6 tips for getting an accounting job after graduation

Congratulations! You’ve made it through four years of rigorous study hours and assignments that made you question your sanity. As you’re now part of the “real world,” the pressure to find a job has probably intensified, especially if classmates have found employment. Don’t fret – not everyone has a job for after graduation; it’s how you approach not having a job that will determine how long you are unemployed.

Follow these six tips when searching for employment:

1. Contact your university’s career service center before graduation. The counselors will discuss future career opportunities, address any of your concerns and provide you with some pretty remarkable advice. They will also provide you with information about networking events at the university and the surrounding area, employment opportunities, and resume and interview workshops.
2. Don’t take the summer off. It can be very tempting to delay your job search and enjoy the warm weather. If you delay your job hunt, you are only damaging yourself in the long run. The longer you are unemployed, the less appealing you look to possible employers.
3. Build a schedule. Set aside 1-2 hours a day to search future job opportunities and practice your interview skills. Add your resume to the following job sites: LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter. Public resumes give recruiters the opportunity to reach out to you and increase your chances of getting an interview. If you’re unsure of how to prepare for an interview, check out my blog post on interview tips that will help you land the job.
4. Pay for a premium LinkedIn account. Trust me, paying for a premium subscription is worth it, especially if you’re a job seeker. You’ll see how you stack up against others who applied for a job. It will also make you more visible to the employer by placing you at the top of their list.
5. Attend networking events. This gives you the chance to meet people and get your foot in the door. The connections you make can help you get an interview with a company, or connect you with other companies or individuals.
6. Take on an internship. If you are not having luck getting a job in your desired field, consider an internship. This will allow you to build upon your skills and gain more experience. Who knows, it could turn into a full-time job position!

Jordan Junqua is the Marketing Coordinator for Surgent CPA Review. Jordan graduated from Saint Joseph’s University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration concentrated in marketing. Before joining Surgent CPA Review, Jordan worked for a full-service luxury travel consulting firm, where she gained knowledge in digital marketing, product development, social media and public relations.