defined by the person employing the strategy or communicating the skill set. Look for ways to apply your skills and attributes from previous successes to your CPA recruiting experience. Papers you have written, presentations you have made, important people you have spoken to and the many other ways you have stood out when your have achieved previous performance successes.

7. They will believe it CAN be done.
If we already believe we can’t do it then we fail before we begin. I have always said, “if you truly believe it you will do it!” This is true with so many things. The same approach applies to being resourceful. When you believe you CAN you keep reaching for the next piece of information, next contact, next follow up and applying the next strategy because your belief in your success will allow you nothing less.

Remember you will not always win. Some days, the most resourceful individual will taste defeat. But there is, in this case, always tomorrow – after you have done your best to achieve success today.
Maxwell Maltz (Self-Image Consultant)

Russell Garrett is the Owner of Protocol Business Solutions, a Certified Career Consultant and the DAP Career Coach. He will be available to meet DAP students for CPA Application Reviews and Interview Preparation during in-person coaching appointments taking place in June and during the CPA recruiting period. He will also be delivering workshops on Preparing CPA Recruit Applications and Interview Preparation. Appointments and workshops will be posted and can be registered for on COOL. Or, if you are a DAP student and have career related questions or wish to book an online coaching appointment, he can also be reached at dapcareersupport@sauder.ubc.ca.