Starting the process of looking for a new job in accounting is a major project.
It takes time, energy and effort. There will be times when it feels like it’s going really well.
There will also be times when it feels like you will be working hard but making little progress.
Of course you know that if you are going to have any chance of landing that next accounting role, you are going to have to get on the market.
So what 10 questions should you ask yourself before starting to look for your next accounting job?
10 Questions To Ask Yourself
1.
What have you done so far?
Before do anything to move forward, take a bit of time to be clear about what you have done and what experience you have gained so far.
2.
What are your longer term career aspirations?
Your longer term career aspirations will impact on the steps you take along the way.
Ask yourself, where you would like to be 5-10 years from now in your accounting career.
3.
What do I want from my next accounting role?
More money might be your response. What else?
Specific experience, chance to work in a particular industry, something else?
4.
Is my CV up to date?
Simple question. Bigger question would be when did you last really take a real god look at your CV and give it a major overhaul?
5.
If you were the hiring manager, would you interview you based on your CV?
6.
Have you highlighted achievements in your CV?
This in my experience is the missing link in about 90% of CVs.
7.
What search strategies will you use to find roles?
Job boards and LinkedIn are obvious choices. Trouble is you can easily find yourself being lost in the mass of applicants.
What other strategies will you use in addition to job boards?
8.
Does your CV have the right keywords in it?
Employers and recruiters are increasingly using applicant tracking software to sift through applications.
This tracking software looks for keywords. If your CV doesn’t have them, chances of getting an interview is greatly reduced.
9.
Will you put in the work?
In the early stages of your accounting career you might have been fortunate enough to find roles with minimal effort.
As you progress it is going to take a lot more work. Are you willing to put in the work?
10.
How will you stay on track when it’s tough?
I’ve noticed that it’s taking longer for accountants to secure their next role.
3-4 months is not uncommon and if you are more senior it could take 2 or 3 times longer than this.
Having support makes a difference. It keeps you focused and on track when you might feel like giving up.
The Bottom Line: Landing your next accounting role requires significant effort on your part.