4 Tips to Landing Those Entry Level Accounting Jobs

Current economic conditions can be especially difficult for those seeking entry level accounting jobs. You may even feel that there are two major obstacles you are facing:

• No Job Openings
• No Job Experience

While these are challenging days, it is important to remember that everyone gets their start eventually. I firmly believe that your time is just around the corner. Time and chance happens to them all. It will happen for you as well.

For those wondering about career direction, there are basically four career directions you can take in accounting when starting off:

1. Public Accounting
2. Corporate Accounting
3. Governmental Accounting
4. Internal Auditing

Each of course have their advantages in one way or another. In this economy it might be best to remain open to any of the four directions. Let me share with you, 4 tips to landing those entry level accounting jobs.

Tip #1: Consider Getting a Graduate Degree

If you find yourself with an Bachelor’s in Accounting and not able to locate a position, you might want to consider staying in school and knocking out your Master’s degree. You might also want to look up online degrees, for more flexibility. Certain courses also allow you to balance study and part-time work. It might be the best of both worlds, if you are disciplined enough. There are many benefits to this approach. You are already in the schooling mindset and this can give you a tremendous advantage over those who go back years later. Many entry level accounting students are staying in and getting their advanced degree so you might want to consider it just to stay ahead of the curve.

Tip #2: Get Your CPA

Another useful tip is to use the time you have available to gain your CPA. Again, many accounting students are entering their 1st year public accounting career with a Masters and CPA. Take advantage of the time you have from not working and gain that CPA. If it doesn’t benefit you immediately, it will down the road. I have seen more candidates then I can count that are on the “CPA Someday” track. The problem is when they suddenly find themselves on the job market. Their competition has their CPA and that is not a good place to be.

Tip #3: Be Politely Persistent

Even if you choose to forge ahead without getting extra credentials, you can be successful in your job search if you remain politely persistent. You enter the 5% range when you pick up a phone and call a company a few days after emailing your resume. Many people never take that step. Of course you always want to remain polite through the conversation and never pushy. Just remember this quote:

“You don’t have to get it right, you just have to get it going.”

Accountants can be known for being perfectionist and it is a good thing. However, do not let it paralyze you. Take action and be willing to get out there and sell yourself.

Tip #4: Always Be Networking

One of the major problems I see with job searchers is that they turn their job search on and off at times. Never do that. Decide that everyone could be a possible lead to your next ideal job. Always be networking!

Use these tips and you will begin to land those accounting entry level jobs.