As of yesterday (April 25, 2018) some new Big 4 firm postings just dropped to add to the other firm postings that were already up on COOL. More are expected to drop over the few days. 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.

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. In my experience, I have found a much higher level of success when students bring in their applications for review before they are submitted to make sure they are ready before hitting send. Here are some things to consider:

1. Get some advice – Attend the CPA Recruit Application Workshop taking place May 1 from 4:15 – 6:15 pm 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 April 30, May 4, and May 7-10 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Register now before they are gone. Further support for interview preparation will take place later in May with a workshop on May 28th and interview coaching May 28-June 6. If these time slots do no work for you, an online appointment may be an option worth considering. For online appointments only email dapcareersupport@sauder.ubc.ca
3. Create specific applications – The best application 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 and the impact needed to 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 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 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.
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 and finance you have made to get to this time of really applying 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. He also collaborates with the Business Career Center to support BCom career initiatives from time to time. Be sure to attend all the CPA Spring Recruit Workshops which are 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.